Advice: Fursuit Alterations Made By Another Maker?

[crocdragon89.livejournal.com]

I was wondering if it's ethical and alright to have another maker make alterations to an already made fursuit part? Like say I'm not too satisfied with how something looks on the first design, would it be ok, as long as both makers are ok with it?

I would just ask the original designer, but after checking their TOS, it appears they don't make alterations after the suit/part is completed. I could be misreading it though. Quote from the TOS "Once the project is in progress, including purchase of materials for the project, the design can not be altered."

Please note this part; (i.e; the head) was not something I commissioned. It was up for auction, someone else bought it, and then eventually offered it up for sale.

Comments

[jakejynx.livejournal.com]

This is not an ethical issue. The suit is yours to do with as you please. If you want alterations, get them, regardless of who does it.

That part in the TOS just means that once materials are purchased for a suit, you can't suddenly change the design that they're supposed to make. Like, you can't order an all-black cat, have the maker buy four yards of black fur, and then suddenly decide your cat is now rainbow colored. If you would want the maker to do the alterations it may be worth asking. Some do them, some don't.

[growly.livejournal.com]

I agree with everything Jake said! :)

[magedragonfire.livejournal.com]

Physical goods are not like digital works; once they're in your possession, you can alter them as you like, or get other folks to work on them similarly. Tailors would have a hell of a time getting any business done, otherwise. :)

I'm fairly sure that the TOS statement is talking more about a commissioner changing their mind about a design once a suit has been started, preventing numerous stops and starts and money spent on extra fur/materials. It's a little vague, but that's the reading of it that makes the most sense to me.

[mistresswolf.livejournal.com]

Yep. As a tailor, the only thing I am able to do, but won't when making alterations on garments... is that I will not sew a label (other than washing instructions) back into something. I heard a story once about how a tailor got in major trouble for re-lining a designer jacket and putting the designers name back in it. Apparently it was ruled as fraud/counterfeit so I am not willing to take any risk.

One time someone phoned up to ask if I would sew True Religion (or some super expensive jeans brand like that) onto like 15 pairs of jeans for them. ... Uh, yeah no.

To address the OP... making alterations on a fursuit shouldn't be a problem for another maker. The only thing you might do is void a warranty from the original maker. Some say that if anyone else works on it, then they are absolved of making any repairs. Much like if you open an electronic device with a "to not tamper" sticker on it.

[kayla-la.livejournal.com]

Just be aware that a lot of makers have it in their TOS that getting alterations by another maker will void the warranty, so you won't be able to go to them for repairs and the like afterwards. A warranty probably wouldn't apply here since it was something you bought via auction, but it's something to keep in mind if you do ever commission a fursuit.

[matrices.livejournal.com]

I am speaking from the standpoint of someone who does tailoring and refurbishing of fursuits and costumes as a profession:

Tailoring is a profession that has existed outside of furry, and clothing designers are not asked when a client wishes to change the fit or alter the design of the clothing which they have purchased. Fursuits are artist-designed pieces, and while they are absolutely art they are also a garment to be worn and may need refitted or updated. Fursuits are being worn and used for record numbers of years, and the number of owners a fursuit has in its lifespan are also in record numbers.

I do tailoring on fursuits which are not "new" or out of the box. I am not interested in fixing buyer's remorse, I am interested in fixing UP something that is showing age or needs refitted or an update. Because of this, I simply don't go out of my way to figure out the original maker and ask them (the person paying for my time is not the artist it is the buyer/owner of the piece!). If the buyer feels that needs to be asked. It is the buyer's responsibility if they choose to do so. But it is a choice! The buyer owns the thing, it is theirs to do as they wish!

I am sure to ask my clients before I move forward with a project if their costume is still under the maker's warranty or if they offer a refurbishing plan. I encourage them to go with their original maker if the option is still available. This is similar to taking your car back to the dealership, you also have the option to take it to a local garage you trust will do the job you need done. -- your choice!

In reality more artists are interested in working on new projects than revisiting old projects so the original maker is unable to take on the refurbishing project. Where does that leave the client when they want new markings or a refitted body?

Client tastes change, fursuits change hands, and often characters need an update, the person it was originally designed for re-sells it and the buyer is a different size -- These are all legitimate reasons for a fursuit to come in for an update. And this is completely OK. I do all my work with respect to the original maker and I do not post pictures of finished work publicly unless the client insists. I understand fursuit designers can have feelings of possession of their art, but it is ultimately the client/owner who has the say in what is done with the piece. I stay as respectful as I can be, but it is the client who is the paying customer to decide what I am to do with their possessions.

I hope that is some good insight!

[sentako.livejournal.com]

When I am reading that quote, it doesnt sound to me like they are talking about the finished product. It sounds like that are saying... that after the materials have been bought, you cannot change your mind over what you want the design to be.

So they dont start working on the commission and have someone go 'I have changed my mind of what I want this to be. I want a zebra, not a wolf.'

[laughsatthunder.livejournal.com]

At least to me, because you paid for the fursuit, go right ahead. Matrices has a nice response to this.

Some artists don't like their work being altered so heads up. If it was a gift I can definitely see them being upset but because it was an auctioned item or a commission then there should be no problems.

mod comment

[celestinaketzia.livejournal.com]

Hi, advice posts are supposed to be anonymous. I will be screening this, but the OP will still be able to see your comment as well as moderators.

[ljmydayaway.livejournal.com]

OP, I would wager that they won't make free alterations. Have you tried asking how much they would charge to alter it?