In the late 1800s, J. Walter Thompson pioneered the development of a creative department by hiring
writers and artists to create ads in order to sell more space. He realized more space would be sold if the
company could provide a service to advertisers by creating the ad content itself. Thus, the advertisers were
the creators of engaging content, taking the onus off the client. All us writers and art directors owe
J. Walter Thompson a special thanks for this one.