General Chat - What is a "Furry Artist"?
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- vantid
- is wise
- Companion
What is a furry artist? Is it someone who draws animal headed people? Is it someone who draws people's personal characters? Is it someone who sells animal art at a convention?
Do you or others consider you a "furry" artist? How do you feel about it?
posted 2 years, 9 months ago -
- Kyrahlynn
- is a regular
- Evil Mastermind
- Apprentice
It's hard to say... I don't really know myself. I consider myself an "anthro artist," as the term "furry" just seems rather, erm, unprofessional? Not the exact word I was looking for, but it works. Plus, referring to anthro art as "furry" art connects it directly to the whole "furry" mentality, and I don't want to do that as I'm not a furry (nothing against furries, or anything, I just don't consider myself one). I think it's a rather hard term to find an exact definition for.
posted 2 years, 9 months ago -
- vantid
- is wise
- Companion
"Anthro" is easier on the ears, especially the connotation the term "furry" has for people. I agree with you on that one.
It's just that some people don't see a difference. Furries are anthros, yet many people call folks who draw cartoon wolves that talk furry artists.
posted 2 years, 9 months ago -
- Scribbles
- is a regular
- Apprentice
I strongly prefer "anthro," too. I don't consider myself a "furry," either, as it's not in my lifestyle at all beyond art and liking animals in general-- I just like cartoon animals, and frankly, "furry" is an umbrella term that covers that in addition to a plethora of things I don't want to be associated with personally, nevertheless professionally.
posted 2 years, 9 months ago -
- Thornwolf
- is wise
- Companion
I just call myself an artist. I like animals and its reflected in my work.
I don't really like to call myself any type of artist (furry, wildlife, cartoonist) because its so limiting. If you say you're an illustrator people are a bit more lenient I've found in terms to your subject matter :)
posted 2 years, 9 months ago -
- Wadifahtook
- is a regular
- Companion
Sorry, couldn't resist.
(Completely joking here, before anyone gets a knicker twist.)
posted 2 years, 9 months ago -
- Fraisala
- is a regular
- Apprentice
A "furry artist" can be many things, but most interesting to me, is the artist who is themselves very spiritual and contemplative, particularly in a specific way (which would take a novel just to define/describe, so I won't do that here), or is so interested in such persons and their inner worlds as to try and capture it in art. There is a lot of "stuff" surrounding that, which a lot of people make a very passionate hobby of deriding. A strange, eerie, almost mystical inner beauty is often hiding buried, drowning in that "stuff", or simply sits openly amidst it, just waiting for someone to stop pointing and laughing just barely long enough to take a good honest look.
I suppose saying this will tar me for life as some kind of flake, but, well, the "fat ugly smelly oversexed fanboy" answer was already thoroughly covered. I really am sincerely sorry if I'm out of line or offending someone.
disclaimer:at this time my knickers remain in good non-twisty order. The visual joke is noted and I do not intend to be sniping at anyone in a passive-aggressive fashion.
posted 2 years, 9 months ago -
- Feather Dancer
- is wise
- The original Notalope
- Moderator
- Apprentice
If I'm refering to anthro I simply say as such, I absolutely HATE the term furry because of the images it instantly conjures in people's minds which is not how I want to be associated. Having to explain this to family who found out what furry meant and no I do anthromorphics, not rated, was not fun.
That said, I have to explain what Fantasy and anthromorphics are in the first place which usually starts the, it's not art debate.
A muffin a day keeps the evil away.posted 2 years, 9 months ago -
- Meezer
- is a regular
- Companion
I'm in the minority.
I call pretty much animals with human traits furry.
I can understand the bad rep to it so I don't label artists in any serious way. It's more me sitting at the computer browsing for inspiration going 'Yay that's neat furry art'Heck I don't put the term furry on my website I just say Cats in Coats since people not hip on the net logo won't know what furry is so why bother labeling yourself something that isn't a proper art term?
My friends outside funny animal art land have no idea what ANY of these terms mean, they just are amazed other people draw animals talking.
Labels often feel very limiting, as ‘furry’ artist standards I'm pretty weak all I draw is cats and only have passing interest in drawing other animals with human like traits (such as standing up, wearing cloths)
I just don't use the term Anthro, since anthropos means man-human doesn't it?
I just relate the word Anthro to Anthropology before Anthropomorphize.But a word is a word it's meanings change and genres change.
I just don't take my art subjects seriously enough to catagorize it, I would pull my hair out trying to find where it fits. :P=^,,^-
http://redcoatcat.com http://loyaltyliberty.composted 2 years, 9 months ago -
- Wadifahtook
- is a regular
- Companion
Meezer, yeah, sometimes when people ask me what my majors were, and I tell them one of them was anthropology (which I usually shorten to anthro)...they think I mean the furry, talking kind. So the term definitely is gaining a new meaning. Granted, that has only happened online.
Frai, take it easy gal/man. :D That comment was not directed at you, or anyone in particular. I often go back and clear up the fact that I'm joking, as I find humor is often lost on the net and like to prevent unnecessary mobs. What with the pitchfork waving and torch bearing, it all gets so trying.
posted 2 years, 9 months ago -
- WolfReign05
- is wise
- Apprentice
Karu Dragon said: If I'm refering to anthro I simply say as such, I absolutely HATE the term furry because of the images it instantly conjures in people's minds which is not how I want to be associated. Having to explain this to family who found out what furry meant and no I do anthromorphics, not rated, was not fun.
That said, I have to explain what Fantasy and anthromorphics are in the first place which usually starts the, it's not art debate.
I agree with KaruDragon because I have shown my friend some of my sketches and his first response was "omg, your drawing furries. Do you have any furry porn sketches?" I wouldn't mind the term at all if people didn't always jump to these kinds of conclusions all the time and got their mind out of the gutter. -shrug-
posted 2 years, 9 months ago -
- Fraisala
- is a regular
- Apprentice
Wadifahtook said:
Frai, take it easy gal/man. :D That comment was not directed at you, or anyone in particular. I often go back and clear up the fact that I'm joking, as I find humor is often lost on the net and like to prevent unnecessary mobs. What with the pitchfork waving and torch bearing, it all gets so trying.Hay, no torches or pitchforks here. Right after I hit the post button I thought to myself "Uh oh, that Waidafahtook person's going to think I've got some kind of problem with his/her joke or something!" I immediately then went back and put on a special note to clear it up. I guess I failed. Let's try again:
A-hem! (is this thing on?)
I am not offended. Repeat: I am not offended. I am taking things very easy. I wield neither torch nor pitchfork at this time. My knickers remain in their fully upright position. Do not panic! I repeat: Do not panic!posted 2 years, 9 months ago -
- Wadifahtook
- is a regular
- Companion
Sweet. I like my body limbs intact and vice versa. ;)
posted 2 years, 9 months ago -
- Sidney Eileen
- is a regular
- Apprentice
Meezer said:
I just don't use the term Anthro, since anthropos means man-human doesn't it?
