Marcus Byrne, an AI creative advisor and former Head of Art & AI at Thinkerbell, is the latest guest on the UNLEARN podcast series ahead of the AI Video for Media & Advertising Summit in Sydney on 21 October 2026. Byrne has spent more than two decades in advertising, design and creative technology, working with brands including Guinness, Honda, Schweppes and Nike.
His career includes senior creative roles at Leo Burnett, Ogilvy, TBWA, Publicis Sapient and VML Y&R. At Thinkerbell, he helped drive AI adoption across the agency during a period of rapid growth.
From agency work to AI advisory
Byrne now advises brands, agencies and technology companies on integrating generative AI into creative workflows while maintaining authenticity, strategic clarity and human connection. His work has been featured by The Guardian, Wired, Gizmodo, Designboom, TrendHunter and Cool Hunting.
He has contributed to award-winning campaigns recognised at Cannes Lions, D&AD, Clio, One Show and Spikes Asia, and speaks regularly at events including Cairns Crocodiles, AGDA, RMIT and KPMG. For creatives looking to build similar skills, AI for Creatives courses cover practical applications of the technology in design and advertising work.
The AI Video Summit
The AI Video for Media & Advertising Summit takes place on 21 October 2026 at Doltone House Hyde Park, Sydney. Campaign Brief is the official media partner. Tickets are available with code AIVCB10 for 10% off.
For those wanting to prepare before the event, Generative Video training covers the production techniques likely to feature in summit discussions.
Why this matters for creatives
Byrne's career arc - from traditional agency roles to leading AI adoption at Thinkerbell, then advising other organisations - mirrors the shift many creative professionals are navigating. His podcast episode is a case study in how designers and art directors can move into AI leadership without leaving creative work behind. Watching it, and attending the summit, offers a practical route to understanding where the work is heading.
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