It’s definitely true that artists today need to diversify,” says Andreas von Buddenbrock, aka ‘The Ink Trail’, “and I think it’s even more true when the economy is as it is. That being said, even if many of us would say we’d be happy to only focus on our own art, if we could, the benefits of diversifying are good in the long-run. It helps us to develop new skills and find inspiration in surprising places.”

Von Buddenbrock speaks from experience, as a wearer of numerous hats — most of which are art related. He works on his artworks and books; makes drawings and mural artworks for private and commercial clients); and hosts drawing workshops for grownups; and teaches art to teens and kids.

“I tutor drawing for kids and teenagers on a weekly basis, and I’ve recently held a few workshops for grownups which have been really fun to teach. In these, I’ve focused on my style of ink drawing, showing students how to pencil out their drawing from a reference, ink their outlines and shade using the hatching and cross-hatching technique.“

“It’s hard to imagine not being an artist, as it’s something I’ve been wanting to be my entire life. But looking at what other things I like most, I would probably be happy doing anything that involves travelling and having new experiences. If writing came a little easier to me, then I’d probably consider that as well, as I imagine novelists work in a similar way: researching by visiting locations and talking to people, while also working in solitude.

Hong Kong’s artist du jour, Von Buddenbrock has been on something of a roll. Just last year, he published his first book, The Ink Trail: Hong Kong (Blacksmith Books, 2024) and took part in Being Neighbourly’s inaugural exhibition as one of 10 exhibiting artists presenting artworks under the theme of ‘Transitions’.

Just last week, he delivered a well-subscribed drawing workshop at Bookazine’s newest Tai Kwun location; and his latest coup, is having been selected to illustrate the cover design for the Hong Kong International Literary Festival 2025 (Read our article on the HKILF 2025), a result of which is that his work can be seen across locations in Hong Kong, including the Fringe Club, one of the venues for the Festival’s 60-odd events (Von Buddenbrock will also be participating in a panel talk during HKILF 2025).

Beyond these immediate commitments, Von Buddenbrock says he’s focused on expanding his ‘Local Shops’ series of drawings and says that we can expect at least one, if not two entries at this year’s Affordable Art Fair in May.

The Swede will also be putting together a second book this year, one step closer to making a series of books that covers some of his favourite places and drawing subjects. He says he also has a few other, larger drawings that have been on the drawing board for some time.

“My next book is still at a very early drafting stage, but, ideally, it will be out before Christmas. It’ll be a collection of my sketches from around Asia, including: Japan, India, the Philippines, Thailand, and Cambodia, and so on, with additional drawings from Hong Kong, that weren’t included in my first book.” And, he’s also keen to do more wall art.

“Making murals is always a welcome deviation from my regular work, which is on paper. With my mural work, I get to travel to different locations, meet and work with new people, while seeing my drawings come to life on a much larger scale.”

Von Buddenbrock has already done murals for clients including: Hang Seng Bank, the Indian Consulate (in partnership with HKWalls), law firm, Tanner De Witt and the AIA Carnival (on top of a sculpture).

“So far, the approach for these murals has been similar to my style in black and white, with the occasional splash of colour,” he says, adding that he looks forward to making other larger-scale drawings in the future that have an even higher degree of detail. 

“My experience with the Hong Kong artist scene is very much a positive one,” says Von Buddenbrock. I don’t know if it’s because of its small size, but I, generally, feel that artists here try to support one another.”

“During group shows and other gatherings, we get a chance to catch up with peers and connect with new people. This is a great time to exchange tips on how to market our work, which can be an artist’s greatest challenge,” he confides.