Cover image via Amy (Provided to SAYS)
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At just 14, Rachel has already taught herself how to create an entire book by hand
Most teens might doodle in sketchbooks or write short stories for fun, but Rachel Wong Wei Ting, 14, decided to combine her passion into an ambitious project. She rewrote a classic story in her own words, filled them with 66 pages of hand-drawn illustrations, and even binded the book herself.
The book consists of three famous fairytales and 66 pages of illustrations
Filled with hand-drawn illustrations and dreamy stories, Rachel's book features The Little Matchgirl, The Wild Swans, and Rumplestiltskin.
She chose fairytales for their rich emotions and colourful characters she could bring to life on paper. After rewriting the stories, Rachel filled the pages with her own illustrations, with each one matching the mood and magic of the tale. For instance, Rachel challenged herself to use only three colour pencils (yellow, red, and blue) to create unique shades.
Rachel, a home-schooled student from Penang, has a lifelong passion for drawing
Originally from Kuala Lumpur, she used to study at a Steiner School before moving to Penang, where she is now home-schooled by her mum.
Other than attending workshops, she is mostly self-taught, learning by observing book illustrations and other people's art. Inspired by them, Rachel experiments with multiple drawings to develop her own signature style.
It all started with a homework assignment where Rachel's classmates had to work on a personal school project
"My mum thought that it would be a good idea for me to do the same, although I have left the school. Naturally, the project of choice for me is to make a book because that's what I love. I love to read storybooks and draw people," said Rachel.
She completed all 66 pages of artwork in just three weeks, and her dad helped scan the drawings, which Rachel says was the most fun part. Writing was the most challenging part, as she admits that words don't come as easily to her as images.
It took her five months to retell the fairytales. To wrap up the project, she spent one week teaching herself how to sew and bind a hardcover book by watching YouTube tutorials.
Watch this video of her making the book:
For now, Rachel hopes to raise enough money from selling her book to buy a drawing tablet. With it, she wants to explore digital art and continue creating more illustrated books in the future.
You can order Rachel's book here.
