Good evening ROTBTD'ers! As per the poll, I am proud to present the results and our first interview!
And so, I would like to present for our first Post:
A short interview with Olive from @trixicwriter94 , current director* of the project B4: Guardians, a Rise of the Brave tangled Dragons fan film.
I know customary wording is Q/A but here we’ll be working with the A/O format.
A = Andy, providing questions and O= Olive, our first creator.
A- So for starters, let's do some basic introductions! Could you state your preferred online name /user and your pronouns?
(For your reference I'm Andy and I use he/him)
O- Olive is my name, and my pronouns are they/them!
A- Nice to meet you formally Olive!
O- Nice to meet you, too, Andy! Thank you for conducting this interview!
A- It's a pleasure to service my community (fandom), we can pinpoint the birth of the fandom to 2012-2013, when and how did you initially discover the [rotbtd] fandom?
O- Oooh, that’s a good question. I’d have to say that I first saw the fandom here on Tumblr, but I can’t exactly pinpoint when that was. I was still new to Tumblr back then, so I was still new to the idea of “fandom”.
A- That's valid, in that same branch, how long have you been active in the fandom?
O- I think I’ve been active pretty much since it was started in 2013.
A- Nice, we love an OG! Since you've been here a while, what would you say has most changed in ~10 years of the fandom?
O- hank you! I think the the things that’s most changed is the fact that people in the fandom have added a lot more characters/movies (that, in my opinion, are unnecessary) to the Big Four.
A- Yeah, I feel the same honestly, but I can appreciate an odd bunch from time to time! In matters of characters, do you have a fave out of the four or one from their distinct casts?
O- Hmmm…I know that we’re using pre-HTTYD2 Hiccup and Toothless in B4: Guardians, but my favorite character among the cast of characters from the How To Train Your Dragon franchise is Eret, Son Of Eret. Anyone who knows me well would not be very surprised by that fact. My favorite among the four has got to be Rapunzel. She’s just feisty and has a fighting spirit. She fights for what she believes in, and I really admire that about her.
A- That's a very nice portrait of Rapunzel! If you had to say which character is most like you/that you identify with the most, who would you pick?
O- It’s a cross between Hiccup and Rapunzel. Hiccup because I’m an outcast in my family. I’m the youngest, unmarried and with no kids… and I’m okay with that. Rapunzel because I feel like I’m just dreaming about writing full time, and painting is very important to Rapunzel, so I relate to her being interested in the visual arts. I’m currently in culinary school, but it’s physically and mentally draining each week. Anyway, yeah. Hiccup and Rapunzel are the ones I relate to most!
A- Interesting! I had no idea you studied culinary, cool vocation! And in matters of vocation, what would say your role within the fandom is?
O- I like to think that I’m a content creator within the fandom, despite the fanfilm not being that well-known!
A- Speaking of creation, now would be a great time for you to tell us about that fan vfilm! In a few lines can you tell us about the fan film itself?
O- Okay! The fan film is about Jack, Merida, Rapunzel and Hiccup being chosen to discover their centers, defeat a great evil, and help rekindle a broken father/daughter relationship. I think the lesson of the movie is that family isn’t just blood, but it’s also your chosen family, the family that you meet along the journey of your life.
O- Like, I know a LOT of people ship Merricup and Jackunzel and all the other ones…but I just see those four being good friends, with a family dynamic. Their chosen family may be small, but they grow as characters, and I like to believe we see that growth in B4: Guardians, and not just in each of the characters’ source material.
A- That's a fair point, platonic relationships are just as important as romantic ones and should not be undervalued; I know that you currently hold multiple positions in the making of this fan film, now I've seen the most updated version up on youtube and I'm wondering who came up with this?
O- That would be TheRedBoots, on deviantArt. They’ve since left the group (mentally and emotionally, although their username is still physically listed as the founder, as far as I’m aware). Back in 2013, I was just watching random Rise of the Brave Tangled Dragons YouTube videos (like fantrailers), and I saw this comment asking for people to help with a project that would soon after be known as The Big Four: Rise Of the Brave Tangled Dragons. It wasn’t until several years later that a Twitter user came up with the new title, since, technically, Rise Of the Brave Tangled Dragons was a copyrighted title (shout out to FILMSTHESEDAYS…I honestly have no clue if they’re still on Twitter since I’ve deleted my account). And, thus, B4: Guardians was the new name, and it’s been that way ever since.
The year was, I think, 2018 when the title was changed, since that’s the year that I made the post on the deviantArt page.
A- Dang what a story! And while we’re here, what ads are currently up for the project?
O- Let’s see, I’ve posted several on my TikTok and Instagram, and the lead animator has posted an ad on their channel. I have also posted some here on Tumblr. Most of the posts I’ve made on social media are just progress reports, but there’s one ad I made looking for volunteer animators and composers for this fanfilm.
A- Cool beans, I'll link the aads somewhere in here [place ads here]
Now here’s a couple rapid fire questions
O- I’m ready!
A- 1. Fave media format in the fandom ? (story, animation, art, cosplay, etc)
O- Probably art. I love seeing all the different art styles people have.
And, sadly, I rarely read other people’s fanfics, as I don’t want to think that “oh, that would make a good fanfilm”.
I’ve also scoured YouTube for animators for this thing…and I can’t really find that many, unfortunately.
