In this episode of Making It, we sit down with Kaly, a Hong Kong-based artist and graphic designer, to explore how she uses art to answer the ultimate question: "Who am I?"

From the "rainbow pencil" that sparked her journey to the reality of navigating anxiety in a high-intensity city, Kaly opens up about why she creates to preserve her "most innocent moment." We dive deep into the unique "hustle" of the Hong Kong art scene, the constant battle for space versus the need for connection, and why she believes that a supportive community is the only way for artists to truly thrive.

If you are a creative trying to balance the grind with your passion, or someone looking to reconnect with their inner child, this conversation is for you.

🎧 IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER:

• The Spark: How a simple rainbow pencil and a Paul Klee painting ignited a lifelong passion.
• Art as Identity: Using creativity to answer "Who am I?" and reconnect with childhood innocence.
• The HK Paradox: Why Hong Kong is both "oversimulated" and a "very inspired place."
• Community Over Space: Why shared studios and supportive networks matter more than square footage.
• Managing Chaos: How art serves as a tool to process sensory overload and anxiety.

Start listening to reframe your own creative journey.

CHAPTERS:

0:00 - Intro: Why we are having this conversation

01:35 - Who is Kaly? (Graphic Designer & Artist)

03:12 - The Rainbow Pencil: Earliest creative memory

04:28 - Inspiration from Paul Klee ("Castle and Sun")

11:14 - Answering the question "Who am I?"

19:03 - The "Hustle": Balancing money and art in HK

20:32 - Finding inspiration in overstimulation

26:02 - Minimalism vs. Chaos

28:29 - The real solution: Supportive community & shared space

34:29 - Coping with panic attacks through color

39:36 - Final thoughts: "Artists are children that survived"

QUOTES FROM THE EPISODE:

"I think my art actually answers some big question to myself is that who am I... I want to keep those innocent and the positive energy when I was kid and put this in my work right now." - Kaly

"Space is definitely one of the biggest challenge... but having a very supportive community will help us get through everything. Because we craving to make art so no matter what, we're gonna make it anyway." - Kaly

ABOUT THE GUEST: Kaly is a Hong Kong-based artist and graphic designer who uses creation to understand emotions and memories. Her recent work explores the intersection of childhood innocence and the chaotic, textured energy of Hong Kong. IG: @kalyzz

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. IG: @alexseesworld

CONNECT WITH US: Subscribe for more conversations on creativity and the Hong Kong art scene! 📸 Instagram: @makingitwithalexsee