NANABI

You've Got Guts.

Who has not played Final Fantasy Dissidia?

Well, since I've been keeping my interviews and spotlights in the dark for a while, let's bring back the shine with a cosplayer that has never failed to bring anyone (especially girls) fangirling/fanboying with his cosplay! I'm so pleased to have been given the chance to interview the one and only.....! *drum roll*

Elffi

Elffi as Jecht from Final Fantasy Dissidia

Elffi is one of the many cosplayers who is looked up upon by many of his supporters. His Jecht cosplay has been one of the fan favorites and for some, it has become Elffi's signature cosplay. When you say Jecht, they'd go "Dude! That's the guy Elffi cosplayed!" This Finnish cosplayer has always brought smiles to my face whenever I see his new posts on my feeds, and he has amazed me even more with his accurate portrayals of numerous iconic characters. I always enjoy looking at Elffi's photos, and I know what you're thinking, NO it's not his abs. Hahaha!

Let's begin this spotlight with some basic facts:

Cosplayer Name: Elffi

Country: Finland

Now my dear readers, I give you our champion in the arena!

Elffi as Gildarts Clive

From Fairy Tail

Q: Who or What motivated/inspired you to enter the world of cosplay?

A: My cousin came to visit me and we watched Spirited Away by Hayao Miyazaki together in 2006. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and music. Afterwards I borrowed more of the movies and started to watch series like Bleach and Full Metal Alchemist. One day I started to learn the Japanese language by myself and it felt kinda easy and comfortable! Also one of my good friends got interested in the same things as I, and we decided to make our first cosplays for Animecon 2006.

Q: Who was the first character you ever cosplayed? And can you give the reason why you cosplayed that character?

A: I fell in love with this character called Kurosaki Ichigo, I felt really similar to him. So my first cosplay was Ichigo's Shinigami form in Animecon 2006, Helsinki, Finland.

Q:Where did you get the name "Elffi"? Can you explain how your cosplay identity came to be?

A: I've been using my nickname for the past 10 years already. I have never had another nickname. I think I choose it because I've always been a great fan of Elves, and at that time I was playing this game called Warhammer Fantasy Battle with an army of High Elves. And by elves I mean the tall and handsome elves like in the Lord of the Rings, not the ones which Santaclaus uses! As a teenager I was always tall but thin, and I also have blue eyes, really white skin and blonde hair by nature. But anyway, after cosplaying for a I while, suddenly I noticed that everyone had started to use that nickname of me. That's it.

Elffi as Vash The Stampede

From Trigun

Q: How can you define cosplay based on your own experience with the hobby?

A: Cosplay includes costume making and wearing a costume, but sometimes also a bit of acting. What you make or what you wear can vary so much that no one can define the exact lines for it.

Q: Which cosplay do you treasure the most in your whole cosplay life? Why?

A: I don't have any favorite costume, but my Jecht might be the most known one.

Q: Based on your own experience, what has been the most challenging part in your life as a cosplayer?

A: Starting the cosplay. Gosh, I can't believe how hard that can be?! I have almost always like months of time to make my costumes, but still I always wait until the last week and do everyting in few days.

Elffi as Tyki Mikk

From D. Gray-man

Q: You had the chance to travel around the world, for you, what has been your favorite country to visit?
A: Hmm, I don't have any favorite one. So far all countries I've visited have been awesome! That's because the events and the people make the athmosphere, not the country by itself. One country which really surprised me by it's awesomeness was Romania, I liked the people and the event especially lot. I also like the differences between European and Asian events. It's always so fascinating to notice how you can organize conventions in so many ways, but still they always work nicely!

Q: By far, who has been your most proudest cosplay?
A: I don't really have any costume like that, like I said before, I don't have any "favorite" costume or anything.

Q: .In your early cosplay career, what has been the trials and hardships you had to endure to achieve where you are now?
A: Well, basically I have never tried to achieve anything. I started cosplaying because it seemed like a fun hobby. And that's why I still do it.
Umm, sewing seemed to be a bit hard at the beginning, and I also hate wigs, because my head is size 62. All normal wigs are too small for me, so I have to do special preparations to use them.

Elffi as Gilgamesh

Calssara as Saber

From Fate Stay Night

Q: What countries or events would you dream on visiting if you were ever invited? Can you explain your reason on each?

A: Some places I've dreamed of visiting are Philippines, Indonesia, USA and Canada. I think Philippines and Indonesia are one of the most exotic places I can think of as a Finn. I also have many friends in those countries and I have heard many stories about your cosplay scene and events.

USA and Canada, well, that site of the globe I've never been in. They got some of the biggest events in the world, so yes, I definitely would like to visit some of those one day!

Q: In your own opinion, can you differentiate the feeling of buying costumes and making the costumes yourself?

A: But if you mean can I explain the feeling between a bought and self-made when you wear one? That depends on the situation. Of course you carry more pride of a costume which you have made by yourself, but sometimes people don't have enough skills, time or money to make their own costumes. In that situation, it's totally fine to buy your costume.

Q: In your own opinion, which anime character closely resembles who you are as an individual ? Can you explain why?

A: I think I would still stick on Kurosaki Ichigo. I will definitely do what I have decided, and also carry the responsibility of my actions to the very end. And of course, protect my friends in every situation.

Elffi as Shura Class

Calssara as Archbishop Class

From Ragnarok Online

Q: What advice can you give to those who are interested in joining the world of cosplay?

A: You cannot be perfect at the beginning. Cosplay is full of challenges and you will get better only by training and being open to new ideas and tips. Don't be afraid and talk to new people at conventions! They are mostly really friendly and I bet that you can make some new friends easily! The most fascinating part of cosplay is that you can have heaps of fun at the conventions!

Elffi as Taiga Kagami

From Kuroko no Basuke

To those who look up to you and see you as an inspiration, what message can you leave to them?

A: Anything is possible! That's the way to think. I love cosplay because you can use your infinite imagination in costume making. EVERYTHING you see can be used as a material! That's one of the precious to keep in mind. Thank you so much if I have given inspiration to you, that really does warm my heart and makes me smile!

Finally, to your fans, anything you would like to say?

A: Remember to cool me couple of beers before I come there!

Okay, by far, Elffi was the most epic guy to interview. Elffi if you're reading this, your awesomeness level cannot be contained! Thank you so much for giving time to answer the interview and I hope I'll get the chance to write about you again soon!

There you have it gentlemen, and especially the ladies. LOL. I hope you guys had fun reading this spotlight of the talented Finnish cosplayer Elffi! Because I for one, had a ton of fun making this entry ~!

Please do not forget to support Elffi and his works!