A- Yeah that’s fair, tis' the ages for this,
2. Your favourite song for the main cast?
O- Hmmm…like from the original source materials’ scores or fanmade songs?
A- Whichever you like best :)
O - I think my favorite fanmade song for this crossover is a tie between No Way Out by 808mossmallow, and Free (Special Edition) by Ellie Amaya. The three others I love are Someday Things Will Change by Lily Sevin, Something Different by Lily Sevin, and Take Pity On Me by Walker Smith.
Fun fact: You may or may not hear those songs in the end credits of B4: Guardians!😉
A- Ooooooo very nice line up,
3. Favourite AU?
O- Thank you! I knew we needed something for the end credits, and I love all of those songs, so, after I got permission from each of the artists to use their respective songs in the end credits, I’ve spliced each of the songs up to make a mashup!
As for favorite AU…I’d have to say any Modern AU.
A- Very valid! I love modern AUs as well haha
O- Because, before 2020, I was really hoping to make this fan film live-action, even going as far as making wishlists for props, casting actors, trying to raise the money, and looking at locations.
A- Ooooo I’ve always dreamed of a live action Movie, I wanted my story to be one initially haha
Now, our final question, what is your wish for the fandom?
O- That’s really cool! My wish for the fandom is that this fan film (and the fandom in general) thrives for years to come. It’s one of the reasons I write fiction: to get my stories out there, and for them to become people’s favorite books. The same goes for the fanfilm: I want people to be able to enjoy it now and in the future.
A- That is a beautiful wish, I hope it comes true! ☺️
And so this concludes our brief interview, thank you so much Olive for your time! I hope our fandom thrives again!
O- Thank you so much for your well wishes, and for interviewing me! It was a pleasure! And you’re welcome!
As mentioned above, here are linked the volunteer ads that are up if you're a creative with some time and a current wish to participate in a fandom-led project!
See here to volunteer as a composer! 🎶
And around here to volunteer in the animation process! ✏
You can of course find B4: Guardians, in its latest stage
up on Youtube! 📺
Again, a big thank you to Olive for participating in my fandom antics!
Alright folks! This concludes our first interview! I will be following this post with an ask box for you to pitch in names or users or projects you'd love to see interviews about (be writers, artists, composer,etc) or if you wish to volunteer as 'tribute' do so within the ask box as well!
With this, I bid thee good day and to the morrow of soon,
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The Aftermath of Fanfiction Authors with Reba Interview
Before You Read the Interview
I contacted Reba after she posted a Reddit thread titled “When a fic becomes too popular and the author deletes their account and/or work. Explained.” on a throwaway account. We discussed details of the interview during December over email, then started the interview in January. This interview is not associated with a project and is its own independent work. Reba has chosen to remain anonymous.
She provides insight on potential reasons to why fanfiction authors abandon their work from the perspective of a fanfiction reader. She also answered general fandom questions and questions about herself so readers could understand her background.
Charmedseoul is a BTS-focused anonymous historian who documents fandom history using Fanlore. If you would like to be interviewed to help document perspectives in fandom, please contact her on Twitter @charmedseoul or on Tumblr @charmedseoull.
Parts of this interview have been edited with links to Fanlore and Wikipedia pages for understanding. Any information in [brackets] serves for further clarity for readers and elaboration of information.
Now presenting the interview with Reba, long-time fanfiction reader and participant in fandom:
When did you first join fandom culture?
I joined fandom culture in 2014. I feel like fandoms really peaked during this time. [Presence of SuperWhoLock and other Tumblr specific fandoms.]
What fandoms are you in? How have your experiences in them been?
I will be honest and say fandom culture isn’t for me- so I can’t say I’m active in any fandoms (I’m just a silent consumer) but growing up I was a fan of music artists mostly; Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande… I loved the IT 2017 movie adaptation for a long time (I still do), and early 2020 is when I got into BLACKPINK, then BTS. My experience with all of these has been good, and maybe that’s because I don’t see any of the drama and arguments online- but I don’t regret any of my past interests because they all made me happy at one point in time.
What do you like about fandoms?
What I like about fandoms is how happy it can make an individual; getting excited for a new music video, smiling at behind the scenes photos… it can bring someone a little joy if they are having a bad day.
What do you dislike about fandoms?
I don’t like stan culture at all; fandom drama, arguing on twitter with strangers to defend an artist who doesn’t even know you… it all seems toxic. While I'm sure healthy stanning does exist, I don't think it's easy to achieve at all.
How long have you been an ARMY? What are your opinions about the fandom? How has your experience in the fandom been?
I became an ARMY in early 2020 when Map of the Soul: 7 was released, so only a year. I really do like the fandom; ARMY is the only fandom I’ve seen where there are so many fans worldwide of all different ages, and that just shows how BTS and their music really is for everyone. There is so much BTS content that there’s never a dull day, so my experience in the fandom has been enjoyable!
Did you ever leave ARMY and take a break then come back?
I’ve never left ARMY, that being said, I’m a newbie and haven’t been here for long.
When did you first start reading fanfiction?
I have been exposed to fanfiction since 2014, but I wasn’t in any fandom back then and started reading fanfiction in 2017.
What do you think the purpose behind fanfiction is?
