Meet street artist and illustrator from Hong Kong, Bao Ho.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Bao. Bao is a nickname since I was little as my face is round like a “Bao” (Chinese bun). I found this quite interesting and easy to remember so I used it as my artist name. Actually, everyone including my family, calls me Bao.

Describe the city you’re living in and what it’s like to live there.

Hong Kong is small but very interesting. This city includes different cultures and people. Since it’s always quite packed, sometimes it makes me feel like everything is connected. I’ve been traveling a lot but my root is here. This is my home.

. I’ve been traveling a lot but my root is here. This is my home.

What is the best and worst thing about living in your city?

The worst thing is everything is expensive in Hong Kong. Life is not very easy here. I also like that Hong Kong is a cat-friendly city. You can see cats being raised in shops and people love it (I’m crazy about cats). I think the freedom of Hong Kong is priceless too, there’s not much control about life. If you want to do something you can really go for it

Give us 3 words that describe what it’s like to be a creative in your city.

Freedom, excited, and unstable

How did you start your career in art?

I was a graphic designer for 6 to 7 years working in an office from 9 to 6. I realized this is not what I wanted to do and I got quite depressed with my life. Eventually, I quit my job and had a working holiday in Australia where I lived as a busker selling my artworks and playing music sometimes. After Australia, I traveled to Taiwan, Japan, and Europe. When I was in Italy I met a bunch of street artists and they brought me to the world of street art. I fell in love with painting on walls. I went back to Hong Kong in 2015, by that time street art is getting popular. Eventually, I became a “full-time” artist until now.

When I was in Italy I met a bunch of street artists and they brought me to the world of street art. I fell in love with painting on walls.

Were the people around you supportive of your decision on working as a creative?

In the beginning, my mum wasn’t really supportive as she worried if I can make a living. But slowly by slowly I proved myself and now she became my fan haha

What are some goals and ambitions you have for your future work?

I want to try different mediums like 3D sculptures, animation and I want to do the biggest wall in my life. But actually, as long as I can still do what I really like, it’s good enough for me.

I want to try different mediums like 3D sculptures, animation and I want to do the biggest wall in my life.

If you could collaborate with any person in the world who would it be?

Miyazaki Hayao

How would you describe the women around you?

Strong and powerful. They know exactly what they want and know what to do to achieve their goals.

Strong and powerful. They know exactly what they want and know what to do to achieve their goals.

Were there any local female creatives that you looked up to when you were growing up?

Shamefully, I didn’t know much about the local creatives when I was a kid. I grew up with Japanese manga and that’s also why I started to draw. I was quite dumb and I didn’t have any way to search for the local scene or any art scene.

Are there any challenging aspects of being a female in your industry?

Not really in Hong Kong. Actually, I found there are even more benefits to being a female artist. People think it’s interesting to see a girl painting a massive wall. The only problem is, sometimes, I don’t feel as strong as guys so it took me more time to finish a wall. But I’m really enjoying it so it’s not really a big issue.

Try first. Don’t be afraid to fail as there is nothing to lose.

Do you have any advice to young women who are aspiring to work in your field?

Try first. Don’t be afraid to fail as there is nothing to lose. You’re young and it’s the most powerful back up you have because you can always try again and again.

Photos courtesy of Bao Ho.