What's included
Group experience
This group is for students with an interest in furry cosplay, fursuit making, and anthro art to talk costuming tips, discuss their fursonas, and socialize with peers in a safe, moderated environment. Young learners can express themselves and gain confidence through their connections to real-world and fantasy animals. Who wouldn’t want the loyalty of a dog, the cleverness of a cat, the strong community bonds of a wolf, or the mystical power of a dragon? Don’t just dream your character: being them to life through art and cosplay! Learners can expect weekly posts encouraging them to show off their fursona reference sheets, "draw it in your style" challenges, to keep each other updated on cosplay builds, and to swap tips and tricks they’ve picked up along the way. Post step-by-step pictures of your costume progress! Help your fellow furries pick out a maker for a commission or encourage them to take the leap and create their own suits. Looking to connect with other young furries in your community? Group members can share their experiences with regional furry groups, gatherings and conventions [please note that most furry groups, meet-ups, and conventions are in major metro areas and thus students will not have to share their specific geographical location!]. Share original patterns and recommend professional patterns. Do you have a favorite fursuit maker (like Skyehigh Studios or Neffertity)? Tell us which videos have helped you with your fursuit build! Group moderation will be light, respectful, and focused on keeping content age appropriate. This is your group; you direct the flow of conversation. I’m here to answer questions and provide gentle guidance on your journey.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
While I assume that parents enrolling their students in this group are already aware of furry cosplay and culture, I would like to reiterate that furry cosplay is NOT inherently sexual or suggestive in nature. Many wholesome, age-appropriate resources for developing fursonas and creating costumes are available online. Children have always identified with animals (how many of us great up in the 80s as horse girls?) and furry cosplay provides an opportunity to express that connection to specific animals—both real and fantasy—in a creative and fun way. This class exist specifically to provide a safe, youth/teen-friendly, adult-moderated environment for young furry cosplayers and artists to connect with each other and make new friends. All content will be kept PG (including discussion and artwork).
Please remind your learners not to share personal information, gamertags, social media handles, or links to their online businesses (including Etsy and YouTube).
Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Guidelines
To keep our space positive and respectful, students should adhere to the following guidelines:
1. Respect and consent are key. Speak to each other in a respectful manner, without slurs, insults, or inappropriate language. Recognize that your fellow students have boundaries. If someone asks you to stop a specific line of conversation, please do so. The content of the group should remain PG! We know that negativity towards the furry community exists; please don't bring any of that content into this space, even to critique it.
2. Give credit where credit is due. Don’t claim another artist’s work (including art, bases, patterns, and finished fursuit pieces) as your own work. Let's also remember not to share images of other people (including siblings) in the classroom.
3. Remember that every member of this group is at a different stage in their furry journey. Some may have a full suit, while others are still developing their fursonas. Don’t compare yourself or your work to anyone else’s! You’re right where your need to be.
4. Have fun!
What can learners do in this chat group?
1/3
Designing a fursona reference sheet. What should I include?
Furry Friends Forum is a community of learners that come together on Outschool to share what they’re learning, ask questions, participate in challenges, and get feedback on their projects
Sample learner reactions
How does a “Chat Group” work?
Access anytime
Access to an online community, anytime — Share and create with like-minded peers from any device
Verified learners
A space for verified learners — All participants are verified by Outschool via video before joining
Educator-led
Educator-led activities, events, and discussions — Outschool educator moderates content and facilitates engaging activities
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree from Kennesaw State University
I am a long-term cosplayer and LARP (live action roleplay) costumer who has created costumes that include animal components such as ears, tails, and hooves, along with cosplays of characters from movies, television, and books for myself and my children. I regularly attend conventions and am familiar with furry cosplayers and culture. I am also the parent of a child who loves drawing furry art and creating fursonas. They even drew the banner for this class! We’re currently working on a fursuit build together.
Some of my other social clubs (Warriors and LGBTQ+ fandom clubs) tend to attract students who are already furry cosplayers or who are interested in creating fursonas, so I wanted to offer a dedicated space for these learners to discuss their shared interest. The furry community skews heavily towards LGBTQ+; I am a member of the LGBTQ+ community myself and offer several classes for LGBTQ+ learners ages 8-18.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$10
monthlyUnlimited access
39 active learners
No live video meetings
Ages: 10-14