I just relate the word Anthro to Anthropology before Anthropomorphize.My own perception of "anthropomorphic" is applying human characteristics to other beings and objects. Those can be completely non-visual (animals that can speak human languages), or fully visual (the cliche bipedally walking animal). Anthropomorphic art, therefor, would be the depiction of any non-human being or object with human traits. Theriomorphic art, on the other hand, would be the depiction of human-like creatures with animal traits, such as your cliche anime girl with cat ears and a tail.
I don't think "furry" is a good term for anthropomorphic art. "Furry", I think, most often refers to those individuals who wish they were anthropomorphic creatures, or enjoy role-playing as anthropomorphic creatures. As has been pointed out, most people associate "furry" with sex, but there are a lot of furries out there who are not into the more adult aspects of the community. The label "furry" is something that I believe a person can only place on themself, and is a social label, not an artistic label.
Just because someone enjoys drawing anthropomorphic art, does not mean they are furry. Just because someone considers him or herself furry does not mean they are a furry artist. I do consider myself a furry, but I do not consider myself a furry artist, or even an anthropomorphic artist. I enjoy drawing anthropomorphic art, but it is only one of many subjects I enjoy drawing. Like Thornwolf said, I just consider myself an artist. To label myself with a single style or subject would be painfully limiting.
Total side note, but I find it highly amusing that the subject of Anthropology has come up in this thread. My best friend is in her senior year with a double-major in English and Anthropology, we use the term Anthro as an abbreviation for either meaning, and have never confused ourselves or anyone else (to my knowledge). However, as an artist, I do frequently encounter people who have never heard the term "anthropomorphic". When I show my portfolio to others, they often laugh or chuckle at the anthro pieces, and I find it easiest to just describe them as "fantasy".
http://sidneyeileen.com http://sidneyeileen.deviantart.composted 2 years, 9 months ago -
- Astolpho
- is a regular
- Companion
I call it furry art.
The negative connotations don't bother me. Anthro sounds snooty.
Thank you for validating me!posted 2 years, 8 months ago -
- Itara
- is new - be friendly!
- Apprentice
I gotta point out, just because someone likes roleplaying as a furry character doesn't mean they secretly want to be a furry. Sometimes roleplaying is just roleplaying. Not everyone playing D&D wants to be a 9th level red mage, you know?
I like to go with the broad term and say a furry artist is one who draw anthropomorphic animals, period...and that means the ones walking on two legs, or just animals that talk and think like humans. And I know there are a lot of artists that deny that, but I have a bit of a problem with that. Saying you're not a furry artist because you do not personally wear a fursuit or have sex with stuffed animals is a bit like Bettie Page saying she wasn't a fetish model because she wasn't actually into BDSM outside her job.
I get that "furry" has turned into a negative term to the rest of the world, but part of the problem is that the relatively normal, sane people who enjoy anthro animal characters and artwork have started shunning it. But hey, say I...if Stan Sakai and Peter Laird aren't too good to show up at a furry con, and if you're making good money off furry fans...well. Maybe people need to relax a bit.
posted 2 years, 8 months ago -
- WolfReign05
- is wise
- Apprentice
Well, I use furry when I talk about my art but I just hate how negative the term has gotten for the rest of the world. This has stopped me using the term too often in public and avoids stupid questions from other people.
posted 2 years, 8 months ago -
- R.F. Tigermode
- is a regular
- Represents nature and can't be contained
- Companion
Itara said:
I like to go with the broad term and say a furry artist is one who draw anthropomorphic animals, period...and that means the ones walking on two legs, or just animals that talk and think like humans. And I know there are a lot of artists that deny that, but I have a bit of a problem with that. Saying you're not a furry artist because you do not personally wear a fursuit or have sex with stuffed animals is a bit like Bettie Page saying she wasn't a fetish model because she wasn't actually into BDSM outside her job.I get that "furry" has turned into a negative term to the rest of the world, but part of the problem is that the relatively normal, sane people who enjoy anthro animal characters and artwork have started shunning it. But hey, say I...if Stan Sakai and Peter Laird aren't too good to show up at a furry con, and if you're making good money off furry fans...well. Maybe people need to relax a bit.
I don't think you can really be so general about it. There's a difference between drawing a certain content exclusively and creating to cater to a specific market. As I see it, the people who would best fit the "furry" artist label are the ones who draw ONLY anthropomorphic animals (in the broadest sense), and/or consider themselves to be or have some sort of inner animal along with it. In the cases of Stan Sakai and Peter Laird, they created titles that took off, which just happened to have anthropomorphic animals. They didn't have a sub-culture in mind when they created their titles. (Sakai himself said he wasn't really into anthropomorphic art/comics). The fact that they are popular among furs and general anthro fans was an after effect. If they show up to a furry con, it's not because of their love for the genre; it's just good form and good business sense to show for people that support your work and help to keep your checks coming in.
At this point, I imagine anyone using the term "furry artist" outside of the genre would probably lose a measure of respect, whereas the term "anthro" or "funny animals" don't have such negative connotations, even if they all basically relate to the same thing. Those artists who shun the term only want to separate themselves from the negative connotations that "furry" presents.
Also, I am an illustrator who enjoys drawing animals and the human figure, just happens to get a number of jobs that are animal or anthro-related, some from the furry community, some outside of it, and adjusts work according to the audience. ;)
http://www.prideoflife.com - The Pride of Life - Give a Roar! http://www.tiger-nation.com - Tiger Nation Studioposted 2 years, 8 months ago -
- WolfReign05
- is wise
- Apprentice
Since many people here have different views of what furries are, I just thought to put in what it says on the online encyclopedia. ^^
"Art and entertainment celebrated by furry fandom includes fictional work that employs the concept of animal characters with human characteristics, rather than any particular type of fiction. For this reason, any work, in any medium, may be considered part of the furry genre simply by inclusion of an anthropomorphized animal character, although such characters are most often seen in comics, cartoons, animated films, allegorical novels, and video games. The science fiction and fantasy genres make frequent use of anthropomorphism, and as a result, are especially popular in furry fandom."
While everyone (I think) has a good point to this discussion, I really think that as long as I draw anything anthropomorphic, it will will be referred to respectively as a furry, which is mainly just a slang term for anthropomorphic characters and by no means limiting nor lowering your artistic status.
posted 2 years, 8 months ago -
- Amara Fox
- is a regular
- Companion
I've *always* hated the term Furry. Well, OK, maybe not Always, but for the past 10 years.
I'm just an illustrator :D
posted 2 years, 8 months ago -
- Sulacoyote
- is a regular
- Companion
- An artist who draws furries
- An artist who draws furries on furry websites and insists on not being called a furry artist
- Yrruf tsitra spelled backwards
posted 2 years, 8 months ago -
- Whisper Panthress
- is a regular
- Companion
Came back from a long morning walk on the mountains and I almost wrote "animals who draw furry things", which is true in a sense. The first thing that comes to mind for furry artist is someone who draws anthros. Second would be someone who is either a fur him/herself or is someone who draws for those in the fandom. The negative connotations are not something I focus too much on. There are better things to worry about than aunt edna accepting the fact you're going to a fur con.
