Have the creative industries really got nicer?

Graphic design studio
(Image credit: Getty Images)

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.)

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Simon Ward

Simon is a writer specialising in sustainability, design, and technology. Passionate about the interplay of innovation and human development, he explores how cutting-edge solutions can drive positive change and better lives.

With contributions from
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