Hong Kong artists discuss why creatives are still needed in the era of AI

Miyazaki, now 84, has been an outspoken critic of AI in animation. He once called it “an insult to life itself” when he was shown an AI-generated animation demo.

Amid concerns that AI will take over the job of artists, some believe creatives must focus on what makes their work special.

Unlocking creativity: the impact of AI on digital art

Tommy*, known as Tommychief Oil, is an artist in Hong Kong. He said the city’s fast-paced business culture made it dependent on AI.

“In Hong Kong, people ... see AI as an easy way to get the outcome they want,” said Tommy, who preferred to share only his given name.

“Today’s artists need to think about what elements they can incorporate to set themselves apart from AI.”

Tommy said artists should focus on creating art that tells stories rooted in their experiences.

“When I look at a piece of art, I’m not just looking at the result; I’m thinking about the artist’s journey and how their experiences led to that work,” he said.

“I think truly complex works are something AI hasn’t quite mastered – at least for now.”

Tommy added that cultural context would be key.

“Hong Kong artists should lean into our own culture. If we don’t even understand our roots ... then we’ve lost our unique voice,” he said.

“Storytelling, research and history matter because new audiences are looking for something they can’t find anywhere else.”

Hong Kong student Kane Dalangin Harold decided to study graphic design to change his career after working at NGOs.

The 32-year-old believes the future is still bright despite the rise of AI. He is optimistic that AI can be a helpful tool in his career.

“As a graphic designer, AI is a useful tool – especially for research and organising content,” he said.

“It can help generate ideas when resources aren’t available, like specific photography styles.”

Dalangin sees AI as a way to boost efficiency.

“We can generate a range of visual possibilities based on ideas, then refine them,” he said.

He believes that process of refining designs is where humans hold the advantage, and designers need to equip themselves with AI tools to keep up with these changes.

“We know how to make decisions that reflect the message we’re trying to convey. AI still needs ... instructions to produce something of equal quality,” he said. “That ability to interpret and communicate ideas visually – that’s our skill.”

Dalangin said the real concern would come if AI learned to make its own creative decisions.

For now, even as companies use AI for basic design tasks, he believes graphic designers are essential.

“Sometimes, businesses get what they think they want from AI, but the message still doesn’t come across. That’s when a designer can step in and solve the problem in ways AI can’t,” he said.

• Reflect: Do you think human artists are still needed?

• Why this story matters: Artificial intelligence is affecting every industry, including art. This could make it difficult for young artists to find jobs. In this article, successful artists offer advice to younger people about how they can make their work stand out from stuff that is created by computers.