How to Make a Furry Persona (Fursona)

Last Updated: March 24, 2023

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

1
Choose a species for your fursona to be. 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.
2
Think of a design for your fursona, like the coat color and/or markings on it. 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.

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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.)
4
Decide the aspects of your fursona's personality. 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.
5
Think of a name for your fursona. 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

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.
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.
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.

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!

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Do NOT steal anyone's fursona. You will be shunned in the community and then you won't feel like a furry anymore.

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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.

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Don't get too into the fursona or believe that you are the fursona at all times. Remember, you are still physically human.

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