To celebrate CreativeKids’ 30th anniversary, members of our team are sharing their personal and work stories with the Creative Community – to tell you why we love what we do!

Heiken To is our Art Instructor and Research Assistant.

About Me

Hi, I’m Heiken! Ever since I was a child I have loved to draw and paint. I also love to play the piano and think about things in life. I am a child of God.

How I entered the art education field

I used to be a student at CreativeKids. After obtaining my degree in Psychology and Counseling, I was offered the amazing opportunity to work here. It was somewhere that I knew and loved since I was young, and somewhere that I could contribute my knowledge from my education.

Young Heiken focusing on his architectural masterpiece!

At CreativeKids, what makes me the happiest is…

Authentic connections and shared experiences with children and colleagues. Whether it be going through the creative process with children, listening to children sharing about their daily lives, or discussing ways to teach with colleagues, I always get a sense of authenticity in these interactions.

It is also a blessing and an encouragement to witness how children grow and develop over time.

My favorite memories at CreativeKids

Definitely the moments of laughter. It’s usually silly things like a teacher pretending to chew on a piece of cork board disguised as a biscuit, or me accidentally drooling on my artwork as a student, because I was so absorbed in the art-making process.

My growth at CreativeKids

This place has taught me a lot. At the end of each day, I always ask myself whether I am treating children and colleagues with love and wisdom.

Especially in front of children, we are role models. Things like patience, selflessness, humility, being considerate… there is no faking it when you’re interacting with children everyday. It must come from the heart.

As an art-lover it is all too easy to be perfectionistic, and doesn’t a bit of perfectionism always seem to leak into our lives? It’s easy to be harsh on our own flaws and insecurities, but the “happy mistakes” mentality, along with the grace of people around me, has taught me that it is alright to make a mistake. We can always learn a lesson, be kind to ourselves and those around us, and move on.

There is still a lot for me to learn but I am enjoying the process.

To me, “Constructive Creativity” means…

Novel, empathic and principled ideas, actions or products that bring about positive impacts.

On CreativeKids’ 30th Birthday

I wish for CreativeKids to continue to bring fun and positive impacts to children and their families.

To celebrate CreativeKids’ 30th anniversary, members of our team are sharing their personal and work stories with the Creative Community – to tell you why we love what we do!

Auntie Fun & Auntie Grace are from our supporting team.

How I entered the art education field

Fun: I vividly remember the day I first met Dr. Angie, when she was giving a talk at the kindergarten I was working in. I was instantly impressed as that was my first time hearing someone say that it is okay for children to make mistakes when drawing.

Over a year later, I already left my job at the kindergarten but was volunteering for them one day. I bumped into a CreativeKids instructor (conducting an Outreach class at the school), who then told me that CreativeKids was hiring for their supporting team. That led me to eventually become a part of the team!

Grace: I love seeing children smile – It takes my worries away!

I first joined CreativeKids because of a referral by a friend’s son who was teaching at the studio. It’s been 20 years since then! Here, it’s much “purer” than a typical commercial organization.

At CreativeKids, what makes me the happiest is…

Fun: Witnessing children coming into the studio – from being held in their parents’ arms, to holding their parents’ hands, and eventually to running in by themselves! Seeing them grow up gives me the most joy.

Grace: The loving and caring team – All art instructors, and the boss, treat me very well, even when I make mistakes at work.

CreativeKids Then vs. Now

Grace: CreativeKids grew from a small family to a big family – but just as happy!

My favorite memories at CreativeKids

Fun: For CreativeKids’ 20^th anniversary celebration on a Sunday, we transformed our Central Studio (in Universal Trade Centre on Caine Road) the night before, after a whole day of lessons! That was a true show of our teamwork and creativity.

Grace: Among everything that happened throughout the years, what I remember most is how lovely children are, and how they always bring me happiness.

My growth at CreativeKids

Fun: I have learned to see things from multiple perspectives, and to be accommodating! As a sentimental person, I am also trying to be more optimistic.

Grace: I strive to keep improving and innovating.

On CreativeKids’ 30th Birthday

Fun: I wish that more children can be inspired at CreativeKids and grow up happily. I also wish for our team to grow bigger and stronger.

Grace: Take it to the next level!

To celebrate CreativeKids’ 30th anniversary, members of our team are sharing their personal and work stories with the Creative Community – to tell you why we love what we do!

