CHARLES LAI ©2025
Visual Identity, Art Direction,

Photography, Graphic Design

Based in Tokyo, work for global

hello@charleslai.jp
Behance, Instagram, Linkedln

CHARLES LAI ©2025
Visual Identity, Art Direction,

Photography, Graphic Design

Based in Tokyo, work for global

hello@charleslai.jp
Behance, Instagram, Linkedln

Profile

I'm Charles, a Hong Kong-born, Japan-based art director with roots in photography and a career shaped by both in-house and agency experience.

My journey has taken me across creative disciplines and cultures – from early days behind the camera to leading visual direction for brands, campaigns, and experiences. Working with teams of all sizes has taught me to adapt my approach while maintaining a consistent vision and purpose.

My portfolio reflects diverse styles and scales: global campaigns that crossed cultural boundaries, local experiences that celebrated specific communities, minimalist identities that distilled brand essence, and layered visual systems that evolved over time. Throughout these varied projects, my focus remains on creating work that communicates with intention and leaves a meaningful impression.

What drives me is building visual stories that connect deeply with people – designs that not only make sense, but make you feel something. I believe in listening before creating, thinking beyond trends, and crafting with precision and care. My approach combines aesthetic exploration with strategic thinking – resulting in work that serves both creative vision and business goals.

The ability to communicate across cultures enriches my perspective and process. Fluent in English, Japanese, and Chinese, I navigate cultural nuances that lead to more empathetic, emotionally resonant creative solutions.

Having collaborated with renowned brands including Nike, Yamaha, Sapporo Premium Beer, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industry, I now work independently, partnering with clients, agencies, and creative teams who value thoughtful visual direction. I bring a collaborative spirit and quiet determination to every project, focusing on results that matter.

If you’re looking for someone who can think with you and build with you – bringing clarity and meaning to your visual identity or campaign – I’d welcome the conversation.

Experience

Freelance Art Director/Designer

2025—Present

Associate Design Director

2021—2025

Art Director

2019—2020

Designer

2019—2020

Lead Graphic Designer

2017—2017

Graphic Designer

2016—2017

Junior Graphic Designer

2015—2015

Internship Graphic Designer

(ANSONCREATIONS)

2013—2013

Events Photographer

(KENNETH HUI PHOTOGRAPHY)

2009—2014

Top Skills

Branding / Art Direction / Visual Identity / Photography / Graphic Design / Packaging Design / Product Photography / Photo Retouching / Video Production / Creative Concept Generation / Design Thinking / Motion Graphics / Digital Content Creation / Social Media Marketing / Branding Strategy