We mostly read for entertainment but there is definitely a purpose to fanfiction, as for all art. Fanfiction is a great thing for both reader and writers, it can be an outlet for many people, a way to experience things that you don't have a chance to experience in your own life. It also can be a good base ground for people who want to start writing, or for someone who finds reading huge paperback novels difficult. Fanfiction is so easily accessible, you can pull up a story to read or share your work at the press of a button.
As you’ve read fanfiction over the years, do you feel like anything about fanfiction has changed?
Yes! Fanfiction is taken a lot more seriously now, people who write fanfiction treat it like an actual novel with plotting and editing- the quality of fanfiction in general is a lot better. Fandom ships have also changed; when I was a teenager Harry Styles fanfictions were crazy popular, now the fanfics that seem to be more popular are BTS! So that just shows when music evolves, pretty much everything else does too.
As a reader, how do you view authors?
I'm always amazed by fanfic authors because they practically write whole novels for free. Writing can be such a personal thing, and it does take talent; there is a story the author wants to convey, and when a story is told in a beautiful way, it leaves a lasting impact on the reader. I’m sure that must be a euphoric feeling for the author- it means they told their story, and they did it well.
Do you think many other readers share the same view as you?
No, not at all. There are readers out there who don’t really think about the time and effort authors put into their stories. I’ve seen readers expect so much, and criticise something so little. It’s sad- people should be able to write whatever they want, writing is supposed to encourage creativity. Authors shouldn’t have to fear backlash for doing just that. Being creative.
Why do you think so many authors delete/orphan their work after it gains popularity?
When a story gains popularity- it attracts good and bad attention alike. Unfortunately the negative affects us a lot more, it’s just human nature. While authors do put their work out there, I don’t think they are ever prepared for their stories to become so popular. I am sure it is overwhelming and that’s why authors feel the need to distance themselves from it all and delete/orphan their work.
What stories prompted you to start thinking about why authors delete/orphan their works?
I read a story called mixtape (IT movie) and I was around long enough to see chapters be uploaded each week. I also saw the struggles the author went through when their fanfic began to rise in popularity, which eventually led to the story being completely deleted from the internet. So I thought this could have been a one-off since I hadn’t read many fanfictions. I then moved onto BTS fanfiction and decided to read the most talked about ones first, only to see a lot of them were by orphaned accounts (so not just a one-off occurrence!). House of Cards by sugamins was the one that got me thinking, I thought “why would somebody not want to be associated with this amazing writing?!” That’s when I began to do some research and stumbled across your interview with the author!
How do you think backlash for a work harms an authors mental health?
An immense amount of feedback, positive or negative, can take a toll on one person. A lot of authors can be reserved people and they write because they are passionate, as an outlet or just a hobby. So when their work does receive backlash it can be very upsetting- it could make them doubt their reasons and capabilities and affect an author so much they might stop writing all together.
How do you think some authors manage their mental health and not delete a work?
This is a hard question because everyone deals with backlash differently. I know some authors who are not bothered by backlash and they choose to ignore it and move on with their day, and then there are other authors who are more anxious and have to put a lot of measures in place to protect their mental health; from your interview with sugamins they explain how they didn’t want to destroy their work, just distance themselves from it, so that’s always an option.
Taking time away from social media and getting enough rest, it is important to not neglect your well-being. Finding a way to cope when you feel low; animals tend to ground me and improve my mental health- they are loving and don’t judge you for who you are. Maybe you cope by talking with friends, or listening to your favourite song. It doesn’t matter what it is, as long as it helps.
At what point with mental health do you think authors start to consider deletion/orphaning?
I think an author starts to consider deleting/orphaning their work when it completely consumes them. It is not healthy to be fixated on something that is no longer bringing you happiness, you need to let it go. If you are an author reading this, just know you are not your feedback, it doesn’t define your existence, okay? Fanfiction should add to your life, not take away from it.
Why do you think some readers invade an authors privacy?
Sometimes, people care more about the author than the work they have created. So when a fanfic has deeply touched a reader and helped them through so much, they want to reach out in any way and tell them so- this can be invasive if the reader is not careful about their approach.
How do you think authors manage this privacy invasion?
Stopping it before it happens; not using your real name, having a separate account for writing, don’t link social media accounts in your works etc. If privacy has already been compromised and a reader is making the author uncomfortable, then disabling comments on their works, making a new social media or changing their accounts to private would be smart. Just knowing how to keep safe online.
At what point with privacy invasion do you think authors start to consider deletion/orphaning?
When you are at risk of being doxed. I think when readers are going as far as finding authors’ personal accounts and messaging their friends- anything along those lines is scary and the reader is going from a supporter to an intrusive stranger real fast.
Why do you think anonymity is important for fanfiction writing?
When your full name is attached to everything you do, people have a very easy way to get back to you. This is why authors keep an anonymous profile, and it is important readers respect that. Most authors don’t want their family, friends, employer etc to see that sort of stuff. It is completely okay to remain professional and keep fanfiction writing separate from personal life.
Do you think fanfiction writing should stay free? Do you think authors should be paid for their work?
I do think fanfiction writing should stay free on the sites they originate from (AO3 for example). However, if the author wants to take their work elsewhere to earn money then I don’t see an issue in that. I am glad you mention copyright law with fanfiction in particular because the author of mixtape (the fanfiction I mentioned earlier) tried to self publish their work while keeping canon names, the author tried to justify it as a parody work and everyone was so concerned that they reported the book until it got removed. I have seen stories on Wattpad become published books to purchase, however, the names had been changed to original characters- I think this seems like a much more logical move to avoid any legal repercussions.
