[OK] Josh the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever by Feral Studios The item being reviewed is 4 years old and may not reflect the makers current style, or work. Maker Information Feral Studios Year of Project2022 Completion Time (?)7 - 12 Months ETA AccuracyThere was no ETA given An ETA is the Estimated Time of Arrival for a project. In other words, an estimated turnaround time. An ETA is not a deadline. Review Date19 March 2024 RelationshipThe maker is NOT a friendThis relationship was indicated by the reviewer at the time this review was written. Review InformationReviewerFuraffinity: retrieving-with-josh Prior ExperienceYes, I have made 5 fursuits before I purchased one. Wear Time30+ hours Informed Maker of IssuesYes, I couldn't find the fur and the maker linked it to me. They also gave me some tips for finishing the overall suit. I did not tell them about the busted seams and missing parts as they were minor to me and not worth pursuing as I knew how to repair them. The tail was made incorrectly but I did not bring it up as I had already decided I would be purchasing it from another maker at this point. Teeth and finished paws were missing, fullsuit was unfinished, the last part I did know about. I did not bring up the rest because I agreed to finish the suit myself. Josh fursuit Neutral ProjectThis item was a commission Paid: A Payment Plan of $1000 - $2999 Initial Contact: November 2021 Completion/Ship Date: June 2022 Shipping Origin: USA Type: Fullsuit Style: Toony Padding: Digitigrade SpeciesName: Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever Found in: Canidae(?) Features: None Concept Art https://toyhou.se/16991550.josh-y/23306282.ref-sheets Photos of Completed Product Overall Initial ContactI created a post on Amino and the maker commented on the post with a quote range. It was easy to understand what was needed from me as far as measurements and DTD. Maker CommunicationOur communication was consistent over Amino and the maker was quick to get back to me. They were pleasant to work with, and patient with me when I ran into a delay in payments (at this point in time I had lost two pets and had car troubles and unexpected payments.) They were very good about updates and photos with the head especially, asking me which style ears and what if anything needed changing. I don't think they got into their personal life and there were no excuses. They were very upfront and honest when they informed me that they could no longer complete my suit. Project Completion TimeI don't remember if there was a public queue. I did not request a specific date, I think I remember a discussion where the suit could be completed in several months but I don't remember specifically. It was completed as much as it could in under 6 months, and shipped out around that time. It arrived as expected. Overall Project QualityI've had this fursuit for well over a year now and overall he has held up as expected. There's a tear at the seam on the back of the head but has held up otherwise. I love how he looks, especially in the sun when the fur shines beautifully. The head especially matched the style of the maker which was exactly what I was after. He isn't perfect, but I love the minor flaws that give him character. He didn't get teeth that I asked for but I plan to make or buy them someday. The suit did not white meet my expectations, I was quoted for and paid for a fullsuit, but agreed to a partial refund and unfinished project when the maker admitted they had possibly bitten off more than they could chew. While yes, I was disappointed, I don't fault them and appreciate their upfront honesty. I was going to consider myself satisfied if I at least received him. Overall I'm satisfied with the price and partial refund, or I have come to terms with it. It has caused a bit of grief trying to commission other makers to finish the paws and create another tail. Paying more than expected initially and waiting another year to have anything resembling a fullsuit. The bodysuit feels a little loose but my weight has fluctuated a lot. The head blends well into the body I think. Components Head Wear SatisfactionThe head is quite comfortable to wear, has a good fit with my glasses, the lining is nice, black fabric not sure exactly the type but it's always been easy to clean and maintain. Ventilation is fair, I can hold the mouth open to get more air, and air flow comes through the eyes if there's a nice breeze which is wonderful. Vision is also fair, typical head tilt to see certain things because no peripheral vision and blindspot in the middle of the face, pretty standard. What I can see is fine enough to navigate for the most part. Visual SatisfactionThe markings are fine, the mouth is quite lopsided but I think it gives him a cute quirky look. Nose is a little asymmetrical as well it appears, but not enough to be distracting. The transition between the fur lengths is exactly what I was looking for, it is a little uneven in some spots but I think you have to be looking up close to notice it. There is a spot on the nose and lower lip where the backing is visible but again it wasn't detrimental. The fur is easily brushed for the most part, the white markings feel a little stiff on the nose but it looks fine. The overall appearance is great, the pompadour was done well, the floppy ears are wonderful. Neutral/happy expression that changes with angle and theme and lighting. A seam recently opened in the back but I believe that is in fact due to normal wear and tear and is an easy fix. Markings are all there. When I received the head, a few of the rough foam earrings were missing, I replaced them with buttons that I prefer anyway. One-Piece Body Wear SatisfactionBodysuit is overall comfortable to wear, allows for okay movement for what it is. I can move without popping seems, but there was a popped seam on the back when it arrived. It is not lined, I wear a moisture wicking shirt beneath and it works fine. The bottom for lack of a better term is looking quite muffed up but is due for a wash anyway. Construction marks have not bled to my knowledge. Airflow is fine, padded area in the thighs gets warm quickly but that's not unexpected. The pouches are open to allow for removal of stuffing to wash suit. Visual SatisfactionThe color and flow of the fur is great. The thighs feel large and don't achieve the digitigrade look, but I believe that is mostly due to his lack of finished feet paws to complete the flow of the digitigrade look. Overall, I love the thicc thighs anyway haha. I see it as more of an added bonus and theyre fun. Some uneven shaving here and there but not noticable as far as I can tell. The inside doesn't feel great against the skin but again I wear moisture wicking clothes underneath. Tail Wear SatisfactionThe tail was comfortable to wear and allowed for good movement. I could not find it to take a picture, but it had a busted seam underneath with stuffing coming out. The straps were fine. The tail was straight while Josh's tail is supposed to be curly, but I was not concerned with it at the time as I left the tail design up to interpretation at that time. If I were to get one today, I would explicitly ask for a curly tail at this time. Visual SatisfactionThe markings matched his ref sheet and was able to be brushed easily like the rest of the fur on the suit. It looked fine besides the seam that had busted. RatingFursuitReview rates by asking the question: Would you recommend this maker? OK This review has been marked with a neutral rating. This means the reviewer MIGHT recommend Feral Studios depending on circumstances that have been clarified in this review. Final CommentsIf you had asked me if I would commission them right after my experience, I would have said no. But after going over the conversation from start to finish after time has passed, I would say they have talent and potential in growth, and I feel overall neutral. They were lovely to work with and patient with my personal struggles when I was worried they might have thought I was being dishonest. I got COVID and lost two pets very close to me all around the holidays which caused my delay in payments but they were very patient with me. I enjoyed the progress photos and their willingness to provide a lot after I confessed I was nervous to proceed with such a big investment. In conclusion, I'm happy with what I received in the end, and I'm holding that Josh will finally be a fullsuit some time before the end of this year. The process and especially trying to complete him and running into more problems with another maker and miscommunication, I have lamented a lot over this guy. But at the end of the day, I've come to terms with it and am happy with the product. Are you the maker of this item? Would you like to leave an official response? Click here. In case the button above doesn't work, you can click here to launch the maker response form.