As for a definition, I don't think there ever will be a specific one people can all agree on. But at least a furry is someone who identifies with animals enough to associate him/herself with one or more.
I may be considered more of an animal artist since 90% and above of my gallery is not anthropomorphic. But I like animals enough to understand why fans wear suits, go to cons, etc. When I was young I associated myself with a horse. Now I'm older, I associate myself with a cougar.
I personally don't think there's anything wrong with furry art when you look at it as animal admiration. It's only when some people lump furs with bestiality and sexual perversion it gets messy trying to get others to think differently...
One reason I don't drink is that I want to know when I am having a good time. -Nancy Astorposted 2 years, 8 months ago -
- Cane McKeyton
- is new - be friendly!
- Apprentice
I think someone is a furry artist if/when they decide to declare themselves as one. There are many artist out there that would qualify as a furry artist but do not identify themselves as one. They instead use the term "Anthro Artist" mostly because of the stigma attached to the word furry. Because of this I wouldn't necessarily call them a furry artist, it would be insulting to them.
posted 2 years, 8 months ago -
- vantid
- is wise
- Companion
Everyone's answers are so varied and interesting. It seems to be a personal choice by most.
What is anthro or furry art? I know the line is blurry and is a personal definition as well. What do YOU consider anthro?
posted 2 years, 8 months ago -
- Feather Dancer
- is wise
- The original Notalope
- Moderator
- Apprentice
Be it a critter standing on it's hind legs/platigrade or human but with a clear mesh of the original beastie, not tacked on ears and tails here :) Enough cat girls as it is, not that there's a shortage of the other type that said.
Really, mine is pretty close to the definition of animal or object with human characteristics so quite broad a scale.
A muffin a day keeps the evil away.posted 2 years, 8 months ago -
- Glowsheep
- is new - be friendly!
- Apprentice
Astolpho said: I call it furry art.
The negative connotations don't bother me. Anthro sounds snooty.
I agree. "Anthro Artists" are just furry artists who are ashamed of the fandom. XD
Honestly, I am a BIG HUGE FREAKIN' FURRY, but not a furry artist. (Y'all can be non-furries who are furry artists, you know. Or furries who aren't furry artists.) I have more fun drawing buildings and people and tricycles than animal people. I totally dig furry art, especially cartoony stuff, I buy it, I like looking at it, but like... I don't really have a lot of cool original furry ideas and characters and stuff. If other people tell me what to draw I can do furries (everything in my "Digital" folder save for my logo were trades/commissions/gifts) but I never come up with cool furry stuff on my own like a lot of you guys do. Even with my own furry character, Glowsheep, I like how other people draw her better than how I do.
posted 2 years, 8 months ago -
- SaiTenyo
- is a regular
- Companion
I don't call myself a "furry artist" because that's not all I draw. That sounds really limiting to me. Like calling oneself a "people artist" or "trees on hills during sunset artist."
Yeah, a lot of what I draw would probably be considered "furry art" by a lot of people, but I never saw the point of pigeonholing oneself into a specific category by labelling what "kind" of artist you are, as if they must do -only- that and nothing else.
posted 2 years, 8 months ago -
- NW
- is new - be friendly!
- Apprentice
A "furry artist" is a -self-declared- member of the furry fandom who creates art specifically for other -self-declared- members of the furry fandom, with a clear emphasis on the interests of that fandom. The only person who gets to decide if a certain artist is a furry artist or not is that artist theirself. Period.
Simply creating animal people does not a furry artist make. Otherwise, artists such as Patricia Piccinini, Beatrix Potter, Fernand Khnopff, and many others are/were furries. If that's the case, someone kindly explain to me how one could be a furry before the fandom even existed. :)
As if in response to the negative press about furries, every popular or well-regarded anthropomorphic creation, from Beatrix Potter's books to The Lion King and Disney's Robin Hood, is being referred to as an example of 'furry art'. As a friend of mine says, it seems like a last-ditch attempt by furries to dilute their poisoned waters by labeling everything under the sun "furry", as if to make 'furry' impossible to make fun of because we all enjoy 'furry' things. I think this is highly problematic for reasons I feel are pretty obvious, including the labeling of people as 'furry' when their works were created well before the existence of the furry fandom, or were created independently of the fandom.
Personally speaking, I do not like being referred to as a 'furry' artist and I will politely correct those who make this mistake. I do create art featuring "animal people", but the majority of my work is not "animal people". In fact, I enjoy, and am willing to, paint and sculpt lots of things, including landscapes and portraits. I also started drawing "animal people" independently of the furry fandom, and only became familiar with it though buyers and appreciators of my art who happen to be furries. I too feel the label of "_____ artist" is self-limiting as well as personally inaccurate; thus I prefer to be called simply an "artist".
I sell my art at furry conventions but perhaps apart from an interest in symbolism involving humans and animals, I have NO furry-specific interests; you'll never see me at a "furmeet" or live roleplay, I don't masquerade as a character online, I don't read comics, etc. I don't know how I can reasonably be called a furry when 98 percent of furry stuff doesn't appeal to me. I will sell my art to whoever wants to buy it, where ever it will be bought and appreciated. If one of those places is to furries at a convention, so be it. That doesn't mean that I personally am a furry.
posted 2 years, 8 months ago -
- Richard Bartrop
- is a regular
- Companion
I have one for you. Explain to me how Star Trek fans could exist before Star Trek.
Baseball obviously existed before there were baseball fans. and people like Verne and Wells well writing work that was recogizably science fiction long before there was a science fiction fandom, or even before the term "science fiction". If anything, it's obvious that something has to exist before one can be a fan of it. Films like "Robin Hood" and "Animalympics" are embraced as furry right from the beginning, even though they clearly predate any organized fandom. To maintain that the work of more talented and successful creators doesn't qualify is basically a crutch so a few fan favourites can pretend they're at the top of the food chain. I suppose it's also useful for molstering the tired old argument that "The public isn't interested in furry" if you can throw out any data that contradicts it.
You're not a furry? Hey, neither am I, but it's obvious that we might create work that might interest a furry fan. Mainstream writers who venture into speculative writing will also try to protest that what they wrote wasn't "Science fiction", but the fact is, most people tend to recognize it for what it really is.Richard Bartrop
http://bartrop.purrsia.composted 2 years, 7 months ago -
- DeWiwi
- is a regular
- Companion
Well I know I haven't been in the 'furry/anthro' fandom for so long, I just been it for 3 years now, and just barelly seeing the negativity towards the fandom.
"Furry" - to me that word seems real silly, so it sorta goes with the fandom. To me, what freaks me out is seeing old people around the age of of 40 wearing fox ears and tails. I depict that as 'furry' to me. Making the suites as what general 'furrys' do I find ok cause it's kinda cool, I think it's cool for kids, cause it makes them happy. And not all 'furrys' are insanely negative. If anything there very positive people that just view life a lot differently then the everyday joe. The only reason the term 'furry' is so negative and looked on bad is for all the sick fetishes that came out from that fandom and how many people [ people outside the fandom ] see it as 'beastiality'.
