Difficulty: Challenger (Level 2)
It can be hard to tell the difference between art made by humans and works generated by artificial intelligence (AI). Many artists are worried about what will happen to them in the age of AI.
Last year, a new version of ChatGPT created controversy after generating visuals in the style of Studio Ghibli. This Japanese animation studio is famous for its hand-drawn cartoons and fantasy worlds.
Miyazaki, now 84, has been an outspoken critic of AI in animation. He even called it “an insult to life itself” when he was shown an AI-generated animation demo.
Amid concerns that AI is exploiting artists, some say creatives must focus on what makes their work special.
Leaning into Hong Kong culture
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.
“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.
He added that cultural context would be key.
“Hong Kong artists should lean into our 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.”
AI and efficiency
Hong Kong student Kane Dalangin Harold wanted to change careers after working at NGOs. He decided to study graphic design.
The 32-year-old believes the future is still bright despite the rise of AI.
“As a graphic designer, AI is a useful tool – especially for research and organising content,” he said.
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 added that the process of refining designs is where humans hold the advantage, saying designers need to equip themselves with AI tools to keep up with these changes.