As a reader, how has an author’s work connected with you personally?
I have had works connect with me on a personal level, one in particular is Somebody To Love by LOVERVMINS (orphaned). My standards are impossibly high after reading that fanfic and I don’t think I will ever come across something so beautiful again. Somebody To Love is a taekook fic that was uploaded to AO3 in 2019, the author ended up deleting all their works but thankfully left this particular story up. I was immediately captured by the incredible writing and unique plot; the story of two lovers who were never meant for each other, but destiny found its way anyway… I apologise in advance for how long this summary (with spoilers) is, but I think my thoughts are proof of how this story has connected with me so much!
(Spoilers for Somebody to Love by LOVERVMINS. Please feel free to scroll to the next bolded question to avoid spoilers.)
In this story, Taehyung is a successful lawyer while Jungkook is just a student, despite the difference in status and wealth, they are intrigued by one another from the very start. After meeting Taehyung, Jungkook is left feeling confused about himself, the internalised homophobia is strong to begin with but as the chapters progress Jungkook goes from someone who is afraid of society and what people may think, to strong and outspoken. Taehyung plays a fundamental part in this, because if Jungkook were to never meet Taehyung, he wouldn’t have realised who he really was, he wouldn’t have been brave enough to discover his sexuality and fall in love in a time where it was so unaccepting. Taehyung is bold and confident on the surface, giving little regard for anybody other than himself, but his concern for others soon changes after he meets Jungkook, he becomes a better man. He could have had his heart desires- but Taehyung was no longer selfish from those few months he spent with Jungkook, so he stayed with his wife to be a good father.
Taehyung makes Jungkook promise him he will find somebody to love (hence the title), and he does, Jungkook finds somebody to love and he is happy- Taehyung finds this out when they unexpectedly meet a few years later, this is the final time Jungkook and Taehyung see each other… but knowing Jungkook is happy, leaves Taehyung happy.
There are different kinds of love, some last forever, and some just for a chapter of your life. It is clear Jungkook was Taehyung’s forever. And I don’t think Jungkook’s love for Taehyung ever went away, he just found another kind of love like he had promised. Jungkook had to live his life; he couldn’t wait for Taehyung, to leave his marriage in the unforeseeable future, or watch him raise his kids from afar, this shows that even if society were accepting, their circumstances were too far gone- if only they met sooner, or in another life. It makes you imagine a world where they could have been together, it makes you think beyond the story even when it’s ended.
It has been a month or two since I read LOVERVMINS work, and I still feel a pang in my chest every time I think of Taehyung’s letter for Jungkook in the epilogue.
Why do you think others think they have the right to know an authors personal information?
I think in this day and age, everything about a person is on show, so people just expect that sort of information from you. Authors appreciate feedback- but they don't know the reader, their family or what they do for fun. Vice versa. You only see a small glimpse into the authors life, and the stuff you see is what they feel comfortable enough to show. That should be enough.
Do you consider writing an art form?
I do consider writing an art form. Writing is like painting an image in the readers mind. I think it is better than visual art because when you are reading a story, not everyone is going to envision the exact same thing, it is up to the imagination. I think that is what makes it so beautiful- we all collectively love a story, yet, we somehow interpret it differently.
Why do you think Archive of Our Own is the ideal platform for fanfiction writing?
I think Archive of Our Own is ideal for fanfiction writing because they give you many options with your work so you are comfortable- it is easy to remove comments, delete an account, or orphan works while keeping your account etc. It is important authors get control of what happens to their work if they want to leave and go in a different direction.
Do you think other fanfiction writing platforms like Fanfiction.net and Wattpad are ideal or lacking?
I think Wattpad is ideal for younger audiences; it’s more visual with book covers and the layout in general is more appealing, I also feel like the stories on there are targeted for pre-teens. When I first got into fanfiction, I did start on Wattpad because it was easier to navigate. I look back now though and do think it is lacking in terms of quality, a lot of the stories are written for shock value and don’t really make much sense because of that. It is hard to find a story on Wattpad that ticks all the boxes (but not impossible). Wattpad also had a breach with data last summer and everyone’s emails got pwned so that made a lot of people move to AO3. I have never used Fanfiction.net so unfortunately I can’t speak for that one. Overall, AO3 has much more content, you can find a story with ease once you know how to use the site.
How has fanfiction writing affected the people in your personal life?
How did you find out that your sister is writing fanfiction?
My sister wrote a Harry Styles fanfic in 2014 which gathered around half a million reads on Wattpad, she got comments from people telling her how much her fanfic has impacted their lives pretty much every day. My sister and I are close and we share the same friends, I noticed when we would have sleepovers she was always on her phone and never paid attention to the movies we were watching. I think all the numbers did affect her for a moment and it wasn’t until my sister started her exams that she realised she had to put her concentration into those to pass, that’s how she came to the decision to delete the story. I asked her recently if she regrets deleting it and she told me she doesn’t at all, she now looks back and doesn’t think her writing was good back then. So I think that shows authors do know what they’re doing and what is best for them in the long run.
My sister had a one direction fan account on Instagram that had 100k+ followers (insane!), she was always open with her interests and I found out she started writing fanfiction through that account.