"Anthro" - Has a stronger meaning from how I see it. It can mean 'spiritually' or has a stronger meaning. It has a bit more of a positive look and a artistic view as well. In the art view, there is the 'Anthromorphic' area to it, for giving a animal more human characteristics. Giving it as well personality and stylizing it. For the longest 'Anthro' art has been around. Like Tribes will summon animal spirits, or wear the animals hid to be 'one' with them.
For myself, I don't call myself an 'Anthro' artist, let alone a 'furry'. I agree and disagree with both sides. I'm too mixed with other things as well. I rather have the title "Artist" over my head then placing myself in one catagory.
posted 2 years, 7 months ago -
- Wulffrith
- is a regular
- Apprentice
I figure a furry artist is someone that creates art specifically for a furry audiance. They can be a furry or not and they certainly can create more than just furry art. In my opinion being a "furry artist" doesn't make them any less of "just an artist." Personally I don't really think it matters much. I think people are weird if they somehow find it wrong to be a fan of anthropomorphism. Also, in some sense I think that an interest in anthropomorphics is in part due to an interest in what makes people human. It's an exercise in introspection as well as a fascination with animals or whatever else you want to anthropomorphize.
Then again I have a friend that thinks animal people are "creepy." Whatever, to each their own.
posted 2 years, 7 months ago -
- Legathin
- is a regular
- 1/4 tsp of brilliant 4/3 cup of crazy
- Apprentice
I like this forum every one isn't all crazy like other forum I've gone to :).I kinda dont like saying furries and anthro is a word meaning human so im sorda stuk.
Imagination is more important than knowledge - Albert Einsteinposted 2 years, 7 months ago -
- ALH
- is new - be friendly!
- Apprentice
I don’t usually use forums of any kind except on very rare occasions. The only Internet communication I really use is e-mail, and I don’t get very many messages. That being said, usually when I do say something, it’s about something significant to me.
I’m glad this subject was brought up. To throw in my own 2 cents, I simply consider myself an individual who in their artistic efforts likes to employ the usage of non-human characters for their unique visual interest. Nearly every game I own only uses non-human characters, simply because they’re more visually interesting. Humans on the other hand, well, you see them every day. I suppose I also like the fantasy elements.
I remember when I first discovered this type of art. Someone e-mailed me a question. (My first response was “wow, someone e-mailed me and it wasn’t junk!”) They asked me if I did “anthro art.” My response to that: “What’s that?”
It is also very good to know that many are aware of the negative connotations that can be attached to such a simple adjective as “furry.”
-ALHposted 2 years, 6 months ago -
- JavaMoose
- is a regular
- Apprentice
Well, I do not consider myself a furry either; there are just too many issues surrounding that term that I refuse to even attempt to reconcile with. Besides, I barely have ANYTHING in common with most folks in the fandom; just a liking for "funny animals", if I am using that term correctly, and there seem to be many examples of that on this site. Furthermore, I prefer not to incriminate myself by associating myself with groups; I like to be an individual. However, I don't really have much against most of the folks in the fandom, as long as they keep all the unsavoury things to themselves. Personally, I consider myself a casual "cartoon and animation enthusiast"; a "Cartoonista", if you will.
I don't really take most of my dabblings in this area TOO seriously, but that does not mean that I cannot appreciate the works of those who do. Hence why I am here.posted 2 years, 6 months ago -
- Kyn
- is wise
- Avid Amateur
- Companion
Does anyone else find it kinda funny that most of the people who have posted so far do not consider themselves furry/furry artists? It seems counter-intuitive. =P
Anyway, I don't really consider myself a furry in the way most people would. I don't wish I was an animal, I don't fursuit, and I'm not a "lifestyler". But I wouldn't say I am not a "furry artist". I think that term means someone who draws anthropomorphic animals. It's even possible that the term "furry" came because it's just easier/quicker to say or write.
If I'm addressing someone from the fandom, I'd call myself a furry artist. If I'm addressing someone outside the fandom, I just tell them I draw cartoony animals. Honestly, everyone outside the fandom I've ever used the term "furry" towards had no clue what I was talking about, hence the dropping of the term when addressing those folks.
"...Your good opinion is rarely bestowed, and therefore more worth the earning." --Mr. Darcyposted 2 years, 6 months ago -
- Airu
- is a regular
- Companion
I am not picky about it... I guess technically I would be considered a "furry artist" because I draw for the furries, and I have furry characters. I like to call them anthro, personally because "furry" just seems like more focused on the fandom to me and anthro seems more focusd on the general theme, not the fandoms or fetishes. I agree with Thorn that I would personally call myself just a general artist because I draw so much crap that I don't really stick to one description.
I would rant about anthro vs furry and why I draw a thin line between the two, but that is a rant for a different time.
~Airuposted 2 years, 6 months ago -
- Coyox
- is a regular
- Companion
I personally think it is silly to call any artist a "furry artist" unless they are of course, a furry.
An artist that considers themselves a furre is well a .... furry artist. Much like the male artist would consider himself a "male artist". No not everything he draws is a male (o dear god no! boobs boobs boobs!) But he is still, a "male" artist.
Just because you draw "furry" things does not mean you are a "furry" artist. You are just an artist, drawing a "fur". You could be a male artist, drawing a..."fur".
The term furry involves a certain group of people. It is a subculture, as crude, underminding, demeaning or cruel it might sound-- it is a subculture. Much like the goths, gays, nerds, or rednecks. Demeaning yet-- a culture of sorts. I think it's a silly thing to think the word "furry" is demeaning in any way. I've met and become friends with many people who happily consider themselves "furry". Its a good thing for them. That's how they find similarities in other people. That's how they find people within their "culture". Thats how they find people that same well, the same fetishes and likes and thoughts. Furry most certainly is a group of people.
I don't consider myself a furry, I more fall into the beatnik/goth category. yes yes! It sounds demeaning! It sounds like you REALLY want attention from someone by putting yourself into a subculture category. But... isn't it the truth?
I am a beatnik/goth artist. lmfao. Beatnik/Goth is not a cry for attention, it's not demeaning it's basically just the lousy group I'm put into given a name that isn't half as positive as the people it yeilds. Furry is a category of people just like anything else. :) I don't believe Anthromorphic and Furry are the same thing. I think there are many differences that separate the two... but I digress.
posted 2 years, 6 months ago -
- Lupercaleb
- is new - be friendly!
the definition of anthropomorphic is something - anything - given human traits. this does not include the reverse, which would be humans given nonhuman traits
now, my opinion is that furry is the universal term; that includes anthro, because furry can be used to describe what anthro is not
posted 2 years, 6 months ago -
- allytha
- is a regular
- Companion
Lupercaleb said: the definition of anthropomorphic is something - anything - given human traits. this does not include the reverse, which would be humans given nonhuman traits
now, my opinion is that furry is the universal term; that includes anthro, because furry can be used to describe what anthro is not
I was wondering if anyone was going to mention the literal definition in this thread, and I'm actually a little surprised it didn't come up sooner. Personally I think this is a great assessment and totally agree, which is why I found it so interesting that some people found the term anthro snooty. But then, I can definitely see where they're coming from, because as Glowsheep pointed out, the term anthro tends to be used as a bit of a smokescreen for people who don't want to be labeled as furries. I'm not saying everyone does it, but it does happen.
