How to Design a Character Reference Sheet for Your Fursona!
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Make Sure Everyone can see just how Special your Character is!
They make ordering commissions from other artists easier, because all the hard work of translating your character into art is done for them! Everyone who commissions artists to draw their own personal characters should have one!
Contents at a Glance
Think You Need a Reference Sheet?

I can't live without it!
Lazerbeam CrimsonWulf says:
Is there a website I can make a reference sheet on?
epicness says:
yep... I definitly do... they're really usefull for you and for other people, because people will start bragin' that you should draw him more but you forgot how to.
TakascarFAN101 says:
but o k i read the comments but i dont see how to make one ahhh
TLKfan says:
well i could draw it since i draw manga all the time ha ha ha ha <3
TLKfan says:
yes i really need one lol ...
They're nice, but...
Spirits says:
@Majek
If you already have all of their appearance thought up, just start doodling your character :3 Once you feel comfortable with drawing them, then you can make a ref sheet. If you need ideas for it, you can look up ref sheets on "Deviantart.com" or (really any art site) and just look at others. Though you shouldn't do the exact same as anyone else, just do what you like the best.
majek says:
where do you go when you are trying to start from scratch making your fursona? im new to this and i would like to make a pic of my fursona but i dont know where to begin
bob says:
cool
Flamey says:
No, in fact I don't need a sheet, it a lot easy to do it without one
BOB says:
don't really like it
Why Have a Ref Sheet in the First Place?
Sure, you could do without them, but...
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Artists Need Them to Draw your Character (the way you want it!)
We understand: when you pay somebody to draw something of yours, you want them to do it right. A good reference sheet reduces the odds that something is going to get lost / misconstrued in communication. -
It's a Good Way to Introduce your Character!
A good reference sheet gives people an idea of who your character is and what they're like -- they don't use character sheets in D&D for nothing, after all! -
Make Sense of your Characters with them!
Lots of things sound good when you're just talking about them -- too good, in fact. having a visual reference allows you to see problems with a character / outfit before you get too far! -
They're a great visual introduction!
Putting together a Squidoo lens about your character? Combining a reference sheet with the "Text with BIG Picture" module is a great thing to have on your lens, for yourself and for visitors! -
Keep your original artwork safe!
Many new furries may only have a few pieces of artwork they've collected / drawn for themselves, and often have to use them as references... a reproducible reference sheet (that you can make lots of copies of and give to each artist you're commissioning), on the other hand, is easily replaced if an artist spills their drink on it, loses it, or otherwise ruins your badge!
Have a Reference Sheet already?
Speaking of Character Sheets...
Let's listen in to what they're talking about today on Twitter!
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- StrawberryPawz
- @TwoNamedFurry please remove my fursona from your gallery and never text me again. Thank you.
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- Soldier_Volkov
- I'm surprised no one's made a fursona of Rawn Paw.
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- Evilbronze5
- RT @Elfoxoloco: @DarkRazorZ Yes, there is a difference. You're not a furry because you fap to furry porn, you're a furry if you have a fursona.
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- Elfoxoloco
- @DarkRazorZ Yes, there is a difference. You're not a furry because you fap to furry porn, you're a furry if you have a fursona.
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- legendaryjoeb
- @FaIcon24 is my fursona
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- StrawberryPawz
- @TwoNamedFurry otay. Which fursona do you like better? Conner or Chronic?
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- StrawberryPawz
- @TwoNamedFurry well Conner was my original fursona. Chronic is the extracted darkness from Conner. Sort of like a clone.
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- WanderingNewbie
- RT @DubSideDoc: #E3Rumors Shin Megami Tensei: Fursona
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- LightningKimba
- RT @DubSideDoc: #E3Rumors Shin Megami Tensei: Fursona
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- DubSideDoc
- #E3Rumors Shin Megami Tensei: Fursona
Reference Sheets can contain lots of info!
Details make the artist's job easier!

