在這個瞬息萬變的時代，藝術家如何用畫筆為民生發聲？香港插畫家阿塗以獨特的幽默與地方色彩，創作出「小學雞」、「粵語九聲訣」等經典作品，讓人笑中帶淚，反思社會。從高登神獸卡到全職插畫的掙扎，從廣東話文化的堅持到海外讀者的共鳴，阿塗的創作之路充滿火花與挑戰。一起來聽聽他如何用「抵死」的筆觸，為香港留下鮮活的時代印記！
How do artists capture the voice of the people in a fast-changing world? Meet Ah To, the Hong Kong illustrator whose witty and satirical works—like “Primary School Chicken” and “Cantonese Tones Guide”—blend local flavor with social commentary, leaving audiences both amused and introspective. From viral “Golden Beast Cards” to quitting his day job for art, Ah To’s journey reveals the struggles and triumphs of a creator dedicated to preserving Cantonese culture. Discover how his pen became a mirror for Hong Kong’s post-colonial identity!
阿塗的筆名源自他在高登討論區的網名「胡手然塗」，後來因出版需要改為「阿塗」。2014年，他毅然放棄出版社的設計工作，全心投入插畫創作。儘管他笑稱「中了伏」，坦言在香港靠插畫維生並不容易，但社交媒體上的讀者反饋（尤其是Facebook的「Like」）成為他堅持的最大動力。
Ah To’s pen name originated from his early online alias on the Golden Forum (高登). In 2014, he quit his job as a book designer to pursue illustration full-time—a risky move he jokingly calls “falling into a trap”. Despite financial challenges, the instant feedback (and Facebook “Likes”) from his audience keeps him going.
阿塗的作品最初在高登爆紅，他形容高登是「集體創作平台」，能激發真實的互動與批評；而Facebook則更像單向的粉絲交流，雖然能獲得鼓勵，但缺乏尖銳的意見。這兩種平台的反差，也反映了他的創作如何在「共鳴」與「挑戰」之間取得平衡。
Ah To’s art first gained fame on the Golden Forum, which he describes as a “collaborative creative space” with raw, unfiltered discussions. In contrast, Facebook offers a more one-sided fan interaction—supportive but less critical. This duality shapes how he balances “popular appeal” and “artistic challenge”.
阿塗的作品大量使用廣東話，靈感來自小克和楊學德。他認為，廣東話的「生鬼」和「抵死」更能表達香港的幽默感。有趣的是，他的作品意外吸引許多海外華人讀者，尤其是那些在異鄉努力傳承廣東話文化的移民後代。
Ah To’s works heavily feature Cantonese slang, inspired by local artists like Siuhak and Yeung Hok-Tak. He believes Cantonese’s lively expressions best capture Hong Kong’s humor. Surprisingly, his books on Cantonese idioms resonated with overseas readers—diaspora communities striving to preserve the language.
在眾多「高登神獸」中，阿塗最喜歡「小學雞」。他認為，這角色象徵香港人在後殖民時代的迷惘——就像小學生一樣，仍在學習如何回應社會變革。
Among his “Golden Beasts”, Ah To’s favorite is the “Primary School Chicken“ (小學雞). To him, it reflects Hong Kongers’ post-colonial identity crisis—”like elementary students learning to navigate societal changes.”
小學雞/Primary school’s chicken
More about the artist: Ah To
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ah_to_hk?igsh=MTgyNTkzYTkyeW9xcg==
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Artohk/.
Photo courtesy to the artist Ah To