I guess I have to say I just consider myself an illustrator who does furry art, among other things.
posted 2 years, 5 months ago -
- Metsys
- is a regular
- Apprentice
Hello everyone. I just barely signed up so I can contribute to this topic as it applies to my work. As an outsider of the community looking in, hopefully I'll be able to contribute to the discussion, feeling as though some are holding back. I might be going out on a limb, so here it goes.
Just a little bit of background so you know where I'm coming from: I'm the lead illustrator and writer on a project that includes anthropomorphic animal characters as well as humans. The project initially started out as a game concept, but after developing the milieu, characters and their story I felt that it would be best suited as a 3D animated series. It's possible that it'll become both because it would still make a great game, but we are planning on it being one of our more expensive projects when our studio gets under way.
Some time after we initially started the project, writing, brainstorming and creating concept art, we had no idea that there was a furry community, let alone any negative feelings toward the style until I started working with other artists who expressed their dislike for the genre, which was funny because one of them actually had furry art in their portfolio. A year later I began to notice that it was the artists that were more indignant towards the genre, as opposed to people versed in geek culture whom I believe understand the fandom the least, and use the word furry as an insult. My theory is that these artists are frequent visitors of places like deviantART where just about any kind of art is displayed, and are exposed to everything including mature furry art. I can understand why people are disgusted by it, but I'm surprised how many people associate innocent furry art with (and I apologize if this is a bad word around here as I haven't seen it used in this discussion) yiffy art. I don't know anyone personally who immediately associates anime with hentai, but it's unfortunate that it's sometimes the case with people's perception of anthropomorphic art.
I read a lot of web comics and articles, and unflattering furry jokes are seemingly becoming more common. One of my recent concerns is how our project could be received when released. I've made some decisions and other people agree that we shouldn't use the term "furry" when referring to these characters because of the negative relationship of the term, and that the safest way to refer to them would be "animal characters". Even "anthro" is pushing it because that's what deviantART lists furry art as, and seems to be the the standard alternate term. Despite this, I trusting that the use of anthropomorphic animal characters in a show isn't going to be a big of a turn-off for people in a mainstream audience. Over the Hedge, Kung Fu Panda, and even Disney's Robin Hood (which is more similar to what people consider as furry art than the previous examples), is generally well accepted and not associated with the fandom, even though by definition they should be.
We aren't going to replace the anthropomorphic characters with human ones; there's too much humor and character conflicts that play on that concept to simply drop it out of fear. And with more movies with anthropomorphic characters being released, I think even those who hate the genre will likely soften up a little. But again it's still a concern because we don't know what the world's perception of the style is going to be like when it's released.
As for what I think people generally consider as furry art are anthropomorphic animal characters that have mostly human proportions and secondary sex traits, or as one of our 3D artists says, "humans with animal heads." With that character design it's too easy to sexualize them--which people do--and I think that's what turns people off to the genre. It just seems too weird for people who grew up watching Loony Toons and Disney cartoons to see animals with the same seductive curves and skimpy outfits as a human would.
And then there's the name: furry. Calling someone a furry has a different meaning outside the fandom than those inside. It's like the word hacker. I know it means computer enthusiast, but outside it means someone who illegally circumvents computer security systems. That's why the terms "white hat" and "black hat" were created. I also don't know if "furry artist" is really the official term, or if there even is one that's well accepted. Furry artist, furry, they have different meanings but the same word is used, and therefore it has the same meaning to many people.
It's also possible that the furry genre is just too specific, and therefore can't be taken as seriously. Typically, overly-specific classifications of genres imply an underground movement. If furry meant anything that included animal characters then it'd be fine. Then even Animaniacs and The Secret of NIMH would be considered as furry works. But we already have an umbrella term for things like that, at it's called cartoons.
One thing that might need to be done is a community effort to improve the perception of the genre. Renaming it, not using the term anymore, whatever. It's not the first time a community has done this and I'm open to discussion on that topic.
As for what do I consider as a furry artist? Simply someone that makes mostly cartoon/anthropomorphic animals (not necessary drawing realistic animals), and isn't ashamed about it. I do wish there was a different term for it, simply because calling someone a furry is pretty strong and suggests they do all kinds of things like dressing up in fursuits. "Anthro artist" seems to be the standard synonym, but it still doesn't sound right because it seems like side stepping the issue, and anthro isn't really a genre in my mind; anthropomorphic animals are just another type of creature to me. And because of that "anthro artist" just doesn't sound like a good job title, in the same way that fantasy artist or manga artist does. "Anthro artist" is kind of like calling yourself an "alien artist."
As for myself, since I do draw anthropomorphic animals, I just call myself an illustrator just because the story defines the art style and content of the image. I don't draw furry art because I'm a furry, I do it because thats the story! That's what an illustrator is supposed to do.
I also believe that it's bad to pigeonhole yourself. I know people who started drawing manga because they liked the style and that's what inspired them to get into art. It was hard for them to learn because they where copying the art rather than life, so they didn't really understand the abstractions and why the faces are stylized the way they are. Some animators also do the same thing, looking at animation for reference on how the body moves instead of life. Okay, that walk cycle was from the Aristocats, and that bobbing of the head was from the Jungle Book, but you didn't add that exaggeration from your own understanding of motion, you did it because a very experienced animator did. Same thing with furry art, you need to draw from life, both humans and animals, so you can come up with your own interpretation of both (which is why Kelly Hamilton's art is so good). Basically, I wish no one called themselves anthro artists. I'd much rather be known as a illustrator than a sci-fi/fantasy illustrator. I don't want to be linked by genre. I just want to tell stories that no one else can in what ever style best serves it. And because of that I really wish furry art, or more precisely art that contains anthropomorphic characters, was seen as an artist interpretation of life instead of a fetish.
So there it is: my observations, conclusions and personal opinion. I'm not sure how accurate my analysis is on the topic, so I'd appreciate any insight and suggestions you may have as part of the community.
Thanks.
posted 2 years, 5 months ago -
- shobonimaster
- is a regular
- Apprentice
Coyox said:
Much like the goths, gays, nerds, or rednecks.
i think the only label that I don't find insulting is redneck because like Jeff Foxworthy said "we are all guilty of [it] at one time or another." it's just being who you are
so would redneck anthro-artist work :b
if you called me a redneck it wouldn't insult meI think I got a little off topic there
ya know that word(furry) does have a Insulting ring to it even just defining a type of art
posted 1 year, 10 months ago -
- Armaina
- is a regular
- The anti (*)
- Apprentice
I don't consider myself a furry artists or anthro artist, just like I don't consider myself an anime artist ect. I'm just an artist as there are multiple subjects I enjoy..
