FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I AM NEW TO COSTUMES/FURSUITS/MASCOTS, BUT I AM CONSIDERING PURCHASING ONE. WHAT SHOULD I KNOW BEFORE TAKING THE PLUNGE?

Primal Roots costumes are wearable pieces of art. We take extra precautions to make sure that our costumes are as strong and comfortable as possible. That being said, these costumes are roughly between 10-15 pounds of faux fur and upholstery foam and are very hot to wear. They are not for the claustrophobic, and reduce the wearer’s visibility and intricate motor skills noticeably. We suggest that you have a helper get you dressed and spot you while you perform. The costumes also need maintenance as they age. Cleaning these costumes is also time-consuming and should be treated with care. I would highly recommend, if possible, trying out a costume by borrowing one from a friend before purchasing one. Not everyone enjoys wearing them, and we would prefer that you know what to expect so that you are happy with all aspects of your purchase- appearance and performance!

WHAT IS THE PRICE OF YOUR COSTUMES?

The price varies depending on the specific commission. Please refer to the Prices section of this FAQ page for a general guide.

WHEN DO YOU OPEN FOR COMMISSIONS?

I open regularly each January and June. I will leave the quote form open for a few days, the days will be announced on our social media outlets or will also be on our home page.

HOW DO YOU MAKE --?

Unfortunately, I do not have the time to answer these kinds of questions. However- there are very helpful websites where I was able to learn just about everything that I know (short of making the suits myself). Try searching for them on the fursuit livejournal or on youtube!

CAN I JUST GIVE YOU MEASUREMENTS INSTEAD OF SENDING A DTD (DUCT TAPE DUMMY)?

Sorry, but I only work off of duct tape dummies.

DTDs will be required for fullsuits and partials with legs. Here is an open guide (thank you very much Mischief Makers!) showing just exactly what I would like from you.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO MAKE A COSTUME/HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO FINISH A COMMISSION?

Costume making is time consuming, and each studio treats this process differently. Currently, Primal Roots is taking and completing commissions in batches.
I give out estimated completion dates when I take commissions. It is usually 5-6 months out from when I accept a commission. I do not guarantee any deadlines requested by clients.

DO YOU DO RUSH ORDERS?

For the most part, no, but you are welcome to ask. There would be a rush fee added to your commission.

HOW MANY YARDS OF MATERIAL DOES IT TYPICALLY TAKE TO MAKE EACH SUIT?

Generally, it takes about 4-5 yards of material to get the job done. However, I use many varying lengths of fur which usually means I purchase more but have a bit extra.

WHAT DOES DIGITIGRADE VS. PLANTIGRADE MEAN?

Implementing digitigrade padding is a matter of personal preference in aesthetics. Humans and bears are plantigrade, our heels touch the ground naturally when we walk. Dogs and cats have digitigrade legs, they walk on their toes, with their heels off of the ground. Creatures such as horses that are unguligrade (walk on toenails) will be considered digitigrade for the purposes of fursuit making. To achieve this look, we implement foam and polyfil padding.

DO YOU REQUIRE A REFERENCE SHEET/CONCEPT ART?

Yes. If you have something specific in mind, then I need a very thorough reference sheet. The visuals on a reference sheet will take precedence to any designs described in email. The reference sheet must have a front and back view. A side view in addition to the front and back views is also preferred. Artistic liberty commissions may come with a reference sheet. Please have your reference be SFW, with minimal or no shading.

CAN THESE SUITS BE WASHED?

Of course! Please do.

More on Washing and Caring for suits here.

WHERE ARE THE ZIPPERS LOCATED ON YOUR SUITS/ CAN I REQUEST AN ADDITIONAL ZIPPER?

Front zippers are standard, but back zippers are just as easily done by request of the client. Back zippers will come with a string to help with zipping yourself up. SPH zippers can be added with a fee, feel free to ask. Please be professional about it.

WHERE IS THE VISION LOCATED ON YOUR COSTUMES/HOW GOOD IS THE VISIBILITY?