This is a fairly detailed reference sheet of my own character, Jigsaw Forte.
This is a reasonably complex sheet, with front and back references, alternative styles, and a sample outfit, but by the same token, everything is laid out where we can see it, and an artist attempting to draw her will have an easy time deciding what they want to do with her!
“Make sure your sheet gets across the details that it needs to! Be complete, but keep it simple!”
Reference Sheets can be Simple!
You don't have to kill yourself over every angle!

This reference sheet of Punkin done by Mukichan is an excellent example of a quick, rough reference sheet that doesn't take any more effort than a normal drawing!
... well, almost.
You'll notice three things this sheet does that the more complex version does as well:
- Punkin is still illustrated nude (albeit in G-rated nudity) for reference purposes.
- Reference points and details are still pointed out on the body itself, such as her fingers and tail transparency.
- Swatches of her color scheme are off to the side, for color selection purposes.
The Top Reference Sheet Don'ts!
As voted and added to by you, the reader!
Seen something on a sheet you absolutely hate? Think we've got our priorites in the wrong order? Add a new disappointment to the list, or vote other people's ideas up or down!
Sexual References!
Genital Piercings and references to how a character shaves too much for you? We think so, too. At least make a kid-safe version of the sheet for the rest of us!4 points
Too Many Accessories!
A few accessories are fine; necessary, even. Some people overdo it to the point their character looks like a genki girl.3 points
Neon Colors!
We get it, your sparkledog is your fantasy creature... but neon pawpads and tongue? Seriously?2 points
Lots and Lots (and Lots) of Tattoos
It doesn't look that good on a normal human; you think we want to see it on a fantasy creature, either? A few tattoos are fine, but there's just so many other ways to get a point across...2 points
Tiny Oekaki Drawings!
The best character sheets can be printed out for easy distribution to artists at conventions -- so it pays to make sure your sheet is print-friendly!2 points
Draw Your Own Character Sheet!
But if you don't, there's nothing that says you can't learn how to draw, or learn to improve... and this book will show you how!
Draw Furries: How to Create Anthropomorphic and Fantasy Animals
Amazon Price: $14.46 (as of 05/29/2012)![]()
A good start for any budding furry artist!
Don't Want to Draw Your Own Character Sheet?
Now you don't have to!

ots of folks commission other, better artists in the furry fandom and elsewhere to make detailed character sheets that can bring their characters to life...
...and you can too!
Just a few notes to keep in mind before you commission someone for a sheet, though:
- The More References, The Better!
Yes, that's why you're getting the sheet in the first place, but the more references we can see, the more interpretations of your character we already know you like (so a cohesive standard can be made!) - Keep in Touch With The Artist!
Short of getting a fursuit, this is likely going to be one of the most involved commissions you ever ask for -- not the least of which is because a good character sheet will make all your future commissions easier! Offer the artist as many methods of contact as possible, or at least check your email on a daily basis... - Be Willing to Pay!
Because of the excess additional care a character sheet takes to make to your specifications, it may end up being more expensive not just from the sheer amount of depth and detail, but also because of the expectation that your sheet may need additional revisions! Not to mention, the more detail you add to your character, the more likely it is they'll ask for more money...
Get The Character Sheet You Always Wanted!
I can make one for you!
For $50, I can draw you a great character sheet, with multiple full-body reference pictures, a color palette, flavor text, and all the awesome stuff that makes everyone else's jobs easier!
Also, my sheets are made to be printed out and taken wherever you go, or even able to be printed into big, beautiful posters!
Click Here to get started!
When Will My Sheet Be Completed?
Actually... it could take a while.
More Furry Lenses For You!
Like this page? Check out some other pages about furry stuff!
Are We Missing Anything?
Give Me Some Feedback!
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HunterHunted
Oct 27, 2010 @ 5:12 pm | delete
- need help with an email problem. can't get your mail so i can ask for a comission, if you get this, send me an email a loganchasse@Gmail.com.
thanks
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Who Made This?
by JigsawForte
Creator of the Webcomic Last Res0rt, about a vampire caught up in a futuristic reality show gone wrong!
Georgia Tech Grad Student (Master's Degree in...
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