Interview with Kayla Lau

How did you get into the fashion world and for how long have you been working in the AI world? 

A few years ago I applied for a graphic designer role at Vogue Hong Kong. That was the beginning of my journey, and I worked there for about one year and two months.
I approached AI after seeing a freelance artist at Vogue Hong Kong using Midjourney. I came across a handbag feature created with it, and the visuals were very striking. It made me realise that AI could be used not only for utility, but also for visual storytelling.
This led me to explore Midjourney and gradually incorporate AI into my own practice. Since then, I’ve worked across F&B, hospitality and property development as a full time multimedia designer, applying AI daily within my visual and campaign workflow.

What is your project Visual Glow?

My project Visual Glow is an AI visual lab where I explore materials, emotions and visual concepts. It is also a space for experimentation and storytelling.
For me, AI is not replacing creativity, it expands visual possibilities. It allows me to experiment faster and explore ideas more freely.
I am also actively involved in AI creative communities and initiatives, including Adobe Ambassador programs, where I continue to explore emerging workflows and visual possibilities.

What is the relationship between creativity and AI? 

Creativity always comes from people. AI simply expands how far we can explore.
When I have ideas, I usually note them down as keywords that capture a core feeling or concept. From there, I begin interacting with AI, shaping abstract thoughts into clearer forms.
I then use generative tools to visualise and develop these forms further. In the end, the process is still guided by human judgment, by our sense of aesthetics and the decisions we make based on our own style.

Fashion is about craftsmanship, manual skills. Do you think the widespread use of digital technology and AI is taking too far from the dimension of craftsmanship? 

To me, craftsmanship and AI exist on different layers. In my work, especially on marketing campaigns for malls and restaurants, AI mainly supports the process on a technical level.
It helps develop and visualise ideas more efficiently, but it does not replace the need for judgment and direction.

Is there a relationship between speed, pressure and creativity?

I don’t see a strong connection between slowness and creativity. Creativity can exist in both fast and slow environments.
In a fast paced place like Hong Kong, I sometimes feel pressure, but it also pushes me to think and create in different ways. We often work nine to ten hours a day, and in this context, tools that enable faster experimentation are naturally welcomed.
AI is not seen purely as a disruption, but as an additional layer within the creative process.

The widespread use of AI in the world of work makes people really afraid. Do you think AI will steal our jobs and we have something to worry about? 

Yes, at the same time the creative industry especially is undergoing further structural shifts. Restructuring and layoffs across media and creative sectors have sparked conversations about efficiency and evolving creative roles. 
There are challenges to all of us, but I’m not afraid of the AI or the changes because I already applied the AI workflow into my job for almost more than a year. I see it as part of a larger, inevitable shift, similar to past technological revolutions. Like 10 years ago the iPhone just launched.This era is similar to that kind of period. Like we must learn and adapt the new skills and to our daily life. Like I think it really is a challenge, but also an opportunity for us to grow together.   

Article written by Elisa Giovannini