What personal reasons do you think authors have for deleting/orphaning works?
The list is endless; maybe the author wrote the story in a bad time in their life and they want to delete it because it reminds them of that time, they could have left the fandom, or they simply do not like their story anymore- they grew up and know they can do so much better. It is okay for an author to grow apart from their work, it shows they are growing as a person too.
Why do you think authors get backlash from writing dark themes?
I think authors receive backlash from writing dark themes because it can be triggering for some and can bring up unpleasant memories.
What do you think are the responsibilities of an author when writing dark themes?
A safe bet would be to tag anything relating to abuse (physical, emotional, etc), mental illness (eating disorders, self harm, suicide, etc), graphic violence and rape/sexual assault. That’s what comes to mind. And if a trigger occurs only in a certain chapter, then having an additional warning in the chapter notes would be helpful.
What do you think are the responsibilities of a reader when reading dark themes?
If dark subjects are included in the tags, don’t read the story if it could trigger you. It is as simple as that. People decide to read the fanfic then get mad at the author for triggering them. I am not trying to insult anybody who has triggers, maybe they read a story and their specific trigger was never mentioned in the additional tags… this is what the ‘chose not to archive warnings’ box is for, with this option, it is handled in AO3’s FAQ that major tags are not necessary. In shirt, this means there may be triggering content in the fic that is not disclosed by the author. Plus, there is usually a pop up banner before you click on a story which reads ‘this work could have adult content. if you proceed you have agreed that you are willing to see such content’. There are so many warnings, you can’t miss them. It is a case of reading at your own risk, you can’t blame the author if you do not like the result.
Do you think authors are facing too much pressure from readers about what themes they write?
I do think authors face unnecessary pressure with the themes they write; they are put on such a pedestal that when they write something that isn’t what the audience want, they receive a lot of negative criticism. Authors, no matter what themes you are writing, there is no need to worry if you are writing for yourself and putting out the content you set out to create.
Why do you think authors write dark themes?
Dark themes are simply an exploration of difficult emotions along with unpleasant events or consequences. Authors write dark themes because it serves a narrative purpose. And authors don’t have to be ‘dark’ people or experience all of these unsettling things to write such content.
Why do you think readers read dark themes?
Dark themes are not for everyone, I personally don’t think there are enough dark works out there. I read dark themes because it interests me more, I want to know how the characters are going to cope with the consequences, or heal from the trauma. Other readers might prefer dark themes for the graphic content, this is fine too. Fictional violence is not real- we all know this, so there is no reason to be terrified.
Why do you think so many authors want to have their work get popular?
People may disagree, but I think it has a lot to do with validation. Subconsciously, authors want people to like their work- a rise in popularity means readers are seeing the authors work, and hopefully taking enjoyment from it. This isn’t a bad thing as long as you realise validation does not equal self-worth. There are people out there who write and do not gain much attention, but that doesn’t stop them from posting their work anyway.
Do you think a work’s popularity is important?
I personally don’t. I read a range of fanfictions- some are super popular, others are not. It is the content I am more interested in, not how many hits/views it has.
Should we judge authors for deleting/orphaning their work?
Not at all! I am sure authors have thought long and hard before coming to their decision.
How should we view situations where authors delete/orphan their work?
For a reader, it can be upsetting when authors delete/orphan their work, especially if there is no possibility of reading that story again. However, we need to show compassion and view the situation from the authors perspective; gaining popularity on a fanfic isn't as pleasant as it might seem, it is much more complicated than that. A lot of feedback, both good and bad, can be overwhelming. Mental health is important, and if that means distancing yourself from something so popular, then it must be done. Privacy can be compromised, people in your real life might find out you write these stories and not be accepting, or readers become invasive which is a scary situation to be in. And a mixture of personal reasons, people are allowed to grow and change and want to distance themselves from things they are no longer proud of.
What do you think authors should be aware of in case their work does get popular?
This is a good question… I think authors need to be aware that with good feedback, also comes bad feedback. You cannot please every single person on this earth, but that is not your job- so do not take it personally.
Do you have any last messages to readers of this interview?
I want to thank you in particular, Charm. This interview is probably the coolest thing I’ll ever get to do for the BTS fandom and I’m so grateful that our paths crossed so we could create this interview together. You are such a kind soul and it has been a pleasure from start to finish.
For the authors reading this interview; I am just a reader, but I do understand how it can be hard for you to continue on when you are going through so many struggles readers don’t get to see. Just know you are appreciated, and you are supported no matter what you decide to do with your works in the future. Having popular works shouldn’t feel like a burden, there are blessings hidden in there- you have made readers feel a rollercoaster of emotions with your talent, you are able to engage with readers around the world, and you have created a beautiful story from nothing… you did that!
For the silent readers like myself: let the authors of your favourite work know how much you loved it (in a respectful way) before it is too late! I so wish I had the chance to tell the author of Somebody To Love how their story broke my heart then healed it again. Treasure the fanfictions you love because they very well could be gone tomorrow!
Thank you for reading this interview. Further below are reminders and information about this interview and Charmedseoul’s Fanlore projects.
Reba has chosen to remain anonymous. No social media or information about her will be released publicly.
