Javanne is a fun-loving native of the Netherlands who models, acts, dances, sings, and of course cosplays. We ask her some questions about her involvement in cosplay and what it is like to be in the scene.
What made you get into cosplay?
I love dressing up and acting. When I discovered there where cosplay competitions and conventions I just had to go to one — that way I had a legitimate reason to dress up in costume. I eventually convinced my mom when a classmate went to the Abunai. That’s when it all started.
What was your first cosplay costume?
Dark Chii / Freya from Chobits. Because she is a very small character and about my size probably.
Javanne cosplaying Naru Narusegawa
Do you create your own cosplay costumes?
Yes. They are all self-made. Just like the props.
Do you cosplay alone or is there a group of friends that are also into cosplaying and provide support?
I’ve done both. Though with friends it’s always more fun.
Lady Luck Rikky is Javanne’s Favorite Cosplay Thus Far
We noticed that in your Flickr feed, that you’ve cosplayed different characters. Thus far, which as been your favorite? Why?
Rikku. As Rikku Lady Luck I’ve done an act in which I for the first time in my life used magic. And had volunteers from the audience clean the stage afterward. It was lots of fun and some aspects of the act have been used by others on different conventions afterward. Rikku is also a character I feel comfortable to play. Her bouncy and cheerfulness comes automatically whenever I’m dressed like her.
Javanne as Ryomou Shimei
Do you attend gaming conventions as cosplay or do you keep it a private affair?
I cosplay mostly to do performances. To make a costume is quite expensive for me and it takes a lot of time. So I always make the costumes for conventions, although I never went to one which was only game-focused.
If above is true, what is the most ridiculous thing someone has told you at a convention?
I once had someone trying to seduce me and I had to explain to him I was in costume… Apart from that I think you can’t walk at a convention without hearing ridiculous things all the time. It reminds me I’ve also been mistaken for Ushi (Dutch interview character from television) several times, and since Lady Gaga’s debut I get to hear I’ve cosplayed her as well…. which I never have… Very odd. Though I settle for the complement that my nose is prettier than hers (okay, now that is ridiculous).
Javanne as Yuna from the Final Fantasy series
What is in the future of cosplay for Javanne? Any hints as to what your next costume will be?
I have many cosplays I would still like to do. I’ve just had a cosplay-break and I’m now planning new costumes not for conventional purposes but for modeling. I’d love to take on suggestions as well. So if I can give a hint? Well, I like anything with stockings.
Javanne as Lei Fang from Dead or Alive
Where can people find you?
Unfortunately I just decided to delete my own personal website. So you can find me on Flickr and Deviantart.
And also incidentally on Facebook and cosplay.com. I’m just horrible at keeping my own profiles neat and tidy. But if people like my work and images I might feel encouraged to make more and upload more as well.
Thanks for taking the time to share with us Javanne!