Hugo graduated from Norwich School of Art and Design in 2010 before spending three months in New Mexico learning to see in the rich tradition of the masters under Leo Neufeld. 

In 2015 he was awarded a scholarship to the Royal Drawing School in London, attending intensive classes in life drawing, printmaking and animation. Hugo moved to Glasgow in 2016 with the intention of delivering affordable and varied classes, collaborating with local artists, designers and creatives and providing accessible and experimental sessions.

In 2017 he began hosting a weekly drop-in life drawing class at For Fika Sake (affectionally known as Fika) in Partick under the name Drawing Life. The classes quickly gained momentum and expanded to additional sessions across Glasgow, spaces including the Project Cafe, Cass arts, GSA, Hillhead Bookclub and Pip Studio. 

Hugo has now set up a studio space in Patrick where, when it is safe to do so, he runs weekly drop-in classes and supports local artists by hosting exhibitions and workshops under the name Drawing Life Studio.