Pros
The artists at the company were incredibly hardworking and talented, showing remarkable perseverance despite the challenges they faced. Among them, there were genuinely kind-hearted individuals who remained deeply dedicated to their work, striving to stay afloat in a challenging environment determined to drag them down.
Cons
KNOWN claims to be an innovative and client-focused advertising agency, but a closer look reveals significant issues affecting creatives. One major problem is wasted time and effort on projects beyond the original scope, fueled by unrealistic expectations that create chaos and pressure among the team. The company's toxic culture undervalues hard work, prioritizing tight deadlines and immediate results over artists' well-being. The convoluted chain of command and multiple layers of executive creatives lead to chaotic decision-making. The impulsive actions of management further disrupts project workflow, fostering an atmosphere with stressed and unhappy teams. Talented individuals face exploitation due to excessive executive interference, stifling creativity and causing delays and cost overruns. One incident involving a dedicated artist investing an entire weekend on a project, only to be dismissed based on a subjective creative decision, highlights the lack of appreciation and fair treatment by management. Moreover, the company's approach to compensating employees raises concerns, with artists asked to lower their rates after the company had previously agreed upon those rates. Lastly, the executive leadership, which often interferes and hinders genuine creative innovation, lacks diversity and equality. It's evident that a specific type of person climbs the ladder, leaving individuals of color or diverse backgrounds relegated to lower junior roles.