Max Schnürer is the founder of buero butter, a Vienna-based design agency renowned for its creative work and innovative concepts. He began his career in prestigious agencies in Germany and Austria before founding buero butter to realize his vision of design. Max studied Graphics and Communication at the University of Applied Arts Vienna and is a member of the Creativ Club Austria and the Art Directors Club Europe. With a passion for design and sustainable projects, Max is now also contributing his extensive experience as a board member of the Creativ Club Austria.
#1 Max, how do you feel about your new role on the board of the Creativ Club Austria?
I’m motivated and ready to roll up my sleeves to work with the new board team to advance the creative industry. We have big plans, and I’m excited to tackle them with energy and drive. The Creativ Club Austria is the voice of Austria’s creative scene, and this role deserves to be further strengthened. Our vision is to elevate the creative industry to a new level by fostering connections among creatives across the country, nurturing new talents, and making the CCA a platform that showcases the best ideas, the boldest concepts, and the most socially relevant projects. At the same time, we aim to include the perspectives and needs of our clients more strongly to foster a comprehensive and sustainable collaboration. I see this as a great opportunity to make a real difference and establish a lasting vision for the future.
#2 What are your main goals as the new board?
A key goal is to strengthen representation and participation – both within the club and externally. We want more women to be visible in the creative industry – not just in leadership positions, but across all roles. Additionally, we want to engage the creative landscape beyond Vienna more strongly by building bridges between Austria’s diverse regions. Our vision is to create a creative community that spans the entire country and incorporates the richness of regional talents and ideas. Our work should not only focus on Vienna but also act as a unifying element for the entire nation.
At the same time, we are committed to ensuring that creative excellence, particularly in an era of AI and automation, regains the prominence it deserves for its societal relevance. Creativity is a crucial building block that can define the difference between an "Age of Average" and a "Golden Era of Opportunity." Our vision is to place creative excellence at the forefront and create cultural value that extends far beyond individual projects.
#3 What does vision mean to you personally, and how do you bring this vision into your role on the board?
For me, vision means having a clear idea of the future while leaving room for growth and improvement. I believe we, as creatives, have the responsibility to shape cultural discourse and drive positive change. Our vision for the Creativ Club Austria is to create a platform that not only stands for outstanding creative work but also addresses the societal issues of the future – whether it’s diversity, sustainable design, or fair collaboration. We want to promote visions that go beyond merely achieving campaign goals and instead strengthen societal values. This vision should not only serve as inspiration but also act as a practical guide for taking concrete, forward-thinking steps.
#4 How do you plan to inspire young talent to join the Creativ Club Austria?
Young talent is the lifeblood of the creative industry. Our vision is to inspire them and give them a platform to showcase their creative skills. We want to encourage them by creating opportunities where they can present their work, receive feedback, and learn from the experience of established colleagues. Initiatives such as the "CCA Venus Tour" to Austria’s provinces, workshops, and mentoring programs aim to provide a space for young creatives to grow and learn. It’s important that young creatives don’t feel that the CCA is an exclusive club but an open place where ideas are welcomed and appreciated. Our vision is to support young talent in the long term and show them that they are an essential part of the creative future.
#5 What are the biggest challenges facing the creative industry right now?
The biggest challenge undoubtedly lies in digitalization and the changing framework of the creative industry. AI and automation are fundamentally transforming our work. But I also see a tremendous opportunity here: we must understand technology as a tool that enhances our creative processes rather than replaces them. Our vision is to harness the advantages of technology to take our creativity to the next level and enrich the creative process. Additionally, I want to help ensure that creativity is recognized as an essential value in businesses. It’s about having courage – both with our clients and across the entire industry – and focusing on creative excellence.