STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: EMILY RAYLS | YEAR 9

This month, we are shining a bright spotlight on Year 9 student Emily, a true creative powerhouse who is bridging the gap between traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology.

If you’ve attended any of our recent school theater productions, like Annie or our annual Winter Show, you’ve likely seen Emily’s passion for performance in action. But her creativity doesn't stop when the curtains close. Emily is a regular volunteer and fixture in our campus Maker Space, where she splits her time between mastering 3D printers, drawing and designing digital characters on Procreate, and teaching her peers the timeless art of sewing.

Emily recently blew us away with an incredible multi-disciplinary Maker Space project. She utilized the 3D printers to create a custom character doll, hand-sewed a tailored outfit for it, painted the fine details, and then styled a professional photoshoot to create a captivating stop-motion film! Emily’s dedication to learning, creating, and sharing her skills truly embodies the innovative spirit of ISW.

Emily, from theater to digital drawing to 3D printing, you have so many creative hobbies. What drives your passion for arts and crafts, and how do you decide what project to tackle next?

My inspiration comes from my favourite pieces of media like Splatoon, Spy Family, Monster High, and Demon Slayer. I also find inspiration from day-to-day life, and my emotions. The drive to create and make something tangible drives my passion for arts and crafts. I usually plan in Procreate or in my notes app. It's a good start for tackling my ideas. I have a lot of ideas, and it's hard to pick what to tackle first, but I usually pick the one I'm the most excited about during that period. I will admit, I don't always get all my projects done, but I'm working on getting better at not leaving my projects behind.

You’re heavily involved in both school theater productions and the Maker Space. How does your love for the theater influence your arts and crafts projects, or vice versa?

My love for theatre drives me to make art pieces based off my favourite musicals, and I really want to recreate Glinda's bubble dress from the Broadway and West End productions of Wicked one day. On the flip side, if there was ever an opportunity to create props and costumes for a theatre production. I haven't had the chance, but it's something I'd like to do someday.

Your character doll project required a lot of patience and many different skills. What advice would you give to other ISW students who have a big creative idea but might be afraid to try something new or complex?

My advice to people who have big, complex, projects is to first break it down into parts. Think of it as a bunch of smaller parts that will come together eventually. My second piece of advice is to not give up. It is going to be hard, and you might get discouraged, but nothing worth doing is easy and it is going to feel super rewarding after you finish that big project. You are going to have proof of your hard work.

With such a wide range of talents—from digital art and textiles to theater and 3D design—what are your biggest dreams for the future? Do you see yourself pursuing a career in the arts, engineering, or perhaps a mix of both?

I personally see myself working in preforming arts. I really enjoy acting and it gives me a challenge to overcome. I would really like to act professionally one day. My biggest dream is to get a lead part in a musical on Broadway/West End or perhaps originate a role. I try to stay in the present moment though.

With so many skills under your belt, what kind of creative project or theater role do you hope to tackle next here at ISW?

I'm currently working on making myself a corset top on my home sewing machine and working on it in school every Friday. During the summer, I'm planning on making myself a regency style dress like the ones seen in the TV show Bridgerton. For the stage, I have many dream roles, but the one that's been on my mind most currently is portraying Nancy from 'Oliver!'. Other than that, I'm enthusiastic to do anything related to the stage.