Kaku Pacha
Passion Project
Kaku Pacha combines words from Japanese and Quechua, loosely translating to "Write Your World".
Chosen as a reflection of my journey within this project, it also honours my special interests in Japanese, Mesoamerican, and Ancient Peruvian cultures.
Kaku Pacha is a project that blends creativity, science, and self-regulation, creating sensory-friendly acoustic art, XR experiences, and a philosophy of mindful mischief.
What began as a daily doodling practice to cope with burnout evolved into a deeper exploration of rest, nervous system regulation and sensory overwhelm, gaining a deeper understanding of who I am, ultimately leading to my late diagnosis of autism and ADHD.
This discovery transitioned my view to seeing the art of making as powerful tool for self-preservation - managing emotional regulation, building resilience and emotional intelligence, and reshaping my own relationship with rest.
I started to see the beauty of the creative process, letting the outcome naturally reveal itself, rather than falling into perfectionistic tendencies or forcing the project in any specific direction.
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My primary explorations has led to me to the creation of acoustic art, designing sound absorbing panels, combining expression with science to reduce sensory overwhelm.
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I've also begun exploring XR concepts that focus on playful yet calming experiences. Looking ahead, I want to see how these two mediums - physical and digital - can intersect to create truly holistic, immersive, and regulation-focused experiences.
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At its core, this project explores my relationship with my creativity, my whimsical doodle-centred expression and how practicing the art of mindful mischief can help individuals navigate overstimulation and find moments of calm in an overwhelming world.
The Strategic Backbone
I have ensured to build rock solid strategy into the heart of Kaku Pacha. I have forged out operational frameworks that reduce friction, and promote time efficiency. I have even created my very own tested anti-burnout framework which I want to build into the DNA of this project going forwards.
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In my attempt to solve the burnout problem, I have found a clear underserved space in the market. I have established the positioning and product-market-fit, as well as constructing a marketing and comms strategy for the project to boot.
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I have used AI as my thought partner throughout to spot patterns and to simplify this massive vision of mine into a powerful and achievable goal.
A Wabi Sabi Experiment
To challenge perfectionism, I wanted to load my illustrations into glitch software to create outcomes that would distort my original works in interesting ways to promote the idea that perfectionism restricts play and experimentation.
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The results were beautiful demonstration of the wabi sabi philosophy. I particularly love the mandalas with their calming auroa, and the characters with their slightly chaotic and liminal vibe.
Applying this philosophy to tufted works
As I move towards acoustic art, I wanted to see how illustration, tufting and glitch effects can come together to give interesting and appealing results.
Oodles of doodles
I was once told off for all of my doodling - a comment that filled me with shame, and I took my art and my doodling into the shadows for over a decade.
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It wasn't until a series of stressful, life changing events happened in unison - I realised I needed an emotionally regulating outlet, on my terms.
That is when Kaku Pacha was born.
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I now cannot be seen without my doodling kit. I will doodle at any moment I get, because that is how I regulate and how I practice mindfulness.
That is my happy place.
​​What Others Are Saying​
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I worked with Crystal providing creative direction and project review. It was immediately apparent that Crystal is a talented, thoughtful creator, earnestly digging into the work in a new and meaningful way.
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Watching the concepts evolve and take shape around neurodivergence and sound-dampening panels was fascinating—it feels like a perfect execution of the intentions behind the practice [...] bringing awareness to a misunderstood and underserved community while also producing a stunning portfolio of visual art in its own regard.​
Andy J. Pizza,
Illustrator / Podcaster
If this project resonates with you, I’m actively seeking mentors and collaborators in:
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Acoustics
To expand my understanding and application of acoustic panels.
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Business & Strategy
To learn and expand my understanding of this area, and how I can apply my project into real world scenarios.
Industrial, Interior Design & Third Spaces
I am interested in developing neurodivergent-inclusive spaces. Particularly within community third spaces, and would love to discuss in depth.
XR & Digital Well-being Innovation
How to utilise this digital medium to reduce digital fatigue and reconnect people with the real world.
Neurodivergent & Somatic Practitioners
I'd love to hear from anyone in these fields and find ways of integrating factual insights into my work.​