A man wearing glasses and a white shirt is smiling

Kalle Erkkilä

Visual Artist

I’m a multidisciplinary creator from the North—designing, illustrating, animating, and experimenting with AI-driven tools.


This site showcases a selection of my personal projects and creative experiments. While the focus here is on independent work, my background also includes collaborations with both local Finnish institutions and well-known global brands.

CONTACT

GALLERIES

Here you'll find a curated collection of my personal, non-commercial works—art shaped through the creative use of AI and organized by theme.

  • Video Gallery
    Explorations in AI-driven video production and moving image storytelling.
  • Music Gallery
    Original soundscapes and experimental compositions produced with the help of AI tools and concepts.
  • The Finns
    A visual journey into Finnish history and heritage—blending fact and fiction to reflect cultural identity.
  • People Gallery
    Portraits and studies inspired by human form, expression, and character across cultures and moods.
  • Misq Gallery
    A home for the eclectic—artworks that defy categories but still carry meaning and emotion.
A cartoon robot with a clock on top of it

BLOG

A white bunny rabbit is sitting in front of a house.
By Kalle Erkkilä July 31, 2024
As businesses increasingly explore the use of AI-generated designs and art, it's crucial to understand the nuances of copyright protection in this evolving field. While AI can produce bulk images efficiently, the legal framework around intellectual property rights (IPR) remains clear: significant human involvement is key to securing copyright protection. This is particularly important for businesses looking to protect their brand identity and creative assets. The Role of Human Contribution in Copyright Protection In Europe, copyright laws are rooted in the principle that only works with a meaningful human contribution can be protected. This means that while AI can generate impressive visuals, these creations often cannot be copyrighted unless a human author is substantially involved. The European Union's legal framework, including guidance from the European Parliament, emphasizes the necessity of human creativity in the creation process. For businesses, this distinction is crucial. Using AI to generate a large volume of generic images may save time and resources, but these images might not qualify for copyright protection. This could leave businesses vulnerable to imitation and misuse. To safeguard valuable designs, it is advisable to involve a professional artist or designer who can infuse the work with a unique human touch. This not only enhances the originality and quality of the content but also strengthens the case for copyright protection. Strategic Use of AI and Human Talent For high-stakes projects, such as branding or product design, combining AI's efficiency with human expertise offers the best of both worlds. An artist or designer can guide the creative process, ensuring that the final output reflects the business's vision and adheres to legal standards for copyright eligibility. This hybrid approach allows businesses to leverage AI's capabilities while still benefiting from the nuanced artistry and judgment that only humans can provide. Moreover, businesses should consider the broader implications of using AI-generated content. Engaging with skilled professionals ensures that the creative output aligns with the brand's identity and values, offering a consistent and authentic customer experience. This strategic collaboration can also foster innovation, as human creativity often leads to unexpected and original solutions that AI alone may not produce. Conclusion In the context of intellectual property rights, businesses must carefully navigate the use of AI-generated art and design. While bulk images generated by AI can serve functional purposes, important projects demand the touch of a skilled artist or designer to secure copyright protection and maintain brand integrity. By understanding the legal landscape and strategically combining AI with human talent, businesses can create unique and protected visual assets that stand out in the market.

VIDEO

AI video tools are evolving at an incredible pace—and I’ve been exploring their potential since the early days of Runway’s first releases. This section showcases a curated selection of my creative experiments and visual narratives, crafted with the latest advancements in AI video technology.


Say Sing Amen

An Afrobeat style music and video made with AI.

Length 2:29

June 2024

The Greatest Story Ever Told

This is an epic Biblical trailer about Christ's life.

Video and music is made with AI.

Length 3:18

March 2024

MUSIC

Music has always been a part of how I process emotion, memory, and imagination. This gallery features soundscapes I’ve created with the help of AI—each piece capturing a moment, a feeling, or a fragment of a story that words couldn’t hold.


Some of these compositions also appear in the Video Gallery as part of larger audiovisual works.


Elämäni Polku (The Path of My Life)

While my father was fighting for his life unconscious in the hospital, I felt powerless. The situation drew my thoughts back across the decades.
I began writing a song—about the time when I was a child and a teenager, when my parents and others were still young.
This became my way of processing loss.


The song, Elämäni Polku (The Path of My Life), isn't about my own or my parents’ lives specifically, but echoes of memories—perhaps even shared, collective ones—from a time gone by.


Each listener brings their own experience to it. We’ve all faced loss, and I hope the song offers some small comfort.


This year marks ten years since my mother passed away.  I dedicate this song to the memory of my mother and father.

Length 3:45

June 2025

FINNS

The Finnish people are an intriguing nation. Despite their modern, high-tech society, they maintain a strong connection to nature. It is not uncommon to find a Finn who prefers spending time in the expansive wilderness alone rather than socializing with others.


Personally, I have a deep fascination with the rugged, olden days and exploring the individuals who chose to live in extreme and harsh environments.


PEOPLE

For many artists, people and life in general have always been a source of inspiration. I have been sketching people since I was a young child and I never tire of the subject. I am particularly drawn to old traditions and ways of life, including a deep-rooted fascination in Asian cultures. On the other hand, I am also captivated by the adventurous lifestyle of America's "wild west", a period I view as a time of incredible freedom.


MISQ

This gallery showcases a diverse range of subjects. While I am typically drawn to vintage rustic items and textures, I am equally fascinated by the way "high-tech" light particles come together to create shapes and objects. Perhaps it is their fleeting nature that captivates me. Black and white art has always piqued my interest, possibly due to my background in design.


As a father to a young daughter, I have rediscovered my delight in all things adorable and amusing, reigniting my inner child through my art.