How to Make a Furry Persona (Fursona)

A Fursona is a representation of yourself in the furry subculture, rather displayed as an animal with human characteristics. This character can be a sort of alter-ego of yourself or a direct representation of yourself combined with that of some species of animal. Not all fursonas have to be based directly on you, though. This is simply a rough guide -- there are no true rules in making a fursona besides not stealing someone else's.

Steps

Download Article

Do your research and figure out what animals you like most, or what animal you identify with. There are tons of animals out there to choose from, including reptiles of all kinds, avians (birds and anything with feathers), amphibians, horses, goats, skunks, and thousands of other species out there. Don't be afraid to venture out from the idea of just sticking to a cat or dog. You can even mix animals together, use a fantasy creature, or even make up your own. If you can't decide on just one, you're also free to make a hybrid or have multiple fursonas.
This can be as natural looking or as crazy as you want it to be. You could have anything from a simple grey-colored wolf to a turquoise phoenix to a yellow komodo dragon with red stripes and a black tail! Your fursona can also have tattoos, piercings, patches of different colored fur/feathers/scales/skin--even extra tails if you'd like! It's completely up to you.
Advertisement
3
Think of specific details that you would like this fursona to have. Do they wear clothing? Do they have anything interesting or noteworthy? Does your fursona have feral (quadrupedal) proportions, or is it more anthro, with human-like proportions? Come up with details like these when making your fursona.
- Sketch out what your animal looks like. This can help you decide on the certain character traits you want your fursona to have. If you can't draw too well, search up bases on FurAffinity, Medibang Paint, or deviantART and color on them. (Just make sure to credit the base artist.)
If you're only making this fursona to have a representation of yourself as an animal within the subculture, you're already done. If not, think about new traits for them, such as what they like and dislike, their good character traits and their downfalls. It may be tempting to create a perfect and cool character, but a fursona with both positive traits as well as shortcomings is more interesting and can be related to.
This could be your own name or you can pick a name that you find interesting. Nobody can claim a fursona name, so don't feel pressured to make a "unique" name if you don't want to. If you're having trouble coming up with a name, feel free to search through baby name sites, think of words (or even words in other languages) that reflect something about your character or ask the community for help.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question
How can I improve my drawing skills?
Community Answer
Practice, practice, practice. Doodle here and there, but never give up. Don't compare yourself to others. Your art style is unique, and there is no other artist like you.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 55 Helpful 411
Question
Can I have a female fursona if I'm a boy?
Aviivix
Community Answer
Yes! Your fursona doesn't have to be a direct copy of yourself, so you can choose whichever gender you'd like for your character.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 44 Helpful 433
Question
Am I still considered a furry even if I don't get a fur suit?
Community Answer
Of course. Most furries only have ears or a tail and some don't have anything at all.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 28 Helpful 358

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Plantigrade stance is the typical "human" stance, in that the entire bottom of the foot rests on the ground.
Thanks
Helpful12 Not Helpful0
Don't be afraid to play around with animal flash makers over the internet to get some ideas on color combinations you might not have thought to use!
Thanks
Helpful10 Not Helpful0
Digitigrade stance means that the feet of the fursona resemble an animal's foot in that the heel is higher up and only the toes and the ball of the feet touch the ground.
Thanks
Helpful11 Not Helpful0

Show More Tips

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of How.com.vn readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on How.com.vn, please submit it in the field below.

Don't limit yourself to common species. Feel free to pick an unusual animal, fantasy creature, or make up your own unique species. It's your fursona — get creative!
While perfect characters seem appealing, a fursona with flaws is more relatable. Think about both positives and negatives that reflect your own personality.
Struggling to name your fursona? Browse baby names sites, use descriptive words in other languages, or ask the furry community to help spark ideas.
If having trouble deciding on colors or markings, look up color palettes online for inspiration. But avoid neon hues that could visually overwhelm.
If you can't draw well, find free line art bases online to color instead. Just be sure to credit the original base artist if you post it anywhere.

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Some people have a prejudice against furries in real life. Be prepared for these sort of problems. Don't let others ruin the furry experience for you!
Thanks
Helpful293 Not Helpful16
Do NOT steal anyone's fursona. You will be shunned in the community and then you won't feel like a furry anymore.
Thanks
Helpful88 Not Helpful6
Remember to make the colors of your fursona to blend well together. The color palette is key to making a well-designed character. Avoid contrasting neon colors or overly saturated colors.
Thanks
Helpful88 Not Helpful16
Don't get too into the fursona or believe that you are the fursona at all times. Remember, you are still physically human.
Thanks
Helpful230 Not Helpful73