And as a side note, furry is actually a newer term to me because I had heard the term anthropomorphic WELL before I heard of 'furry' and even what the furry community was. The lifestyles, costumes, ect, COMPLETELY unaware of when I first started drawing anthropomorphic animals (and pokemon >_> ) So I use the term Anthropomorphic because it's what I learned first.
posted 1 year, 10 months ago -
- Toy Dragon (in Blue)
- is new - be friendly!
- Squeak the dragon!
- Companion
The problem I see is that everyone is always going to bring their own baggage to the issue. For instance, even in this thread, one can see how many different people have contrasting views on the word "furry" itself. For some, the term is neutral and they don't think about it. Others believe it objectively has a negative connotation or is an official pejorative. Others see it as an active positive, identifying a community they do not think of as a negative place on the whole.
Okay, to the point: my own view falls on the side of a "furry artist" being largely an artist who identifies themselves not just as a specific furry fan and member of the furry subculture, but as an artist who puts a significant focus on injecting art into that subculture. For myself, I identify as a "furry" artist when it relevant, because I do participate in the culture to some degree, go to conventions, etc. And, I do a lot of art specifically for furry fans. However, I have no attachment to identifying as a furry with either pride or shame - if I'm dealing with those outside the fandom who are only interested in the art itself, I'll refer to it as anthropomorphic art for their convenience. I don't see it so much as the term "furry" being silly or unprofessional, as merely being specialized. It's similar to a table-top role playing fan who is capable of conversing with people outside the hobby in "plain english": using specialized terms isn't useful in a lot of contexts and only results in distracting confusion.
Of course, there are issues of genericide: just millions of people call any photocopy of a document a "xerox", once the term furry becomes popularized, people will tend to call anthropomorphic animals "furries" and anyone who draws them a "furry artist".
Which probably wouldn't be a big deal, except for the fact that there's still a large bucket of contention over everything relating to furry community with people becoming easily agitated about what other people will think of them in connection with furry subculture. When furry is a controversial term, the genericide of the term and its widespread application will become something that folks fight over and have anxiety about.
Unnatural but true, and out of the blue, I waited to breath, until I found you.posted 1 year, 10 months ago -
- Fru
- is wise
- Starving Student
- Apprentice
I actually don't really draw much 'furry' art, except for art trades or trading posts here and stuff like that ... so, I guess I'm not a 'furry' artist. :P I certainly wouldn't call myself one, after all I don't really specialize in this area ... I do love drawing animals or creatures, and I'd use the term 'anthropomorphic' when describing my own stuff relating to animals, as they usually aren't like the furries that are so popular, you know, like a human walking around with a fox head. :B Not that there's anything wrong with that, of course not. I just don't really have any 'furry' characters myself.
To answer the question, I guess a 'real' furry artist would be a self-proclaimed one.
So why am I here, then? Because all the people are super nice and cool and know lots about art =)
"Why don't you get a haircut? You look like a chrysanthemum." -P.G. Wodehouse (1881-1975)posted 1 year, 10 months ago -
- Chuck Melville
- is new - be friendly!
- Apprentice
It eventually all breaks down to semantics. From the very beginning, back when the word was first coined, I've always taken the term to be synonymous with 'funny animals' or 'anthropomorphics', and that was all there was to it. Still is, for the most part. But it's taken on some nastier connotations over the years with the rise and fragmentation of the fandom, and has become a bit less savory to some.
I'm a cartoonist.
...who draws furry characters.
posted 1 year, 9 months ago -
- chiin ferno
- is new - be friendly!
- Apprentice
An Anthro artist is someone who likes to draw anthro/furry characters such as http://www.furaffinity.net/user/raccoondrew this is a very good anthro/furry artist there is however a difference between a furry and a furry artist a furry artist like I already said draws furry creatures however a Furry like to dress up as furry creatures such as this http://www.furaffinity.net/view/1756382/ this is an example of a furry but someone can be both a furry and a furry artist. and that is basically all that I know
Mada mada dane sure nuffposted 1 year, 9 months ago -
- Drakenhart
- is a regular
- Apprentice
The term Furry is coined for those who are fans of the Anthropormorphic genre of art in all its forms. Writing, costumes (also called Mascots), drawing, painting, fantasy, sci-fi, pron, clean, toons, realism, what ever. Just like those who are fans of Star Trek are called Trekies.
Furry fanatics can be any class of people, spiritual, aethist, pagan, non-pagan, homosexual, heterosexual, girl, boy, man, woman, Chinese, American, Canadian, German, Antacrtican (sp?? ), black white green with gray polka dots, aliens, etc. It doesn't matter. You either are a self-claimed fan or you are not by your personal choices.
Just because one goes to conventions and dances around in a mascot suit, does not in fact make one a furry if you do it for any reason other then the love for it, the heart.
People who go past the general fandom (again I'm referencing Trekkies here) like those who learn to speak, dress, and collect Klingon stuff and act like a Klingon from time to time.., you also have what is called the "Life Stylers". These are the ones that take it to the next level, from fan to...., fully immersed (to be nice).
Even this level has its layers, like an onion. There are those who are just animal-spiritualists (multiple aspects to this one too). There are those who takes things into the "adult" catagories (tons of aspects to this as well that I'm not going into).
Then there are the freak-a-zoids. Like any fandom you have the creepy ones who are a bit too..., extreme. Or those who's mentalities are broken and they find the fandom a place where they can be accepted where in the wide world they wouldn't otherwise find anyone to help or sympathize with them at all.
Furry covers a broad catagory of people and contains many negative connotations that SOME groups of furs are despartely trying to stay away from. They try to remind people that the word only has such a bad connotation because of the FACT that humans by their nature like to outcast that which they don't understand.
I got reviled by my 7th grade class mates because I hate Soap Operas and LOVED cartoons!! I am 31 and still watch cartoons!! In fact I went to school to become an animator. But I am not, however, into the more adult stuff.
That is my choice.
But I do claim that I AM in fact a fan of the genre. Thus I label and catagorize myself as a fur. By choice.
:)
Peace fellow artist and art fans.
ps (I'm a Klingon-wanna-be Trekkie. I just don't have enough money to invest in that stuff. ;) heh. )
Look Ma! Its art! DevArt | FA (clean)posted 1 year, 9 months ago -
- Ze Gecko
- is a regular
- Apprentice
I personally don't see anything wrong with the term "Furry Artist". People who criticize it really don't have a clue, and what they think shouldn't have an effect on you. Giving it some thought, my subconscious classification is that, "Anthropomorphic" are the humans with animal features. And "Furry" is just a general term which includes anthro, but also includes all other critters which aren't like feral animals, but aren't quite humanoid to fit anthro like perhaps Pokémon.
