Rachel Wada was born in Japan, grew up briefly in Hong Kong and China, and now lives and works in Vancouver. She started drawing at a very young age, perhaps as a way of transcending the language barriers of the cities she grew up in. Rachel’s cultural roots and upbringing continue to inspire her work to this day. She graduated with a BFA in Illustration from Emily Carr University of Art and Design in 2016. Her illustrative style is characterized by rich textures, colours and details executed both traditionally and digitally. She is shortlisted for the Pacific Northwest Book Award for her children’s book debut, The Phonebooth in Mr. Hirota’s Garden written by Heather Smith (Orca Book Publishers). The book has received four starred reviews, and been named a Best Picture Book of 2019 by both Kirkus Reviews and School Library Journal. Rachel’s work can also be found in newspapers, magazines and online publications.
Rachel is represented by Amy Tompkins.