This interview was conducted through email from January 31, 2021 to February 1, 2021 with Reba’s consent and protections under Fanlore’s Identity Protection policies and the posting website’s privacy policies. Unauthorized reposting of this interview is forbidden.
Due to the casual nature of this interview, repost of this interview is strictly prohibited. Linking and sharing is appreciated. Translation and unauthorized repost of this interview is forbidden.
Thank you for reading. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask and I will do my best to answer them.
Hello to all our friends and followers of Daily Thranduil Project!
Today it’s @elbenherzart‘s turn for our fandom interviews. She is a really talented professional illustrator, who has produced many beautiful artworks inspired by the world of Tolkien. She works with traditional media as well as with digital ones and has a lot of other creative talents, like sewing awesome cosplays. I hope you are curious to find out more about her, so without any further delay, I present you here with her answers to the questions we had asked her:
General Questions:
Username(s) we can find you under:
Either ElbenherzArt or my real name, Christina Kraus. :)
What Media do you create?
For digital paintings I use Photoshop and for my traditional stuff mostly inks or ballpoint pens. I almost never use pencils, because I find myself erasing all the time.
Are you self-taught or did you go to art school?
I am mostly self-taught. Tho I have a bachelor degree in Intermedia Design. This gave me a few design and composition fundamentals I can apply to my images, but didn't teach me to draw or to paint. Also I have a lot of other professionals as friends who help me with critiques and reflection of my art. I always wanted to go to Art School but the programs in Germany are pretty shitty for it. All you learn is like drawing with a pencil bound to a stick, drawing with your not-drawing hand or drawing with a blind fold. It's complete garbage and I envy people who can afford programs such as the Swedish Academy of realistic Art where you actually learn useful drawing and painting fundamentals instead of fooling around.
Which artists have influenced your style?
That is a tough question. I admire a lot of artists but I guess my digital work is mostly influenced by Magic-the Gathering or Dungeons & Dragons artists, since this is the direction my work is heading too.
Which are your favourite artists?
I'd say Peter Mohrbacher, Jana Schirmer, Cynthia Sheppard, Jason Rainville...but hell, there are a lot. I can't pick a favourite.
Where can we find your work?
On my website, Tumblr, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Deviantart, Artstation and on Behance.
What would you say you are best known for in the fandom?
I'm not even sure I'm known for anything in this fandom. XD But the work I did based on the Silmarillion so far sells the best on Conventions and I get the most comments on it.
Do you have a favourite pairing?
Yes of course, but it's kind of controversial I'd say. ;)
Do you have a favourite creation of yours you are especially proud of?
I'm kind of proud of my latest piece, Celebrimbor's Smithy. It was a tough one, since interior scenes are very hard in general for me. The work on this piece took a whole month with a few breaks of course.
Do you have a favourite fictional character, besides Thranduil of course?
That would be Kylo Ren/Ben Solo from the Star Wars Universe.
What other fandoms are you part of?
The Star Wars Fandom, tho I'm barely active there. I have a Tumblr blog dedicated to it, but I mostly just reblog stuff and did only one Star Wars related painting so far. The fandom is kind of toxic with its stupid ship wars and anti culture going on.
Do you do commissions? Yes. :)
Any advice/words for others in the fandom?
That is such a general answer, but stay true to yourself, do what you love and don't give others shit over characters/pairings you don't like. Treat people the way you want to be treated. Be kind and respectful, you don't know what people are going through. If you are an artist, or want to be one; only self reflection, critiques and hard work will get you moving forward. You need to be able to see your own flaws. For that you need to seek out people who can give you an honest opinion about your art. (Not your friends or family.) Vanity is the downfall of every professional artist. You can be proud of your work, but never vain. (You can always ask me for porfolio reviews or advice if you want by way. :))
Personal Questions:
Favourite Book? The Silmarillion.
Favourite movie? Currently Star Wars-The last Jedi.
Do you have a pet peeve?
Littering. When I see people throwing their trash onto the walkways or streets I get furious. Take it to the next trash bin or home! It's not difficult.
What country are you from? Germany!
Who do you think you might have been in a past life?
Probably a cat. Sleeping and eating is all I want to do. :)
What do you like to do in your spare time other than create the media you work on?
When I'm not drawing or painting I'm either binge watching series on Netflix (currently Outlander <3) or I'm with my friends/boyfriend. Sometimes I write Fanfiction, but mostly I'm reading it. I also try to travel as often as possible and sew my own costumes when time allows it.
When did you join the fandom?
I think back in 2007. Not really sure actually. Definitely more than 10 years ago.
Follower Questions:
@floranocturna asked:
You are a very versatile artist and I have been admiring your very cool cosplays already for a while, especially your Celebrian and Celeborn are amazing! Do you sew all the cosplays yourself?
Thank you and yes, I sew them usually by myself :).
What inspires you to cosplay a specific character?
Honestly it's mostly the robes. If I like the aesthetic of a character, I want to cosplay him/her. XD Of course I also have an eye on the character and need to like him/her.
You are very ardent about being vegan. Will you tell us a little bit about your reasons and why is it important to you and should we maybe all think about how can we help to preserve nature instead of destroying it?
