Special Feature: Tahni Marie
Art by Tahni Marie Edwards
Tahni Marie Edwards is a self-taught artist and musician who composed the music for two episodes of Lore Olympus! She also has her own webcomic on Webtoons called Badlands.
You are both an artist and musician! How long have you been doing each? What mediums?
I've been doing both since I was really little! When I was a kid, I was inspired by the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time video game, so little me would spend a lot of time making little booklets for stories and music to go along with it. And into my teens I only got more into it! I don't think I have the patience or confidence to make a video game but… I do know one day I want to get better at illustrating, making comics, and music composition, so I can produce my story—which is, I guess in a way, a love letter to what got me into making things.
When making my art, I used to do a lot of it traditionally with crayons/colored pencils/copics, but I do most of it now digitally in Procreate! I love using the maxpack brushes because I'm saving paper, and it imitates how I work traditionally really well! With my music, I do most of it in GarageBand. But I do utilize things I have around me and record with them sometimes! Honestly, I'd love to have a good music setup one day where I can do more symphonic pieces which is my first love.
How did you come to write music for two episodes of Lore Olympus? What is your process when writing music for an episode?
Tahni Marie Edwards composed the music for episode 66: Here. Photo from Webtoons.
Well, initially, I saw Rachel putting out a call for someone to compose music for an episode, and I decided to take a chance and apply! I was still semi-new to being public about my music despite it being a big part of my life. I didn't expect her to pick me, and I'm so happy she did, because the first piece I did is one of my favorite compositions I've ever made. I was really happy when she asked me to make another piece for her too!
When I made the pieces for Rachel , it's really the same as any time I compose a piece of music. What emotion am I trying to capture? What colors do I want express through sound? What kind of story am I trying to tell? Those are all questions that need to be answered when I start. For the first song, it was having an idea of the conversation between Persephone and Eros and exploring the genre that Rachel felt suited her story. I love this part of the process because I like to challenge myself and learn new things! After I get the main idea for a song, which oftentimes I’ll sing each or most of the parts vocally to get a rough idea, then I will build on it until each instrument has a proper voice.
Tahni Marie Edwards composed the music for episode 114: VHS. Photo from Webtoons
For the second song, though, it was a completely different process as I was just as surprised of what was to happen in the episode! So I relied heavily on what I had made prior and the current situation. I figured that I would need to make an emotional piece, because music is so often used to bring out what we see. I kind of laugh to myself sometimes about it, because I get really shy about music I make and it had been a while since I listened to the first song. After re-listening I was mortified!!! LIKE OH MY GOD, PAST ME, HOW AM I GONNA OUT DO THIS PIECE?? YOU WENT TOO HARD! TOO HARD! I'm so glad everyone, Rachel included, liked it!
How would you describe your style, both musically and artistically?
Both music and art to me are very focused on color. I have Chromesthesia, which I always compare to having that old Windows music visualizer built into my brain. When I hear sounds, I feel and “see” colors in my head. I'm a big fan of texture and I try my best to emulate that in my illustrations. I tend to favor sounds that make me see dark purples being flooded with milky pinks, with flashes of orangey yellows or teals and yellowish greens. In music, these colors often manifest themselves as the sounds of soft electronic pianos , glockenspiels, and stringed instruments. It’s such a complicated experience to describe! But all in all, that's what I try to embody in my work: color, shape, texture and the possibility of translating it into sound. Chances are, if I draw characters for my own personal works or make a story, I have a bunch of music I’ve made for it.
Tell us your Lore Olympus story. What got you into Lore Olympus? What made you stay?
This is a very funny story! Two to three years ago, I didn't have any idea what Webtoons was! (I live under a rock.) It was actually thanks to the fans who attended SacAnime during my first tabling experience who introduced me to it (also adding to the realization that RACHEL WAS A FOLLOWER OF MINE). Like wow, oh my god, her style is so beautiful and textured, it feels so sparkly- oH oH SHES FOLLOWING ME! So, of course, I followed back and checked out her art and her comics! It was exciting to see someone who utilized textures in a similar way that I did while still being unique in the execution of her designs and flow. I also loved that we both had characters who were pink and flowery…the best girls. But I enjoy Rachel’s story; it's such a unique take on the Greek myth, and she's really made it her own. I want to see how she continues to grow as an artist and as a storyteller.
If you could body snatch one LO character for a day, who would it be?
Honestly, I would love to be Persephone. Not only is she cute, she's pink! But also the fact she's very flowery and I feel I relate to her in more ways than one, so I’d be comfortable in her skin. But, if I was going be someone because I just really like their design, it’d be Ares—I'd be handsome…but i think it'd be obvious that something is off with his demeanor. I’d be all love and peace! No fighting!
You also have a webcomic on Webtoons, called Badlands! What is the comic about? What made you decide to start this story?
Badlands story and art by Tahni Marie. Photo from Webtoons.
YEAH! Badlands is my baby! I've been developing it nonstop for the past two years, so it's nice to finally draw out the story! The story is focused on a young woman in her mid-20’s who is focused on rediscovering what she wants out of life. While initially Badlands was meant to be a story that was a nonsensical misadventure, it became really personal as I developed it while I was going through therapy and starting treatment for severe anxiety and depression. I have a lot of catching up to do when it comes to being an adult, and as I learned how to be kinder to myself, it became apparent I wanted to tell a story that focuses on someone who has failed a lot in life but wants to do better. Which is something that I think a lot of people can relate to. Badlands isn't the only story I want to tell. In fact, I have so many! But I think it has a message that people need to hear right now, especially with the state of our world at the moment.
What advice do you have for someone looking to get into creating a webcomic, or composing music for one?
I hear a lot of people say you just gotta do it! You gotta go for it! Which I agree with, but I do think when you want to make a webcomic, or truthfully any kind of work-intensive project, the first thing you do is research! Plan out your goals! Design documents! Learn anything you can that will help you shape your process so that when you start you can figure out a good approach to getting things done. Everyone has a different method of working on their comics, so I think the most important thing to do is find your way! There's so much work to be done, but work smart!
Aside from that, I really do have to say trust yourself and be willing to make mistakes during the process. Be willing to try again and keep going. You are the only one who can tell your story!
How has the fandom received your work - any particular positive or negative experiences?
Honestly nothing negative! It’s been really amazing and also kind of surprising. I make music solely because I love making it. My goal was to make Rachel like it! I didn't expect it to resonate with others to the extent it has. It makes me feel really emotional and thankful to have helped add another layer to Lore Olympus and I hope to be able to make more music!
Just for fun, who did you get on our Hades’ dogs character quiz? Do you agree?
I got Cerberus! I guess it seems right, dogs have an ideal life. Do you see how well Hades takes care of his dogs? A GOOD LIFE !
Tahni Marie Edwards is an artist from the California Bay Area happily living in a place with alot of cows! She is a self taught artist and musician who tries her best to learn something new everyday! When she isn't drawing she spends her time taking care of her dad and being a mommy to her fluffy children. You can follow here on:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/queenofgoldfish
Twitter: www.twitter.com/queenofgoldfish
Patreon: www.patreon.com/queenofgoldfish
OTHER FEATURES:
Syndey Rae created a stunning Lore Olympus world in the Sims video game. Check out the galleries showcasing her work and hear from her.