Meet Daniel Vettorazi | Creative Technologist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Daniel Vettorazi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daniel, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk has been a defining element of my career. I view it as an opportunity to transform uncertainty into innovation. Early in my career, I founded one of Brazil’s first adlabs, where we introduced groundbreaking AR campaigns, including Brazil’s first Hololens interactive experience. At a time when the technology was nascent, taking this leap positioned me at the forefront of creative technology in my country.

One of the biggest risks I took was closing my successful company to move to the United States and join Buck Design. I saw this as a chance to challenge myself on a global stage. At Buck, I led award-winning projects and expanded their Creative Tech department’s capabilities, driving exponential business growth through R&D.

Later, my decision to join Meta was another calculated risk—one that allowed me to prototype tools and ideas used globally, winning three global hackathons and presenting projects to Meta’s C-level executives. One of these ideas, the WhatsApp lock folder, is now a feature impacting millions.

To me, risk is about trusting your vision, embracing uncertainty, and building opportunities where others may see limitations. The courage to take those risks has allowed me to achieve global recognition in creative technology and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art exists at the intersection of technology, storytelling, and creativity, where I leverage tools like AI, AR, VR, and XR to craft experiences that connect, inspire, and solve real problems. What sets me apart is my ability to bridge complex technologies with human emotion, creating projects that push boundaries while remaining deeply impactful.

One project I’m particularly proud of is Lifesaving Radio, a tool designed to assist surgeons during procedures by generating AI-powered playlists tailored to optimize focus. This project not only required technical precision but also showcased how creative technology can positively impact lives.

I also led the development of the HBO Between the World and Me project, where I used AI to animate hundreds of photos into videos, streamlining the animation process and empowering the team to focus on creative exploration. This project went on to win the ADC Award for Typography and a Webby Award for its innovation.

Another highlight of my career is winning three global hackathons during my time at Meta, where I developed prototypes that captured the attention of Meta’s C-level executives, including the CTO and CPO. These projects underscored my ability to transform visionary ideas into functional prototypes, some of which evolved into real-world tools like WhatsApp Lock Folders, used by millions globally.

Getting here wasn’t easy. I started my career in Brazil, pioneering creative technology with projects like Restart Project and Blind Book, which merged storytelling, accessibility, and innovation. Moving to the U.S. was a significant leap, requiring me to rebuild my career in a competitive global landscape. Through persistence, collaboration, and an unwavering belief in innovation, I turned challenges into opportunities.

The lesson I’ve learned is that innovation happens when you combine technical mastery with curiosity and risk-taking. My goal is to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, creating digital experiences that resonate, inspire, and drive real-world change. Whether it’s saving lives, winning awards, or delivering meaningful products, my story is about relentlessly pursuing what comes next.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting LA, I’d keep it classic but memorable! Since I love running, I’d start with an early morning run at Griffith Park (This is a personal tradition of mine. And I do every other week!) or a scenic hike at Runyon Canyon for amazing city views! After that, we’d do the ultimate LA cliché: brunch in Santa Monica at Great White or Malibu Farm Cafe right by the ocean, probably this is one of my favorite places in L.A. It’s the perfect mix of nature, good food, and iconic LA vibes!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My success is a reflection of the incredible teams I’ve had the privilege to collaborate with—those who challenge ideas, share knowledge, and embrace experimentation with enthusiasm. I owe a huge part of my journey to the mentors who shaped me along the way, especially the creative leaders at Meta, Buoy Studio, and Buck Design, who encouraged me to push boundaries and trust my vision.

My family has been my greatest anchor. My wife, Marcia, who shares my passion for immersive storytelling, has always stood by my side—understanding the late nights, the risks, and the sacrifices. Their unwavering support fuels my drive to keep innovating.

Lastly, I want to give a small shoutout to my past self—for taking risks, trusting my instincts, and always striving to build what doesn’t yet exist.

Website: https://www.vettorazi.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/danielvettorazi

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/vettorazi

Image Credits
Daniel Vettorazi – www.vettorazi.com