That being said, I've always considered myself a "Furry Artist" as thats really all that I ever draw, a great deal of what I draw are either anthros or "chibi" Pokémon style critters. And I have also prefer movies/cartoons/video games where the characters are animal like creatures even since I was a kid.
As far as the classification of someone as a "Furry" I really don't think all that negative connotation should have an adverse effect as well. I like to consider myself a gecko, but I've never partook in any of those other activities which the term furry has been associated with :c Ironic as it may be, considering geckos do not have fur.
posted 1 year, 8 months ago -
- Femmpaws
- is a regular
- Apprentice
I've been around Furry or Anthro art for a lot of years. No matter what title you use it's still the same artwork. It's the same beauty that has come from someones mind or dreams.
I see by using furry or anthro you are becoming PC. Why do you do the artwork you do? Most likely you enjoy this style of art, so what you really call it matters very little.
Let's face PC is kinda like picking a turd up by the clean end!
Paws
posted 1 year, 6 months ago -
- Dani
- is new - be friendly!
- Apprentice
To me, labeling someone as a _____ artist implies that's all they do, be by choice or level of ability.
I'm just an artist. I'm an artist that draws anthros, and humans, and dragons, and critters. To me, unless someone exclusively were drawing furries, I wouldn't feel right calling them a furry artist.
For the question, I guess that's my answer. A furry artist is someone who just draws furries. But I'll be honest, I don't like the term 'furry' and I try to disassociate myself from it. But I don't think the debate over what a furry is will ever really end, since there's no hard, set in stone definition. Even if some people want to pretend that their definition has to be the right one.
posted 1 year, 5 months ago -
- checker201
- is new - be friendly!
Well, I think that furry is a stereotypic term, because many people think that all people who make furr... I mean athro art want to be "it" themselves. Now, not saying that anyone on this topic, heck even on this forum, I'm at the point of saying the whole website, are those kind of people. I'm not trying to be prejudice in any way, but I have this friend who draws anthro art and wants to be "it" themselves and actually it freaks me out. Furry basically means any Humanoid-Animal (IDK the fancy animal term) art. I just... have problems with people who get WAY,WAY,WAY too into it. That's something I wanted to get off my chest...
posted 2 months ago -
- Scott Ruggels
- is a regular
- Simon Cowell is My Co-Pilot
- Companion
As a logn time observer of this particular part of the fandom, since it started to separate itself from regular Science Fiction fandom, circa 1985. "Furry" has a distinction of being a fandom, while influenced by outside media, is primarily a fandom about selfgenerated, or community generated content, a community that in most cases has been ostracized from the mainstream socially.
Originally it was part of science fiction fandom, and an appreciation of art from the golden age of animation, cartoon animals in film and on the printed page. For them Bradbury wasn't a science fiction author, but another Bradbury who illustrated comics on the 40's and 50's who illustrated comic starting cats and mice, or well known cartoon animals from the screen. It was called then "Funny Animal Fandom". It wasn't until certain fan politics in the early and mid eighties that set the Fandom on it's current trajectory, of basically being accepting and tolerant of deviancy and social ineptitude, because the other more established and popular fandoms would not allow t bad behavior to tarnish their reputations. "Furry Fandom split, and basically became the grease trap from other fandoms.
There was a well known Eric Blumrich strip that commented n the "race to the Bottom" trend of the fandom, and it was a natural consequence of the total acceptance, and nonjudgmental ethos of these early "furries". In many of the cons towards the middle of the 90's that deviancy wasn't just tolerated, but celebrated, until the mainstream media found out about it. So where once were stories, often humorous, that were satires of adventure and star spanning Empires, it all tended to become only about stories of persecution, and social acceptance within a group of outsiders. The backgrounds became less fantastical, and became more mundane, real, world, showing the effects of the social isolation upon the artists, and the "intended" audience. There were echoes of that in earlier Science Fiction Activities (see "Slan Shacks"). Their hostility to criticism, and judgment, still marks the artists communities within the fandom, with cries of "It's My Style!"
Things have changed with successive generations of fans since the 80's with the Old Timers being completely overshadowed by the following two waves, the first of which that is coming into the mainstream and influencing entertainment now on the fringes, and the second having grown up with the fandom on the net, and completely comfortable with their identity, and also displaying little of the social awkwardness of the first generation.
A "Furry Artist" is someone who generates material for the furry community, usually cente4red around self made characters or well known characters within the community. Gift art, art trades and the like show a high level of communication and involvement. What ever story or narrative instincts may have been the source for generating the characters in the past for comics or stories, The characters are now the reason, whether they are expressions of the creator's true self, or a token of social currency to trade with others within the community. An artist can do anthropomorphic art, but a Furry artist is one that swims in the community. often mostly the online community.
If they still have their narrative instincts, and like doing stories or comics, they may often publish a web comic, visiting those themes described above, and if not a"Serious drama", (which is as far away in tone from the "funny Animals" roots, as the general, Animation derived, base art style, isn't) It might be humorous, most likely slice of life, and involve a lot of sexual innuendo, if not outright porn.
Sex is the big issue. Few if any of the socially successful or resilient people in one's neighborhood will become "furries". The Furry "fetish, may be just combining the unconditional love and acceptance of animals, without the complex and hard to decipher social rules, with the characteristics one finds attractive in their desires to create the perfect companion who will never judge them, as society always does. And the fandom is accepting of that. Majority or minority that they may be in the fandom, the energy from that is what drives the fandom, and the fannish economy.
Scott
posted 2 months ago -
- Kyn
- is wise
- Avid Amateur
- Companion
Wow, that's definitely more than I ever expected to learn about the Furry Fandom. =P Very interesting!
"...Your good opinion is rarely bestowed, and therefore more worth the earning." --Mr. Darcyposted 2 months ago -
- furiana
- is a regular
- Apprentice
Huh. Do you remember the timing for the second two waves of people? I'm curious about which one was prevalent when I first found out about the fandom.
posted 2 months ago -
- Scott Ruggels
- is a regular
- Simon Cowell is My Co-Pilot
- Companion
The old "funny Animal Fandom was late 1960's through the early eighties. The first "furries" came in around 1980, but were mostly overshadowed by the mid to late 1990's. They were characterized as being a lot of former science fiction fans, who "came out of the closet", or found a fandon that didn't criticize their social ineptitude. A lot of work was made to make the fandom they had more than tolerant, but accepting of all. (for better or for worse..often worse).
The second wave were made up of better quality artists, and a lot of impresario types. A good many of them were gay, but you saw a more "professional" attitude, and you saw the cons become somewhat better organized, and put a better face on things Though this was about the time that narratives faded away. They are still around, but have faded back, since around 2000 or so.
The current generation is made up of straight college aged females as producers, and male consumers, gay and straight. The fandom is not as gay oriented as it was in the beginning, but it is still very accepting of gays and gay themes. A lot of the more extreme deviancy is not seen at con except privately, and more often anonymously online. A friend told me there are many many more furries on line, that go to cons or meet face to face, because lots of people have perhaps a furry fetish, but cannot stand the fans or the fandom. experience walking around Second Life seems to confirm that.
