Inspiration

Even before I was halfway finished with Cheyenne, I was already thinking about the next costume. I don't know if it was because I was overambitious or if it was because I was bored with Cheyenne. I had thought about doing a jaguar of some sort, and already had the name 'Jackson' set aside. However, in mid August I visited a few friends in Los Angeles. While there I was invited to a cookout party along with several big name artists and fursuiters. I was chatting with Lance Ikegawa about my jag idea and he suggested that I try a cheetah instead. I had a tall, slim build that would be purrrfect for a cheetah, he told me. I bought it. Within a week after getting back from LA, I was already gathering materials for this as-of-yet-unnamed cheetah costume.

New Techniques

- Digitigrade Legs

- Spots

- Different Eye Style

- Different Head Style

- Teeth

- New Nose

Patterns & Modifications

Like with Madison and Cheyenne, I used the Simplicity #9983 AA pattern with minor modifications. I moved the zipper to the back, made a bigger chest patch, made my own tail pattern, and snipped the fur in such a way that it a) fit me nice 'n snug, and b) wrapped around my digitigrade legs.

Materials

The fur was bought from Montery Mills and a local fabric store. The bulk of it was BONE. Other matierials included: Sculpy, pipe cleaners, felt, hot glue, a baseball cap, suede, tennis shoes, clear plastic bowls, sunglasses, plastic craft mesh, and a zipper.

Head Construction

Another foam block, but this time with a twist: Instead of carving the entire head out of foam, I only carved the front half of it. This was then attatched to a baseball cap with the brim snipped off. This method allowed me to make a head that was snugger and smaller than the standard bulky foam head.

Special Thanks To...

Lance Ikegawa, not only for pitching the idea of a cheetah, but also for tutoring me on leg and eye construction.

Andrea Adams, for the spot technique that I repeated 223 times.

Tim Susman, for putting up with a messy living room for 3 months and for lending a helping hand here and there (37 Spots!).

Mark Brown, my wrangler who helped me get in and out of the suit, guided me around, helped prepare my presentation, and answered questions to media at ConFURence.

Accolades & Appearances

Best Original Design - Intro Division - ConFURence 9

Best Use of Materials Intro Division - ConFURence 9

Best In Show Intro Division - ConFURence 9 (Peer vote)

Most Popular Costume Intro Division - ConFURence 9 (Fan vote)