Our costumes have vision through the iris and pupil of the character's eye, we have heard our vision is above standard ;)

WHAT SIZE ARE YOUR MASKS AND HOW DENSE ARE THEY?

Our foam-based masks are on the larger side. They will look big when worn as a partial, depending on the size of the wearer. They are made from dense expanding foam.

HOW LONG DO YOUR COSTUMES LAST?

These costumes are not immortal, and unfortunately due to the nature of the material, are prone to aging over time. This is a hard question to answer, because the longevity of the suit will almost always directly relate to how well it is maintained and taken care of. With moderate use, and good cleaning, our suits should not need any kind of repair for up to 3 years. After this point, a few popped seams are to be expected and are simple fixes. Feet will need the most attention, and will wear out over time. Outdoor style feet will last the longest, but it may be a good idea to save for a replacement pair every few years.

WHAT IS YOUR BODY PADDING MATERIAL MADE OUT OF?

Body padding is made from spandex pillows stuffed with polyfil, or upholstery foam. Over time, polyfil pillows may become flat. To avoid this, make sure to only use cold water when washing them and do not tumble dry them. To fix this entirely, you can also strip a small hole in the pillows and re-stuff them. Stuffing can be found at most craft stores.

DO YOU USE REAL MATERIALS (FUR, LEATHER, HAIR) ON YOUR SUITS?

All furs are synthetic, ethically sourced horse hair or quills may be used for more realistic style whiskers.

ARE YOUR SUITS HYPOALLERGENIC?

Not completely. I have a dog, birds, and a couple cats. They are not allowed in the studio, but fur can travel. Let me know of any allergies, and I will do my best to accommodate your suit in an allergen-free zone. I sometimes snack on nuts in the studio as well, so please let me know if you have a common food allergy.

WHICH PAWS HAVE THE GREATEST DEXTERITY?

Flat paws with minky or vinyl pads and no claws would be the most dextrous.

DO YOU LINE YOUR SUITS?

Masks are lined with spandex and breathable neoprene, and fleece when necessary. Feetpaws are lined with batted cotton, and handpaws are not fully lined but do have a lining cuff. Bodysuits are not lined, but do have a neck trim. I highly recommend lycra shirts and pants to wear under the suit. Not only does it protect your skin, but it also helps keep your suit clean.

WHAT WILL YOU NOT MAKE?

I do not make copyright characters, duplicates, or creatures like Protogens, Manokits, Sergals or Cruxs. Angel dragons are A-OK, and creatures that you have come up with, including hybrids, are good with us.

DO YOU SEND PROGRESS PICTURES?

I do! I send updates as pieces are completed. If you would like additional pictures, just ask!

CAN I REQUEST THAT YOU KEEP MY COSTUME A SECRET UNTIL (DATE)?

No Problem! If you don’t want your suit associated with you, or for me to include your username or what-have-you with your suit, just let me know. I will eventually post your suit to my site, since every suit is a significant portion of my portfolio, but only after said date has passed or if I lose contact with you without a deadline.

DO YOU HAVE ANY COOLING SYSTEMS?

We can make air vents in your mask on request, it will usually be hidden in the ears. We do not install fans, sorry!

WILL YOU REMAKE AN OLD COSTUME/CAN I BUY ONE IN YOUR GALLERY?

None of the ones in my gallery will be available. I might have a pre-made costume for sale up on my Dealer’s Den account, be sure to check there!

CAN YOU ACCOMMODATE FOR GLASSES?

Yes! Be sure to tell me right away if you need space for glasses in your mask.

WASHING AND CARE

For a thorough care guide, Download Here!

Keep in mind that faux fur is plastic, so do not use heat in your washing. Plastic will melt, and potentially damage your costume permanently.

Make sure to read a specific product’s information before applying it to your costume
Only the hand tool of a SpotBot should ever be used on your costume
Dryer sheets can be stored in costume parts for maintaining a fresh smell, but do this sparingly
Avoid Lysol and Febreeze, eventually they disintegrate the material
Natural products, such as essential oils, can be used to make your costume smell nice!