Scott
posted 2 months ago -
- furiana
- is a regular
- Apprentice
That explains so much!
I can't believe this developed (in part) out of science fiction, my other great love. Actually, I can: the people who attracted me to both communities are people who imagine "what if!"
It sounds like I witnessed the tail end of the second wave, even though I belong to the current one. I first found the fandom in 2000, going by the dates on my earliest art. I don't remember much about stories or comics, but I do remember being impressed by the artists. (In fact, iisaw was among the artists who hooked me! His art was displayed on a site with Goldenwolf's. That site made me fall in love with werewolves, and Yerf made me fall in love with anthros. I've been drawing them ever since.)
Thank you for sharing all this, by the way! Now I'm even seeing Blotch's comics in a new light...
To answer the OP's question: since I draw for people in the furry fandom, I consider myself part of the community. "Furry artist" may not account for everything that I draw, but it's accurate enough for now. And although I don't like being associated with fetishes and bestiality, I do like being associated with the artists who inspire(d) me.
posted 2 months ago -
- Scott Ruggels
- is a regular
- Simon Cowell is My Co-Pilot
- Companion
Some ways to look at it also are the artists, and art trends, along with the dates.
Before 1980,: Bugs Bunny, and Fox and Crow Cartoons. Disney's "Robin Hood"
Around 1980 Ken Sample.
1985-6 Terrie Smith.
late 1980's early 90's Clear line cartooning.
Early 1990's The Lion King becomes the gateway drug.
Mid 1990's Balto
Late 90s early 2000's Hot Topic and Invader Zim.
late 90's earl;y 2000's GoldenWolf, Kyoht Dark Natasha. follicle by follicle detail.
Early 2000's Anime becomes mainstream, thanks to Cartoon Network.
Mid 2000's European Artists gain prominence.
this is off the top of my Head, but I know others that could add to this.
Scott
posted 2 months ago -
- furiana
- is a regular
- Apprentice
Cool! :D
I recognize more of the trends here. I guess that shouldn't be surprising, seeing how art is my tie to the fandom. :)
posted 2 months ago -
- maria mar
- is a regular
- Apprentice
Wow. Scott, i am more than grateful to you <3
Ever since i found out the term "furry" online, i've been debating more and more intensily with the question, "am i a furry or not"?...
I don't know about other people, but my almost obsession with animals, stuffed animals, Disney and Bluth's animations and most important, characters, comes from when i was like... five. Realizing this made me think beyound negative image of the term. Whatever it means, it was born with me. Sexuality wise as well. I can't really picture myself wearing a suit because i don't think that i need it to feel like an animal. This doesn't mean i don't have respect those who do it... i just feel like, in my case, art provides a similar satisfaction feeling?Sorry of this came out as too personal in this general discussion, but Scott's words just... got me really emotional (i cry easilly) and got me to admit to myself (and you) that I AM A FURRY.
If someone could share your "coming out of the closet" moment, i think it could help?...
Also, what about fursonas? I see them as an animal projection of yourself... do they play a part here, in your opinion?*edit
Ok, after 10 minutes of watching FurCon videos, maybe i do want a suit. It sounds fun xDposted 1 month ago -
- Sethen Vulperious
- is new - be friendly!
- Apprentice
vantid said:
"Anthro" is easier on the ears, especially the connotation the term "furry" has for people. I agree with you on that one.
It's just that some people don't see a difference. Furries are anthros, yet many people call folks who draw cartoon wolves that talk furry artists.
Hi everyone. I had been using the word furry since like 1991. Now that is way before the net as we knew it 15 years ago, let alone present day. No one really had a problem with calling themselves furry artists until MTv's Plushies and furries series of insulting videos aired and automatically made everybody drawing anthro type cartoons and figures as well as all fursuiters a bunch of zoophiles and plushyphiles. Airing one aspect of the genre was unfair and politically incorrect.
posted 2 weeks ago -
- Sethen Vulperious
- is new - be friendly!
- Apprentice
WolfReign05 said:
Since many people here have different views of what furries are, I just thought to put in what it says on the online encyclopedia. ^^
"Art and entertainment celebrated by furry fandom includes fictional work that employs the concept of animal characters with human characteristics, rather than any particular type of fiction. For this reason, any work, in any medium, may be considered part of the furry genre simply by inclusion of an anthropomorphized animal character, although such characters are most often seen in comics, cartoons, animated films, allegorical novels, and video games. The science fiction and fantasy genres make frequent use of anthropomorphism, and as a result, are especially popular in furry fandom."
While everyone (I think) has a good point to this discussion, I really think that as long as I draw anything anthropomorphic, it will will be referred to respectively as a furry, which is mainly just a slang term for anthropomorphic characters and by no means limiting nor lowering your artistic status.
We have to start some where with this. Leaving such a once innoscent term for what we love to do beacause others have used it in an untastefull manner is like saying Lets not use Rock as a music style for our church because other people use it for what we preach against....Wrong!!LOL Listen, My fellow Furry Artists( w/ respect to those who don't approve) There is no such thing as a "Left Handed Hammer" only a stupid right handed carpenter. Seriously People, we gotta stop blaming the tool.( Label)posted 2 weeks ago -
- Chuff
- is new - be friendly!
- Chuff The Tiger
I think we could use the term artist instead of furry artist. because well we create art.
as for the word "furry" i think this type of thing has been around for far longer then we know. only it was labeled furry around the early 1980s. there has been accounts of anthropomorphic art wayyy back 40000 years ago and im sure a bit further back as well.
(example see link,an ivory sculpture Lion man of the Hohlenstein Stadel. dated at 32000 years old.) http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f8/Lion_man_photo.jpgwe are animals so you could even go to the point of saying drawing a human is "furry" art. considering were covered in hair id say were quite furry lol. could it be we have found our own similarities in our selves to other animals? or even like an different type of animal so much that we adopt behaviors of that animal? you even see people adopting the behaviors of another race that they like better then their own race.
I love tiger and i did personal study on them and noticed some of my behaviors were similar to the behaviors of a tiger so i started implying i was part tiger. and i did this all before i even knew about the term "furry" or of the furry community.
I like the furry community because there are many others like me there. and despite what people say or how they judge the community i don't care what others think and will even defend it, i will even defend furs from furs. furs being persecuted just because of their behaviors. everyone has the right to be as they are because there is no set behavior given to us.
me personally i would not wear a big suit. My skin is my "fursuit" and well its slowly being made with inc and blood. and as for my "fursona" i was just thinking that i have already developed it. but the thing is i have to figure out how to put it out in words and drawing so other people can see it. basicly its just me. and again i believe this has been going on long then we know it has been. we just have different ways to show it today.
ok i r sleepy now ZZZZzzzzz....
"see the animal in his cage that you built? are you sure what side you're on? better not look him too closely in the eye... are you sure what side of the glass you're on?" quoted from right where it belongs, by Nine Inch Nailsposted 1 day ago
