ComplexCon, Connections, and Lessons Learned

After ComplexCon wrapped up, I was physically drained—exhausted, with a swollen ankle from standing and walking all day, surviving mostly on low-quality fast food near the conference center. But the experience was worth every bit of discomfort.

Things really started moving after our TVB interview. Thanks to my brother, who was instrumental in setting everything up, I connected with a generous and well-connected contact. Our meeting at Pak’s office in Central opened doors to government officials, M+ organizers, and other key figures—potentially life-changing connections.

The energy of Hong Kong has been electric. Meeting influential names in the art world and forging connections across the region has been both inspiring and overwhelming. It’s hard to describe the buzz of possibility that surrounds me here.

Beyond the business side of things, this trip has also been a bonding experience with Alex. Sharing both the highs and lows of the journey has deepened our friendship and made the whole experience feel more valuable.

The most challenging part of this trip has been being away from Audrey and Quinn for five days. I’m incredibly grateful for the support from my brother and mom, who held things down while I was away.

Hong Kong never fails to inspire me. Its vibrant, bustling energy is a stark contrast to Vancouver’s quiet calm—the calmness I need to create meaningful work.

The trip’s intensity didn’t slow down after ComplexCon. One day started with breakfast and meaningful conversation, followed by a few hours at Art Central and more positive introductions. One connection in particular stood out—someone who went out of their way to speak highly of me to others, providing motivation and validation when I needed it most.

Later, I rushed across town to meet another contact over coffee, then had dinner with a good friend. That uninterrupted conversation allowed us to really catch up. Hearing about their struggles and resilience over the last decade was eye-opening and made me realize how fortunate I am. Their ability to stay positive through adversity was genuinely inspiring.

Reflecting on these encounters, one lesson became clear: when showcasing my work to new contacts, quick, high-quality images work far better than videos. Videos are great for entertainment and storytelling, but they don’t provide the instant clarity people need when pressed for time. Waiting for a video to load disrupts the flow of a conversation and diminishes the impact of my presentation.

Moving forward, I’ll be focusing on posting high-quality, still images on Instagram. It’s all about making a strong, immediate impression—especially in a world where attention spans are short.

Physically, I’m worn out—exhausted, sore, and aching. But mentally, I feel energized and excited about what’s next.

Every day here continues to inspire and teach me. Hong Kong has a way of pulling creativity out of me. I can’t wait to see where these connections lead.

Leave a Reply