Does creativity take practice, or is it as natural as breathing?

In this episode of Making It, we sit down with Nance, a Hong Kong-based artist and digital designer, to explore the transformative journey from corporate life to full-time artistry.

After a layoff in 2023 pushed her to pivot, Nance discovered that the twists and turns of life—the "things that had to go wrong"—were actually preparing her for her true calling. We dive deep into the unique "hustle" of the Hong Kong art scene, why this city is the ultimate connector for creatives, and how to create art that "messes with people's heads" to spark real conversation.

If you are an artist, a creator, or someone looking to embrace their innate curiosity, this conversation is for you.

🎧 IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER:

• The Pivot: How Nance transitioned from Art Director to full-time Artist.
• Defining Creativity: Why Nance believes creativity is an innate human trait, "like breathing."
• The HK Advantage: Why Hong Kong’s density makes it easier to meet CEOs, gallery owners, and collaborators.
• Visual Philosophy: How Nance uses texture and optical illusions to represent life's uneven journey.
• Future Plans: Inside the move to Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong’s rising art hub.

Start listening to reframe your own creative journey.

CHAPTERS:

0:00 - Intro: Why we are having this conversation 01:44 - Who is Nance? (From Digital Design to Fine Art)

05:08 - "Creativity is like breathing"

07:49 - The early inspiration: Growing up with a creative mother

12:06 - The Art Style: Messing with the viewer’s head

16:06 - Using art to reflect on life’s twists and turns

18:28 - Why "things had to go wrong" for us to be here

19:54 - Moving to the new art hub: Wong Chuk Hang

24:30 - The unique opportunities for artists in Hong Kong

29:46 - The challenge of finding the right gallery

38:22 - Nance’s legacy and final message

QUOTES FROM THE EPISODE:

"I like to say this: A lot of things had to go right and a few things had to go wrong for us to have this conversation." - Nance

"I think creativity is just like part of your existence. It's like breathing. I don't think there's a point where I could say, 'I've become creative.'" - Nance

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Nance is a Hong Kong-based artist and digital designer known for her layered, textured work that explores the "journey" of life. Moving from the UK to Hong Kong, she now works out of the up-and-coming art district of Wong Chuk Hang.

📸 Instagram: @by_nance

ABOUT THE HOST:

Alex See is on a mission to make Hong Kong a place where artists and creatives can thrive. Through Making It, Alex interviews the minds shaping the culture to uncover what it takes to succeed in the creative industries.

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📸 Instagram: @makingitwithalexsee