Pros
Years ago when I started, Highsnobiety was an exciting place to be. I was thrown straight into the deep end, learned fast, and worked on some of the most culturally relevant projects of my career, from fashion and sport to standout activations and celebrity partnerships. The editorial roots made the work feel fresh and different to a traditional agency. There was plenty of travel, time on set, and a genuinely friendly, non-cliquey team. The Highsnobiety name opened doors, letting you network, attend incredible events, and be part of the cultural moments you were helping create. But now, much of that energy has faded.
Cons
Pay is extremely low for the title and responsibilities with no bonuses and layoffs almost every year. Seniors and ACDs try to help but they are over capacity so you are often on your own. This is not a place for mentorship or structured guidance. Creative opportunities have dropped. For two years I delivered creative but was blocked from shoots due to budget. About seventy seven percent of the client budget goes to the agency which is a very high cut so production trims and the work gets diluted. The client roster has slipped and the cultural pulse feels off. There is no real management. No check ins. No one to ones. No annual reviews because they get forgotten. Pay rises and promotions keep getting pushed back by another six months and then another six months. Instead of promoting they bring in new hires. If you join go for one or two years to learn fast then move on. Growth inside the company is minimal.