Justyn S. Chandler is our Senior Art Instructor-Creative Inspirer / Curriculum Leader.

About Me

Hey! I’m Justyn. I’ve been in Hong Kong for 10 years and happily married to a beautiful wife and have an adorable little 1-year-old. I studied architecture at university in the US.

I love a good story whether it be from a movie, a book, a video game, or someone sharing a moment; making people laugh, connecting with others, the outdoors, tinkering/building with my hands, and most importantly my relationship with God and Jesus.

At CreativeKids, what makes me the happiest is…

The collaboration, teamwork, encouragement, and life-sharing I have with my teammates and colleagues. It is unlike any other place I have ever worked at before. Connecting and working alongside students and seeing how they grow and develop. I just love working with students to help build their ideas into 3D models. I really enjoy seeing their ideas come alive. It’s all about connecting to people and helping them grow.

My favorite memories at CreativeKids

My first memory was when I first arrived at CreativeKids and was given a tour of the studio. The environment and the energy of the children and teachers had left such a huge impression on me. I just knew and believed I had to work here. If I couldn’t work here, then I didn’t want to teach art education. This is where I wanted to be.

The other standout memory was on a Saturday after one of my Young Architects Program classes, the classroom looked a bit like a whirlwind of a mess. Models in progress were sitting on a table blanketed by materials and tools. I stood there staring at the mess with admiration and fulfillment. At that moment I knew I was in the right place. I really could experience the creative collaboration between the students and me. I even took a photo to keep a record of that memory.

A happy whirlwind of a mess after class on a busy Saturday.

My growth at CreativeKids

I believe that one of the most fulfilling experiences someone can have is pouring themselves into another person. CreativeKids has taught me how I can do that through art education and through my own knowledge and experiences with design and architecture. It has given me a platform to have fun teaching kids about space and our built environment – how to innovate through making architecture while having fun, as well as how to build a better tomorrow for themselves and for others.

To me, “Constructive Creativity” means…

It is creativity that gives life, meaning, and purpose. It is something that builds up and does not tear down. It is using what was given to you by God to build up yourself, those around you, and the world itself, in a life-giving way.

On CreativeKids’ 30th Birthday

I hope CreativeKids continues to find new ways to invest into the lives of children and their families, nurturing those relationships and connections, and seeing the results of it all and how it has changed lives and made a positive and encouraging impact in our community – and that it can spread throughout other communities.

To celebrate CreativeKids’ 30th anniversary, members of our team are sharing their personal and work stories with the Creative Community – to tell you why we love what we do!

Josephine Chan is IM Creative’s General Manager.

About Me

– Fine Arts, Visual Culture and Education majors

– Art inspirer and coffee lover

– Always an adventurer

– Loves books and pictures, and getting to know the stories and people behind them.

How I entered the art education field

Love children. Love art. Love listening stories from the older and wiser generation. I learned about CreativeKids by chance and started my journey here just like that. It feels as though this field has chosen me, instead of the other way round.

Children’s affections, whether happy or sad, are so genuine.

Children’s ideas are imaginative, direct, and full of surprises.

Children’s sharing is lovely and sweet, making one forget all worries and trouble.

What is the most unique with children art education is that we get to experience that kind of “purity” every day. I’ve always felt that children are gifts from above. We spend at least 30% of our lives working. It is a blessing to be able to be a part of work for children. I am very grateful.

CreativeKids Then vs. Now

This studio first captured my heart with a flyer. The heading says, “Scared to be Making Mistakes? (while drawing)” 「怕畫錯？」That was around 20 years ago. A studio that encourages one to “try”, instead of advertising the idea of “drawing a pretty picture”. This is what schools at the time weren’t teaching.

These missions and the love for children are unchanged through 30 years. The biggest difference would probably just be the scale of the organization! With a bigger organization comes more people and more different voices. The sharing of ideas and perspectives among colleagues is what makes CreativeKids dynamic, just like transforming from two-dimensional to three-dimensional. Glad to have encountered and connected with a whole community of like-minded people here. Though with diverse views, we have one heart that never changed.

From a wild thought over a decade ago – to promote CreativeKids’ mission and across the city, to the founding of IM Creative in 2014, we have reached more children, bringing more of them joy and hope.

A flyer that says, “Scared to be Making Mistakes? (while drawing)”.

My growth at CreativeKids 

During my time with CreativeKids, for almost 18 years combined, I have grown from a youngster who only knew art, but not education, into a “kid-ult” who enjoys working in people-development and art education, enjoys life, and enjoys learning from the next generation about all things new.

