In an extraordinary feat of creativity and perseverance, 17-year-old artist Maya Edwards has shattered records by creating the longest hand-drawn flip book ever, earning herself a place in the Guinness World Records.

The flip book, spanning an astonishing 25 meters (82 feet), tells a captivating, hand-drawn story through over 5,000 individual pages. Maya, a self-taught artist, began working on the project in 2023, pouring countless hours into designing each frame to ensure every flip flowed seamlessly into the next.

“It was a mix of passion, patience, and a lot of coffee,” said Maya, who was awarded the world record certificate during a special ceremony in London. “When I started, I never imagined it would become something this big, but now I’m just so proud that my dream has come true.”

The flip book, which tells the story of a young girl’s journey through a magical forest, features intricate drawings, vibrant colors, and fluid motion. Maya used traditional pencil sketches and watercolors, a medium she has always loved, to bring the story to life frame by frame.

The process wasn’t without its challenges. Each page had to be drawn meticulously to match the movement and story progression, requiring immense concentration and attention to detail.

“I wanted each flip to have its own personality and depth. It’s not just a flip book; it’s a complete experience for the viewer,” Maya explained.

Maya’s incredible achievement has earned her the coveted Guinness World Records title, officially making her the record holder for the longest hand-drawn flip book. The previous record was set in 2018 by a team of artists from Japan, who created a flip book measuring 15 meters.

Artists, fans, and record enthusiasts have been quick to praise Maya’s groundbreaking accomplishment.

Guinness World Records tweeted: “We’re thrilled to congratulate Maya Edwards for her creative brilliance! A new world record holder in flip book artistry!”

Banksy, the elusive street artist, posted a message on social media: “This is the kind of creativity that inspires. Maya Edwards, you’re changing the game.”

Maya plans to continue pursuing her passion for animation and illustration, and this world record has only fueled her desire to explore new ways of combining traditional artistry with digital mediums. She’s already begun working on her next big project: a short animated film based on the characters from her flip book.