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FAQ

Q: How did you find the furry fandom?
A: I've loved animals since I was a child, so it was a natural progression from there. Growing up, I was enamored with films, cartoons, and books that featured animal characters. In the early 2000s, I discovered fanart of The Lion King on DeviantArt and other sites, and from there I came across anthropomorphic art. I learned quickly that furries were mocked and looked down upon by the majority of the internet, and later, the world at large. While I still consumed art and kept up-to-date with the community, I did so in secret and took great pains to never label or associate myself with furries. It wasn't until a heartfelt conversation with a college classmate decades later that I realized being a furry wasn't anything to be ashamed of. I started dating another furry around that time, who convinced me to finally bring Shetani to life.
In ▶️Cheetah Chat #2, I further discuss my discovery of the fandom and what it means to be a furry.

Q: Your fursona is so cute! How did you come up with her?
A: She's really just myself as my favorite animal! I've loved cheetahs since I was young, and as an adult, I find myself relating a lot to them. I chose a king cheetah in particular because Shetani doesn't have any unnatural markings or coloring, and I wanted her to stand out a bit more. Her physical appearance, personality, interests, and wardrobe are all reflections of myself, so compliments and positive comments are twice as meaningful to me! Her name is a semi-obscure reference to my favorite movie franchise.
I talk more about the thought behind Shetani's design in ▶️Cheetah Chat #1.

Q: Do you roleplay?
A: No, sorry! I used to RP when I was younger, but I have no interest in it anymore. If you want me to RP with you, you will have to pay me!

Q: Who made your fursuit?
A: My fursuit was made by the lovely MagpieBones

Q: Why doesn't your fursuit have eyes?
A: It does - they are my own eyes. :) MagpieBones's fursuits are intended to be blended with the wearer's actual eyes using makeup to create a seamless, realistic effect. It works best when the fursuit is a darker color.

Q: Is that your real hair coming out of the suit head?
A: Yes! By request, my fursuit uses my own hair in addition to my own eyes. Sometimes I trim it or dye it different colors, but it's always my actual hair.

Q: What made you choose this style of fursuit?
A: I went with a MagpieBones fursuit for several reasons, including realism, aesthetic, and practicality. My fursona wears glasses and has long hair just like me. Hiding my glasses and hair under a fursuit head and attaching false versions of both would be redundant, not to mention unsightly and high-maintenance. I had dealt with hiding my hair under wigs for years when I cosplayed, and it was an uncomfortable, cumbersome experience that I didn't want to go through again with my fursuit. After a ton of research, I decided on MagpieBones for her specialized experience, ability to work with my unique requirements, and creative vision that aligned with my own. This kind of fursuit is not for everyone, but it suits my needs perfectly (pun intended).
I speak at length about my fursuit and why I chose it in ▶️Cheetah Chat #5.

Q: Will you do a suiting up video or face reveal? Can you show how your fursuit works?
A: No, I prefer to avoid depicting myself out of suit. If you look at MagpieBones's gallery, there are many photos of fursuit heads (including Shetani's!) on mannequins, which should give you a good idea of how they are put on. There are some suiting up videos on YouTube from other MagpieBones suiters, though you will not be seeing one from me anytime soon.

Q: Why don't you do something different with your (hairstyle, eye makeup, clothing, glasses, etc.)? I, Internet Stranger #456, would like your fursuit a lot better if you did that.
A: Before you make such a comment, ask yourself - would you make the same suggestion to any other fursuiter? Say, a toony suiter, or someone who looks more... normal?
I appreciate the sentiment, and I understand that you most likely mean well, but I like my fursuit the way it is! I fursuit to make myself happy, not appeal to the masses, and I'm not seeking to change my suit for public approval. Though I do read every comment and message I receive, I really don't care about the unsolicited opinions of strangers. If I wanted a fursuit that looked mainstream, I would have bought one of those in the first place. Keep in mind that this is *my* personal fursuit, many of its features were designed with a specific intent, and I don't necessarily need to disclose or justify that to everyone.

Q: "Cat eye" contact lenses would look so cool with your fursuit, why don't you try them?
A:Cheetahs have round pupils (like a human's), not slitted, so "cat eye" contacts would be inaccurate.
Shetani's eyes are the same color as my own - contacts aren't needed to get the right color.
Finally, I'm physically unable to wear contact lenses, hence the necessity of my eyeglasses, and (one of the reasons) why I selected MagpieBones to be my fursuit maker.

Q: Why don't you wear your hair some other way?
A: This is the hairstyle I've chosen for my character. You wouldn't ask an artist to draw different hair on their fursona, or suggest that a toony fursuiter put a wig on their fursuit, so please don't make the same demands of me.

Q: Would you recommend I get a use-your-own-eyes fursuit?
A: UYOE suits, and the work of MagpieBones in particular, are definitely a style that will appeal to a niche subset of people. You must have a certain measure of fearlessness to wear a fursuit like this. In all cases, when considering a fursuit, you must think carefully about what goals you want to accomplish with your suiting, the way you wish to be perceived by others, and how prepared you are to deal with the limitations and quirks that come with it.
This is not the right fursuit for someone who:

Q: Can I draw you fanart?
A: I'd be honored! Here is Shetani's Refsheet.
I upload all art I get to my Toyhouse gallery.
Hit me up if you're on Instagram and I'll add your art to my fanart highlight!

Q: Will you make a video about (insert topic here)?
A: I love to hear about what interests you folks, and I am always taking suggestions for future Cheetah Chat episodes! I will consider all requests as long I have some amount of knowledge or experience on the subject. For example, I wouldn't be able to discuss how to make a fursuit, or what the furry fandom was like in the '80s. If a particular topic is repeatedly requested, I might get a special guest in that field or demographic to come on for an episode.
(Psst- if you want to choose what topics I talk about next, check out my Patreon!)

Q: Can I interview you for a documentary, podcast, school project, etc.?
A: I have been interviewed for a few different productions, as well as doing script consultation work for films pertaining to the furry fandom. Contact me via the email listed near the bottom of this page to discuss your project further.

Q: How can I help support you?
A: If you're financially able to donate, I have an online tip jar on Ko-Fi as well as a Patreon page. Your generosity will be rewarded with incentives for donating, and there's a little something for everyone!
Are physical goods more your cup of tea? [Click here](#fursonapin) to purchase (or trade for) a collectible enamel pin of Shetani, made by Fursona Pins! Of course, the easiest way to help me out is simply by following me on social media and sharing my content with your friends.
I'm so very grateful for all of your support!