A good reference sheet is the most important thing you can send us when ordering a custom fursuit. The clearer your reference art is, the more accurately we can recreate your original character. This guide explains exactly what a good reference sheet should include.
What Is A Reference Sheet?
A reference sheet (often called a “ref sheet”) is a single image that shows your character from multiple angles, with all colours and details clearly visible. It is the blueprint we follow when making your fursuit.
Minimum Requirements
At the very least, your reference sheet should include:
1. Front View
A full body drawing of your character facing forward. This shows us the face shape, chest markings, belly pattern, and front leg details.
2. Back View
A full body drawing from behind. This is extremely important — many customers forget the back view, and we end up guessing what the back of the head, tail, and back markings should look like.
3. Side View (Optional But Recommended)
A side profile helps us understand the head shape, muzzle length, ear position, and body proportions.
What Else Should Be On The Sheet?
Colour Palette
Include a colour key somewhere on the sheet with flat colour swatches. Label each colour if possible (e.g. “main fur”, “belly white”, “nose pink”). This helps us match fur colours accurately.
Close‑Up Head Shots
A separate larger drawing of just the head from front and side is very helpful. This shows us eye shape, eyebrow expression, teeth/tongue details, and ear inner colour.
Special Details
If your character has any of these, draw them separately and label them:
- Piercings or jewellery
- Scars or markings
- Special eye patterns (heterochromia, star pupils, etc.)
- Accessories (collars, bandanas, hats)
- Claws, paw pads, tongue shape
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Only sending a headshot. We need the full body. A headshot alone is not enough for a full or partial fursuit.
- Sending art with heavy shading. Shading makes it hard to tell the actual base colour. Flat colours are best for reference sheets.
- Using a low‑resolution image. Blurry or pixelated art means we cannot see small details. Send the highest resolution file you have.
- Sending multiple inconsistent drawings. If you have 5 different drawings of your character and they all look slightly different, we won’t know which one to follow. Pick one “official” reference sheet and tell us that is the one to use.
- Forgetting the tail. Tails are a big part of a fursuit. Make sure the tail is fully visible in at least one view, with its pattern shown.
If You Cannot Draw
Not everyone can make a professional reference sheet, and that is okay. Here are your options:
- Hire an artist. There are many furry artists who offer reference sheet commissions. Prices vary, but a good ref sheet is worth the investment.
- Use a base. There are free or paid “base” templates online that you can colour in. A coloured base is much better than no reference at all.
- Describe in detail. If you truly have no art at all, write a very detailed text description of every part of your character. We can work from text, but it will take more back‑and‑forth and the result may not be as precise.
File Format Tips
- Send PNG or JPG files, at least 1000px wide.
- If you have multiple files, put them all in one folder or zip file.
- Name your files clearly (e.g. “MyCharacter_Front.png”, “MyCharacter_Back.png”).
- If your reference sheet has text labels, make sure they are in English or include a translation.
Final Checklist Before Sending
- Front view full body
- Back view full body
- Colour palette / swatches
- Head close‑up (front and/or side)
- Tail fully visible
- Special details labelled
- High resolution file
- Flat colours (not heavily shaded)
A well‑prepared reference sheet saves time for both of us and results in a fursuit that truly looks like your character. Take the time to get it right — your future fursuit will thank you!