At CreativeKids / IM Creative, I am the happiest when…

There is really a lot that makes me happy – to witness the growth of children and to build good relationships with them – this alone already brings happiness.

A recent story is about a 12-year-old, very quiet student. Her first project at our studio was on one-point and two-point perspectives. It is indeed a bit challenging for a 12-year-old newcomer. After the first two lessons, she was still struggling to depict perspectives, and seemed to be finishing class with a bunch of question marks in her head every time. We, as instructors, always have back-up plans. So, I asked her, “Is it really difficult? Do you want to try drawing something else? Or do you prefer to keep challenging yourself? Unexpectedly, she told me firmly, “I want to keep challenging myself”.

Then she worked persistently to overcome obstacles and finally completed her art piece. Witnessing her appreciation of her own work, and the expression in her eyes that said, “I can do it too!”, I felt a rush of warmth from the bottom of my heart. I hope this experience has given her a boost in self-confidence that will always empower her as she grows up. To me, the greatest joy comes when students appreciate themselves, and find confidence in themselves.

In addition, in these few years, I focused on working at IM Creative, and served some underprivileged families in our society through art. In a parent-child event, a mother approached me at the end of the workshop. She said, “I was hesitant when I first heard that the workshop is 3 hours long. I was worried that I would be bored. But now that I have completed the workshop, I am very happy. I realized how independent my son can be in creating an individual art piece. While we worked on the artwork, I was able to quietly appreciate him. I am really too impatient in our everyday life and have not slowed down to observe and listen to him. Three hours went by so quickly. It was so relaxing to get creative together. Thank you so much to your team!”

To bring emotional fulfillment and joy to others, is the happiest part of my job.

My most memorable times at CreativeKids

The most memorable times are the two large-scale disease outbreaks, SARS and COVID-19. When the world pauses, when it’s gloomy outside, the CreativeKids family brings hope. “No matter how hard it seems, we move forward together until we see the rainbow.” Time and time again, we make it through every hurdle with faith. It is a beautiful picture. 

To me, “Constructive Creativity” means…

It’s about the present and the future. What is currently constructed, positively affects the future. Let creativity soar, free and unconstrained, building a better future!

On CreativeKids’ 30th Birthday

I wish that CreativeKids and IM Creative bring joy, hope and love to more children.

To celebrate CreativeKids’ 30th anniversary, members of our team are sharing their personal and work stories with the Creative Community – to tell you why we love what we do!

Minnie Kwong is on the customer service team of the CreativeKids Taikoo Shing Studio.

Minnie and her daughter, Jamie.

About me & How I entered the art education field

It was actually my daughter, Jamie, who led me here!

I joined CreativeKids when Jamie was just one-and-a-half. I heard that children learn better the younger they start. That was surely the case for Jamie.

The past years of weekly lessons at the Studio has really “opened up her senses”. Now at the age of 7.5, she can easily come up with and express concrete ideas of her own, and defend them against what the instructor might say, instead of passively doing what she is told.  

For that, I am truly delighted and grateful!

Jamie at a CreativeWawa class.

Working at CreativeKids is different because…

I once worked in trading. The work nature was very rigid. All you could hear in the office was the clacking of the keyboard.

Here, in the Studio, there is always laughter. We work hard and play hard. Even at the busiest times at the front desk, I find the motivation to keep moving forward with positivity.

My growth at CreativeKids 

Jamie started learning at CreativeKids at age 1.5 in the CreativeWawa Program. And my growth at the Studio began at the same time.

Coming from a non-artistic background, it was not easy for me to introduce CreativeKids’ programs to parents at first. As a layman, I once felt like a “blank page” in the world of art, trying hard to grasp the abstract concepts of creativity and visual arts.

Gradually, I gained more knowledge in art and more confidence in doing my job. It feels amazing to be able to clearly convey ideas to the customers. On top of that, I keep growing as a mom in a creative community together with my daughter, always learning and understanding more about her.

My favorite memory at CreativeKids

It is the summer program in 2016, themed “ArtMasters”, inspired by the work of a range of visual arts and design masters across history and cultures.

I remember learning a lot about world-famous artists and their work. I was empowered through briefing sessions with our curriculum team, and then I passed on the information to parents, with my own interpretation and my knowledge of their needs and concerns. Within 1 to 2 months, I felt that I have “leveled up” – from a beginner level, to being able to talk about the Palace Museum and Chinese artist, Qi Baishi.

