Twenty years ago, the creative industries were a battleground. No question. Agencies thrived - or at least wanted to be seen to thrive - on a “sink or swim” mentality, where long hours, toxic hierarchies, and unpaid internships were the norm. Junior employees were expected to endure high-pressure environments in the hope of securing a permanent role — if they could last long enough. But has the industry truly changed? Are work environments genuinely healthier, or have agencies just got better at marketing a friendlier image?
Over the past few weeks, I’ve spoken to agency leaders, former interns, legal professionals, and creatives across different sectors to understand whether the industry has evolved - or if the same power dynamics still persist under a more polished veneer. (If you're just starting out in the industry, take a look at our round up of the best portfolio examples.)
