The Secret Life of a Banker and an Artist (ft. Simon Shingleton) - Making It with Alex See

Can a banker find his true self through the chaos of permanent ink?In this episode of Making It, we sit down with Simon Shingleton, an expressive figurative artist with a multifaceted life: he is a banker, a teacher, a husband, and a father of four.From abandoning erasable pencils to drawing fast-paced figures while listening to electronic music, Simon approaches art as a way to bypass his own insecurities. We dive deep into his unique philosophy—treating his artwork not as a pursuit of a perfect masterpiece, but as a crucial tool for personal growth and discovering authentic human potential. Simon opens up about the emotional resonance of the "Ugly Duckling" story, explaining why seeing people discover their true talents brings him to tears.We also discuss how the courage found on the canvas translates into his corporate career, the unique challenges of creating in Hong Kong's fast-paced society, and why he believes businesses should open their valuable real estate to support local creatives.If you are a creative balancing a demanding corporate career with your passion, or someone wrestling with the ever-present flutter of self-doubt, Simon’s vulnerable and honest perspective on embracing life's "struggles" is essential listening.🎧 **IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER:**- **The Banker Artist:** How Simon balances a high-pressure corporate career with his expressive figurative art.- **Embracing Mistakes:** Why switching to permanent fine-liner pens and electronic music helps bypass his critical brain.- **The "Ugly Duckling" Tears:** Simon's profound emotional response to seeing individuals realize their true potential.- **Dealing with Doubt:** Understanding self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy not as roadblocks, but as a constant flutter in your vision.- **Hong Kong’s Art Scene:** The unique mix of global finance and culture, and the need for businesses to support public art spaces like Wyndham Social.- **The Next Chapter:** Moving from single portraits to exploring the relationship between clothed figures and their environments, inspired by Matisse's Red Studio.**CHAPTERS:**0:00 - Intro: Hosting the exhibition at Wyndham Social01:09 - Who is Simon Shingleton? (Banker, Teacher, Father & Artist)01:23 - The "Ugly Duckling" and crying over human potential06:22 - Capturing authentic individuality in expressive art08:11 - Using permanent pen & electronic music to fight insecurity14:08 - The importance of value, friction, and embracing human chaos17:40 - Leonardo da Vinci and understanding the nature of doubt28:00 - The vulnerability and fear of a public exhibition34:00 - What’s Next: Multi-figure pieces and Matisse's Red Studio37:14 - Hong Kong's unique edge and challenges for artists43:00 - Why corporate F&B spaces should support local creativity**QUOTES FROM THE EPISODE:**"I believe that you were designed... you were made to be you." - Simon Shingleton"I want to feel the friction when I'm drawing... I believe life is a struggle." - Simon Shingleton"It is a tool by which I can become more myself and hopefully... the person I'm drawing can be encouraged." - Simon Shingleton**ABOUT THE GUEST:**Simon Shingleton is a Hong Kong-based expressive figurative artist, banker, and educator. Embracing chaos and human complexity, Simon focuses on capturing the honest individuality and internal energy of his models using permanent pens and watercolour washes. He views art primarily as a tool for personal growth, overcoming insecurity, and celebrating the authenticity of the people he draws.**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.**CONNECT WITH US:**Subscribe for more conversations on creativity and the Hong Kong art scene!📸 Instagram: @makingitwithalexsee