That summer, the staff, parents, and students all soaked up the knowledge and appreciation for classic and modern art. That was a happy time!

On CreativeKids’ 30th Birthday

I wish that we can reach children and families outside of Hong Kong through our Online LiveART program!

To celebrate CreativeKids’ 30th anniversary, members of our team are sharing their personal and work stories with the Creative Community – to tell you why we love what we do!

Yanny Ng is the Studio Manager of CreativeKids’ Kowloon City Studio.

About Me:

I was born to be a storyteller, and enjoy making connections with people. I love taking photos, seeing the world through the lens. 

I truly believe that childhood experiences have a lifelong significance for every person. That’s why I want to be part of children’s childhood memories, and be a source of positive power and wellness as they grow up.

How I entered the art education field

After obtaining my degree in Visual Arts. I wanted a job that allows me to face people instead of computers. I actually received another job offer, but then got CreativeKids’ interview invitation. Upon arriving the studio, I was impressed by the lively and energetic vibe. I noticed instructors discussing about children’s work. It is the openness and happiness of the work environment that appealed to me! And here I am, almost 4 years later

My growth at CreativeKids 

Joining CreativeKids as a fresh graduate gave me a taste of having a bigger capacity and more significant responsibility in what I do every day. My multitasking skills certainly improved!

While I had experience organizing student events at university, doing that in a professional setting, with large external organizations, and being involved in multiple areas (including construction!), just felt a lot different. Particularly since the Kowloon City studio opened, I have been exposed to many differently types of people that I have not encountered at school, which also opened my mind to many new values and perspectives.

As the manager of the new studio, I am constantly working on understanding and meeting the needs of our current and potential customers (parents and students), and enhancing communications and teamwork among ourselves, to maintain a harmonious work atmosphere.

My favorite memory at CreativeKids

It has to be witnessing a toddler who cried for two lessons, finally experienced his “aha” moment and started to really enjoy class.

The little boy has been quiet and reserved since first joining the class. It was on a “Messy Day”* for CreativeKiddies (age 2.5-3.5) that he surprisingly started opening up and interacting with other students. He had so much fun painting on me while I lied on the floor as a “human canvas”!

*Messy Day is a day when children get messy with paint and other materials for an immersive and tactile learning experience.

At CreativeKids, I am the happiest when…

I see children’s breakthroughs, and when I develop strong relationships with parents of my students.

There was another CreativeKiddies student who refused to touch paint with his hands, yelling, “I cannot” every lesson. Half a year later, one day he finally dipped his fingers in the paint. I was in awe. It felt like a parent hearing the baby saying “mommy/daddy” for the first time!

I am grateful for parents who talked to me, shared their worries about their children, and comforted me when I was injured.

To me, “Constructive Creativity” means…

Creativity is not nonsense. Everyone needs it to do their job the most efficient way. We are all designers, even if one is unaware. Hence creativity can be applied to everyday life.

Hong Kong artist, Luke Ching Chin-wai, is known for designing a new feature for public rubbish bins – a simple idea that makes it so much easier for cleaners to clear the bins – in turn improving the work life of these cleaners!

Ultimately, I think it is a matter of how much one believes that creativity is an innate power that we all have – a power to solve problems!

On CreativeKids’ 30th Birthday

I wish that CreativeKids can show our society that there are choices in art education. 

Art education is more than just the tradition idea of “drawing”, and that it has an impact on the way of thinking/living.

In an academics-focused city like Hong Kong, many parents tend to say no to art right away. This quick “no” takes away the “choice”. (And many are not even aware of the availability of an option!)

I wish that parents know that there is a choice in ways to learn. Having such awareness is as important as what they actually choose.

(And of course, I wish for more Kowloon City parents to get to know CreativeKids!)

To celebrate CreativeKids’ 30th anniversary, members of our team are sharing their personal and work stories with the Creative Community – to tell you why we love what we do!

Adrian Chiu is CreativeKids’ Curriculum Coordinator.

About me

I am Adrian! An alumnus-turned-instructor at CreativeKids. A person who loves seeing problems to be solved both practically and beautifully. 

I probably have too many interests and hobbies. Basically, anything that is designed can draw my attention. Nature (the best designer), products, toys, anime, ceramics, architecture, music, footwear – all kinds of creative solutions that are thoughtful and playful.

