We go way back with Wai, he was part of the Rosie Lee crew back in the day, pouring his passion for freehand into projects such as our 2000AD Zarjazz posters (wouldn’t be surprising if he still has it running on an old Mac). He was pivotal in our epic football campaigns, and during his time at Nike we teamed up on Come Out in Force and the NikeTown Football Pavilion. Later, we collaborated on VEO, where his hands-on approach and love for the craft truly shone through.
A straight-talker, collaborator, and friend, Wai is a true lover of design, craft, and storytelling.
How would you describe yourself, and what drives you?
A curious, creative unicorn driven by craft, art and design.
What pivotal moments have shaped your journey so far?
Leaving Nike 2019
What is your relationship with Rosie Lee?
I joined RL as a designer in 2005 and left in 2008 as an art director and creative. Thank you.
What has come out of any relationship and collaborations?
Still good pals with Chop.
What does being unorthodox mean to you in your work?
It’s not a word I use, to be honest, but if you mean what makes my approach to work unusual, I would say I always like to not know what the outcome will be until the end.
What beliefs have guided you through tough decisions?
Trust in your skills and stay focused on yourself.
What challenge in your field of work is often overlooked?
The value of craft.
How do you balance creativity with structure?
It's a bit like reading this question. It takes me some time to understand it, which is chaotic in my head. Once I’ve locked in, the meaning, order and creativity naturally flow.
What cultural shifts are you noticing in your field of work?
More and more self-taught designers are popping up using programs effortlessly, pumping out visuals that are carbon copies of each other. Originality isn’t a thing anymore. It’s all about showing how it’s done, rather than looking at what I’ve just done that comes from an insight or reference that isn’t from the usual platforms.
If you could master any skill instantly, what would it be?
Writing a book.
What’s one experience everyone should have at least once?
Getting fired.
What has inspired you lately?
Design for the Real World by Victor Papanek
Design for All 5 Senses | Jinsop Lee | TED Talks
Wipeout by Designers Republic
What advice would you give to young people starting out in their career?
Find your superpower, ask dumb questions, never ask to do anything, difficulty is worth doing and don't worry about failing.
How can people connect with you, get involved or take part in any of the projects you’ve highlighted above?
https://nomoreparachutes.com/talk-to-us
Bonus Question from Lucas: Are you happy with where you are today and if not, why are you falling short of your goal?
Creativity and Happiness do not go together in my opinion. Happiness lies to you because you know it doesn’t last. We are always curious of the unknown and will forever keep searching till we can’t do no more.
Then maybe, I might be happy.
What question would you like us to ask the next person?
What brings you the most happiness in what you do?
Find Wai here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wai-lau-78975513/
Website: www.nomoreparachutes.com