What is a Creative Technologist?

What is a Creative Technologist?

lol great question 🤷

"Creative technologist" is one of those wonderfully vague job titles that means different things to different people. And that's actually part of its charm - it's an intentionally broad term that welcomes people from all kinds of backgrounds who work at the intersection of technology and creativity.

The Basics

At its core, a creative technologist combines technical skills with creative thinking to build interesting things. They often serve as bridges between different disciplines - designers and developers, artists and engineers, or really any fields that intersect with technology and creativity. The role is inherently interdisciplinary, drawing from many different areas of expertise.

What Do They Actually Do?

Because it's such a broad field, creative technologists can be found doing all sorts of work:

• Building interactive installations for museums or events
• Creating prototypes of new product ideas
• Developing AR/VR experiences
• Making data visualizations that tell stories
• Writing code for experimental web experiences
• Exploring emerging technologies like AI and machine learning

Jack of All Trades, Master of Some

Creative technologists often embody the "jack of all trades" philosophy - they know enough about many different areas to be dangerous. While some might see being a generalist as a weakness, it's actually a strength in this field. The ability to speak multiple "languages" (whether that's code, design, or business) and connect different disciplines is incredibly valuable.

Skills You'll Need

The skill set of a creative technologist can vary widely, but might include:

• Coding abilities (often web technologies like JavaScript)
• Design thinking and user experience knowledge
• Problem-solving mindset
• Visual design understanding
• Project management capabilities
• Knowledge of emerging technologies
• Ability to learn and adapt quickly

Where Do They Work?

Creative technologists can be found in many different environments:

• Design agencies
• Tech companies
• Innovation labs
• Museums and galleries
• Advertising agencies
• Game studios
• Their own freelance businesses

Getting Started

Want to explore becoming a creative technologist? Here's how to begin:

• Learn to code (start with web basics like HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
• Build personal projects that combine tech and creativity
• Share your work online and build a portfolio
• Network with others in the field
• Stay curious about new technologies

The Best Part

One of the most exciting aspects of being a creative technologist is the variety. Because the field is so broad and interdisciplinary, you can really make the role your own. Some creative technologists are more technical, others more artistic - and that's perfectly fine. There's room for many different approaches and perspectives.

Remember, there's no single path to becoming a creative technologist. Some come from art backgrounds and learn to code, others start as developers and discover their creative side, while others might come from completely different fields altogether. The beauty of this role is that it welcomes diverse backgrounds and approaches - it's truly a big tent where anyone with passion for both technology and creativity can find their place.