It is one of the most useful seats in an agency and one of the hardest to fill, because the right person can do two jobs most people pick between.
What does a creative technologist do at an agency?
A creative technologist sits between the creative team and the engineers and makes sure the idea can be built before the client buys it.
- Talks to both sides. Translates a concept into what it takes to build, and translates a technical limit into a creative opportunity.
- Prototypes ideas before they are sold. A working demo in the pitch room, built in days, so the client sees it.
- Keeps pitches buildable. Catches the idea that needs a budget, a platform, or a timeline the client does not have, while it can still be changed.
- Brings new tools to the creatives. What a new device, platform, or AI model makes possible this year.
How do I know my agency needs one?
You need one when the same problems keep showing up after the pitch is won.
- The development team sees the idea for the first time after the client signed.
- Launches slip because the concept assumed something the platform cannot do.
- You lose pitches to shops that showed a working demo.
- Your creatives have stopped proposing interactive ideas because they do not know what is possible.
Should we hire full time or bring one in part time?
Hire full time when the work fills a person's week, every week, for six months. Before that, a part-time or interim creative technologist costs less and lets you find out what the role means at your shop. A senior person brought in for pitches and launches can also write the job description and help you interview the permanent hire.
What should we look for in a creative technologist?
- Work that was built and launched. Ask what they made with their own hands, and what it ran on.
- Respect from both sides. Put them in a room with your creative director and your lead developer. Both should leave wanting to work with them.
- Speed. A rough, working prototype in days.
- The nerve to say no. The person who tells the creative director an idea will not work before the client hears it is the one worth paying.
Have you done this job?
Yes. I was a senior creative technologist at Carmichael Lynch, building sites and applications for Porsche, Harley-Davidson, American Airlines, and Gibson Guitars. Before that I was an interactive developer at Olson from 2000 to 2001 and worked on the Phillips UV vodka site that earned a One Show Interactive Merit.
What does a part-time creative technologist cost?
With me, prototypes and pitch work are $150 an hour or a fixed quote. Holding the seat as an interim lead is $3,500, $6,500, or $11,000 a month, depending on how many days a month you need. Anything over $3,000 can be paid by the month across the months it takes, no interest. See interim leadership and prototypes.
Answered by Jared Lukes, Minneapolis. Twenty-five years in brand, UX, and technology, currently holding fractional AI and technology seats at three companies. About Jared.