This is a loaded question and I'm unable to answer it with just a few words. Feel free to ignore this text if you are not interested. As I learned that raising livestock for meat, eggs and milk generates 14,5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, the second highest source of emissions and greater than all transportation combined and that it's the leading cause of deforestation, biodiversity loss and water pollution, I knew that I had to act and change my diet, because I simply couldn't live with that knowledge and not doing something about it. And of course the killing of millions of sentinent animals every single day. The meat industry is the most powerful industry in the world and they try literally everything to make us continue to buy meat, to make it cheaper and to leave people in the dark about the consequences for our planet and our health. Here the Pharmaindustry comes in. The meat industry is their biggest customer (80% of their money is made from antibiotics they sell to farmers and animal factories) and sponsor, feeding billions of pills to animals each to day to alter their flesh. It's all about money, control and very fucked up. Like always. If the grain that is used to feed our first world country livestock would be given to people in Africa or other third world countries where children starve to death, no one on this planet would need to suffer from hunger anymore. It's all pretty messed up and a paradox. The only way of preserving nature in the long run is going vegan actually. I know that a lot of people don't like this thought, but that's mostly because they are misinformed (I was too, everyone is in the beginning) and fear either deficiencies or they think they can only eat vegetables and fruits. But that's not true. There are so many vegan dishes and sweets out there people are not even aware of. Oreos for example are completely vegan. A lot of junk food is. Cake, Ice cream and chocolat can be vegan too. It's all just a matter of replacing the eggs and there are plenty of alternatives. When people think about going vegan, they think about all the things they can't have anymore. Instead, think of the things you gain from it. You support the environment, save lifes and it's beneficial for your health. You are less likely to get cancer or diabetes. You don't have to give up your beloved sweets or junk food. I mostly eat the same things I ate before, just with egg replacement and almond or oat milk instead of cows milk. The only thing you have to keep in mind is B12. I take a pill everyday for it and you should too if your are vegan. If you do that you are completely safe and won't suffer any deficiencies if you live on a wholesome diet. This wall of text may imply that I try to preach or what ever, but I simply state facts. It's up to everyone if they choose to act or not. I don't judge people for not going vegan. It takes a bit of effort, research and people will judge you for it. If you want to have more information I recommend the Netflix documentaries „What the health.“ and „Cowspiracy“. They are all based on researchable facts and explain a few statements I've given here. Also you might want to take a look at „Why we love dogs, eat pigs and wear cows“.
@beelovesbutterfly asked:
First of all, thank you for sharing your lovely artwork. What is your favourite art medium?
@themirkyking asked:
Which method of creating do you prefer? Digital or traditional, and why?
For my personal taste and fun I prefer traditional mediums. It's much more relaxing than digital art where I have to stare at a screen all day. Also I love the smell of paint and texture of paper. But for client work I definitely prefer digital since it's easier to change mistakes and I'm able to finish something faster. What makes the pay a lot better.
Thank you so much Christina for taking the time to participate in our series of fandom interviews for @dailythranduilproject. It was a pleasure having you!
Please check out Christina’s blog and her page at DeviantArt for all her awesome artwork! And if you happen to be in Cologne on May 12/13th 2018 you can go and visit her booth at the RPC Germany!
I’m here to announce our next interview, this time with the sweet @griseldajane. Not only is she a very versatile and talented artist with a distinct and refreshing art-style, but she also writes heartfelt fanfiction with an equal amount of dedication to her two favourite subjects: the Mirkwood Royals, Thranduil and Legolas. We have featured her art already on our blog and she has participated in our Thranduil Summer Bash with the cool drawing above (see the full version on her blog) and she does beautiful commissions too!
Her interview will be posted on May 13th, so if you want to ask her some questions, please send them as ask or message to @floranocturna or as an ask to @dailythranduilproject. You have until Friday, May 11th to send your questions!
Please check out her blog for more awesome artwork and writings!
Hello to all our friends and followers of Daily Thranduil Project!
Today we’ll be interviewing the lovely @griseldajane, whose art we have already featured several times on our blog. Her art style is refreshing and unique and in within the Tolkien fandom she is especially known for her dedication to the Mirkwood Royals and her blog @mirkwoodfamily. Drawings as well as fanfics are her métier and I hope you are looking forward to get to know her a bit better! So here are our and your questions and her answers:
General Questions:
Username(s) we can find you under: Griseldajane
What Media do you create? Art and fiction.
Are you self-taught or did you go to art school?
Both! I learned everything I know about photoshop and digital art on my own, but I did attend art school for 3D.
Which artists have influenced your style?
Glen Keane, Gabby Zapata, Sara Kipin, Chihiro Howe and many, many others!
Which are your favourite artists?
Animation artists, like Glen Keane and Jin Kim. But so many other kinds too. I love art that tells a story or makes me feel something. I like Bernini sculptures for the way you’re supposed to walk around them and see the story unfold, and Rothko paintings for the feeling I get when I stand in front of them, I like impressionist paintings like Monet or Van Gogh, and I love graphic novels, most currently Jen Wang’s work.
Where can we find your work?
griseldajane.tumblr.com AND my brand new Instagram account for folks who prefer that platform: artbygriselda https://www.instagram.com/artbygriselda/. Fiction over on AO3: Griseldajane
What would you say you are best known for in the fandom?
Oh boy. Probably for drawing Thranduil and Legolas too much, and running the Mirkwood Family blog.
Do you have a favorite pairing?
I primarily like gen father-son stories of Thranduil and Legolas and on the slash side I’m a Thor/Loki fan.