How I entered the art education field

Growing up in CreativeKids since 4 years old (all the way to 16) is the very beginning of my art/design education. I have enjoyed the feeling of being able to bring things to life with my own hands since I was a young boy. Being genuinely curious with what others make and think, I find immense satisfaction when I share this joy with people – especially the group of people with the freest minds, children!

Now, as an instructor, no two days at work are the same – you can never fully predict what is going to happen. I never felt bored here, and it’s exciting to be constantly challenged to do things outside my comfort zone. Sometimes it’s learning how to comfort a worried parent. Sometimes it’s venturing to places I have never been for bizarre art supplies. Sometimes it’s hearing a six-year-old sharing his/her biggest fear and smallest secrets.

My favorite memory at CreativeKids

I was probably eight or nine when I built my first “sit-able” chair. I vividly remember I made a steak-themed chair (It was medium rare). It meant a big deal to me because from then on, I knew I have the ability to make and create things that matter to this world.

My growth at CreativeKids 

I remember being frustrated with myself when I first started being an instructor. It seemed like I couldn’t find a way to talk to or connect with my students. Sooner or later, I realized the problem. I was trying too hard to be an instructor but not a friend of theirs. I was talking too much and not listening enough, whether art related or not. After the sudden realization, I was determined to change. Be humble, and sometimes be the student and let them be the teacher! I then had much more success opening up children’s hearts, and the classes became so much more enjoyable, both for the students and myself. The key is to really hear out what they are trying to share with you, and treasure their trust!

At CreativeKids, I am the happiest when…

When I see the spark in children’s eyes when they are enjoying the freedom to draw/sketch/build out what’s in their minds. It’s always magical when kids bring up ideas that I can never imagine, and bring them to life in their own unique ways. I imagine myself to be the little diffuser, the short string that is attached to these creative bombs. All I have to do is to be there for them so they can really let out what’s hidden in their boundless potential. 

To me, “Constructive Creativity” means

In a fundamental sense, being creative means breaking the accustomed and the old. That involves a disruptive mindset. However, if we channel that creative energy into solving problems that surround and bother us daily, the world can become better, bit by bit, problem by problem.

On CreativeKids’ 30th Birthday

I wish that every child can have the freedom to express and to create with an innocent heart on CreativeKids’ behalf. My students constantly remind me that there is nothing limiting my ability to create, but only the walls and constraints I build in my own mind.

To celebrate CreativeKids’ 30th anniversary, members of our team are sharing their personal and work stories with the Creative Community – to tell you why we love what we do!

Lopo Lo is CreativeKids’ General Manager, a mother of two youngsters, and a Cheung Chau islander.

About me

Hi, I’m Lopo. I have been scribbling ever since I started holding a pen at around age 2! It’s a blessing to be able to continue creating with young children in art classes.

How I entered the art education field

I did not enjoy school life as a child, so I told myself I would not work in the education field when I grow up. 

Until I had my baby boy. I wanted to learn to be a good mother, so I did a postgraduate course in early childhood education. With God’s leading, I eventually opened a small art studio with my art teacher on Cheung Chau, selling his art pieces. Some residents on the island came in and asked if we could offer classes for their children – which prompted me to start teaching young children. 

Since then, I found real joy and great passion in teaching children art. The joy comes from the happiness on children’s faces when they express their minds and hearts visually.

This field is where I feel empowered to contribute to the development of children. Being able to use God’s gift in my everyday life is very cool – it completes me!

My favorite memory at CreativeKids

Laughing with parents (accompanying their toddlers in class) while making art with CreativeWawa students (age 1.5-2.5).

At CreativeKids, I am the happiest when…

I treasure all the moments connecting with students, parents, facilitating family in parent-child bonding, and witnessing the growth of fellow colleagues. These drive me to make positive self-reflections and be a better person every day. 

To me, “Constructive Creativity” means

We, as a human being cannot create a completely new thing on earth. But we have been given wisdom and heart to run the world in good order. Therefore, we need to be sensitive to people and the environment around us, and find different ways to support each other and sustain the earth’s orbit, creating a better place for all to live in.

On CreativeKids’ 30th Birthday

I wish that our belief will be planted in people’s hearts, and we continue to be a “positive creator” to the community, the world, and even the universe.

Note: To me, being a positive creator means taking actions for the good of those around us, with the awareness of not to cause harm in the process of creating.