<h2><i>“Most of us have an artsy side that we haven’t discovered yet. When I was younger, I was really shy about showing my father my drawings.</i> <i>It’s because my father is an architect and he was also a cartoonist in the 80s.”</i></h2><h2>About the episode</h2><p>In Episode 17 of <i>Hello Mentor</i>, <strong>Ahmad Hakym</strong>, also known as <strong>Kymio</strong> in the art world, shares his incredible journey of blending art and architecture to foster meaningful connections. Hosted by <strong>Derek Toh</strong>, Founder and CEO of Hiredly, the conversation dives into the profound impact of urban sketching, the origins of KL Sketchnation, and how art can inspire collaboration across diverse communities.</p><h2>Getting to know Kymio</h2><p><a href="https://www.klsketchnation.com/"><img class="image_resized" style="width:100%;" src="https://blog.hiredly.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/klsketchnation-1024x887.jpeg" alt="" srcset="https://blog.wobbjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/klsketchnation-1024x887.jpeg 1024w, https://blog.wobbjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/klsketchnation-300x260.jpeg 300w, https://blog.wobbjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/klsketchnation-768x665.jpeg 768w, https://blog.wobbjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/klsketchnation-1536x1331.jpeg 1536w, https://blog.wobbjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/klsketchnation-2048x1774.jpeg 2048w" sizes="100vw" width="1024"></a>Photo by <a href="https://www.klsketchnation.com/gallery">KL Sketchnation</a></p><p>Ahmad Hakym (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/kymioflario/?hl=en">@kymioflario on Instagram</a>) or better known as Hakym’s <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/when-your-career-is-not-your-passion?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=hello_mentor_ep17_|_ahmad_hakym_of_kl_sketchnation_on_how_art_&amp;_architecture_bring_people_together&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>passion</strong></a><strong> </strong>for art was deeply influenced by his upbringing. With a father who was both an architect and a renowned cartoonist in the 1980s, creativity was a family affair. However, as a young boy, Hakym felt shy about sharing his sketches, often comparing himself to the artistic prowess of his father and cousin. This self-doubt led him to explore other creative avenues like photography and writing before ultimately rediscovering his love for drawing during his architecture studies.</p><p>Founded in 2014, <a href="https://www.klsketchnation.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>KL Sketchnation</strong></a><strong> </strong>began as a way to bring people together through the simple yet profound act of sketching. The non-profit NGO promotes urban sketching as a form of storytelling, observation, and connection with the environment. Its events attract participants from all walks of life—accountants, doctors, lawyers, and more—proving that creativity knows no boundaries.</p><p>Urban sketching, as Hakym describes, is about capturing the world around you in real-time. Whether it’s a bustling street or a quiet local market, sketching offers a unique lens to observe and appreciate the overlooked beauty of everyday life. Beyond personal enrichment, the activity fosters social connections, with participants sketching together, sharing their work, and sparking meaningful conversations.</p><hr><h3>Art Meets Architecture: The Cognitive Benefits of Sketching</h3><p>Currently pursuing his PhD in Architecture, Hakym’s research explores the relationship between cognitive psychology and urban sketching. His findings suggest that <a href="https://www.artdependence.com/articles/top-7-benefits-of-art-education-for-critical-thinking/#:~:text=Art%20students%20are%20liable%20to,to%20form%20perspective%20and%20thoughts." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>sketching</strong></a><strong> </strong>enhances critical thinking and observational skills, making it a valuable tool for architects, urban planners, and even the general public. By sitting down to draw, individuals engage deeply with their surroundings, developing a more nuanced understanding of spaces and structures.</p><h3>Lessons for Aspiring Architects and Artists</h3><p>Hakym’s advice for budding <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/creative-designer-skills?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=hello_mentor_ep17_|_ahmad_hakym_of_kl_sketchnation_on_how_art_&amp;_architecture_bring_people_together&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>architects and creatives</strong></a> is rooted in authenticity and perseverance. He highlights the importance of slowing down, embracing mistakes, and sharing your work with others. For those intimidated by the thought of drawing, Hakym offers this encouragement: “If you can write your name, you can draw. The only thing stopping you is your own expectations.”</p><h3>The Future of KL Sketchnation</h3><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/image_2025_01_22_111227125_3b35059b2f.png"></figure><p>Looking ahead, Hakym envisions KL Sketchnation as a thriving NGO with the capacity to scale its initiatives. From organizing art festivals to publishing collaborative works, the organization aims to further its mission of fostering art appreciation in Malaysia and beyond.</p><hr><h3>Hello Mentor is a podcast show that platforms raw discussions on career, ambition and success with inspiring and accomplished individuals.</h3><h3>Hello Mentor is hosted by <a href="http://linkedin.com/in/derektoh" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Derek Toh</a>, Founder and CEO of Hiredly.</h3><h3>Listen to all episodes on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2XquM47vpj8g4P5g0fBIfu" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Spotify</a> for your dose of inspiration and career advice from real people who’ve been there!</h3><hr><h3><a href="https://my.hiredly.com/jobs?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=hello_mentor_ep17_|_ahmad_hakym_of_kl_sketchnation_on_how_art_&amp;_architecture_bring_people_together&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hiredly</a> connects jobseekers with companies that value growth and culture. Join our <a href="https://hub.hiredly.com/young-leaders-community?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=hello_mentor_ep17_|_ahmad_hakym_of_kl_sketchnation_on_how_art_&amp;_architecture_bring_people_together&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Young Leaders Community</a> for access to industry insights and career advice.</h3>

<p>The art of urban sketching and what it takes to make it in architecture.</p>