Do you have a favourite creation of yours you are especially proud of?
I get a lot of love for my story “Godchild” and that does make me happy.
Do you have a favourite fictional character, besides Thranduil of course?
Thor!
What other fandoms are you part of?
So many, I’m active in several Marvel fandoms and of course Tolkien fandom, but I follow Star Wars, Sherlock, Star Trek among others.
Do you do commissions?
Yes, I do!
Any advice/words for others in the fandom?
Try to have fun out there, and if you like something, art, writing, edits other fan media— let the creator know! We’re a community :)
Personal Questions (Optional):
If you could name a song (or two or three) that would describe you or your life, what would it be?
Oh dear... let me get back to you!
Favorite color? Green
Favourite book? The Last Unicorn
Favourite movie? Amadeus
Do you have a pet peeve?
I get super annoyed by people who are wholly unaware that other people share the sidewalk with them and then block the way— so, selfishness is my pet peeve! (Can you tell I don’t own a car?)
What country are you from? The United States
Who do you think you might have been in a past life?
Probably someone who worked by or on the ocean, since I am utterly charmed by the sea.
What do you like to do in your spare time other than create the media you work on?
I honesty do a lot of art, but aside from that I play the ukulele badly, study absolute beginner adult Ballet, and like watching basketball games with my friends.
When did you join the fandom?
Oh, when the first Hobbit film came out, so end of 2012.
Follower’s Questions:
@beelovesbutterfly asked:
Current goal (name one goal) in life?
I have so many little goals which all serve the greater one: finding happiness! To be honest, I'm never sure what that is for me, so my little goals change frequently. But one goal of mine, which has been constant, is to improve my drawing skill. I desperately want to level up so that one day I can draw whatever I imagine!
What is your favourite flower, ever?
I like light colored, small roses, in white, baby pink or yellow. But my favorite flower in the wild is the endangered Lady Slipper. It's illegal to pick, but they sometimes used to grow in the woods around the house where I grew up, and whenever I saw one it felt like magic, like seeing a fairy ring. The last time I was able to go visit my mother in the springtime, I traipsed through the woods for old times sake and I saw one! It just filled me with joy.
How would you describe your art style? Thank you :D:D
Oh gosh, it is difficult for me to see my own style, but I would say, anatomically incorrect Disney?
@themirkyking asked
Your Thranduil and Legolas art is wonderful, and you have also written about the royal family, have or would you, ever create a graphic novel with them? Thanks!
Thank you! Oh my, I'd love to create a graphic novel, but I fear I lack both time and skill to do so. I'm definitely into little mini comics, but an entire graphic novel seems so daunting. I work so much to pay my bills, but if I ever pay off my student loans and find I can work less, that would be an amazing project to tackle. I find comics a bit challenging because I'm used to animation storyboards (I'm always drawing "to camera"), and comic layouts can be very different! But I do enjoy writing so a graphic novel would be like the ultimate project for me.
@floranocturna asked
When creating art, do your prefer traditional media or digital art?
Hmm, it's hard to say. Honestly, I do both pretty regularly. I think digital give you incredible flexibility. You can do almost anything, fix almost any mistake. It's easy to share and to perfect. But there's something so satisfying about traditional media because you are literally creating something-- there's a thing now, in your hands, that wasn't there before. With digital, it's a file somewhere, easy to forget. It doesn't actually exist. I find I do draw better on paper, but I refine my ideas much better digitally. I guess, if I'm doing art therapy for myself, I always do something traditional. There is a catharsis to picking up a pencil and drawing lines, feeling the paper, hearing the sound it makes as you make marks.
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Early bird. If I get up too late, I get anxious. I feel like my day is squandered. That said, I have also worked late into the night sometimes when I'm in a groove.
What inspires you to write a story?
All my stories start as little drabbles. Usually, a character will say something to me. And then another character will respond, and my imagination will just run with it until before I know it, I've got a story. I'm also a sucker for emotional conflict, so if something happens to me that is particularly emotionally upsetting, I tend to write it into my fiction. Writing is therapy for me. For instance in "Always," the fear that Legolas feels that he could lose his remaining parent is one that I have experienced myself with my one remaining parent. Being disgusted or ashamed with my physical appearance that Thranduil feels, is something that I've wrestled with. In both cases it is not literally the same situation that the characters face, but the emotions are the same and people recognize that I think. It helps me anyway.
Do you draw art for your own stories?
Oh yes! Especially if it takes me *cough* years to write a story and then when I'm done I still think about it-- so out come the drawings! I've done art for every big story I've written.
Thanks everyone for your questions! If you want to ask any follow up questions, please feel free to contact me. :)
I hope you’ve enjoyed today’s interview and are looking forward to the next one!
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On Sunday May 6th we'll be posting the interview with the lovely @elbenherzart. So if you have any more questions, please send them to us or to @floranocturna as ask or PM. You have until tomorrow, Friday May 4th, to send them in!
And now, back to your normally scheduled programming!
So, hiatus is over as of tomorrow. I will be returning to normal postings of RWBY Wot Ifs and starting the ‘Fandom Interviews’ (Cool name coming soon). Thanks for the patience, and its good to be back.
Arjun Gupta of #TheMagicians joined us for an in-depth followup of our previous Q&A. Check it out, then follow @houseatmurs on Twitter for more great Magicians content.
