Is the agency model as we know it dying out? Big office spaces, permanent teams, mandatory in-person working, rigid processes and hierarchies — all symbols of the traditional creative studios that have been pillars of the industry for decades.

But the pandemic accelerated the rise of the small agency. Those working in a nimble way, remote from anywhere in the world, with bespoke freelance teams built for each project.

So, which one is better? Together with Ayo Fagbemi (Explorers Club) & Andy Cooke (Creative Director) we discuss how the different models impact creativity, hiring talent and building a culture — and what clients are looking for; if they want to be seen with the latest ‘underdog agency’ or have the kudos of working with one of the legends.

It’s a classic David vs. Goliath story. We try to guess who will come out on top. And ask if the established agencies don’t adapt, are they destined for extinction?

Credits —

Small print:

Dan Salkey (Small World), Hub and spoke creative agencies

https://www.contagious.com/news-and-views/hub-and-spoke-creative-agencies-why-this-time-its-different

Stephanie McCarty, Here’s my beef with ad agencies

https://www.adweek.com/agencies/cmo-ad-agency-model-broken/

Comprehensive flexibility

https://hbr.org/2023/08/the-radical-promise-of-truly-flexible-work

Mentions: Collins New York Coffeehouse

Stories: Naomi Dacosta (NDC Creative) / Dylan Young (Koto)

Sponsored by Lucky Dip

luckydip.studio

Get in touch hello@thendapodcast.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, we’re tackling one of the industry taboos – ageing.

Joined by two creatives proudly in ‘mid-life’, Michael Johnson (Johnson Banks) & Jane Evans (Visible Inc.) we’re asking all the questions no one else dares.

Hearing the statistics on age diversity in the industry, it’s obvious there are empty seats where older creatives should be. To figure out why that is, we discuss how ageing is perceived. And how these outdated views of ageing are impacting our agency diversity.

We talk about clients, and whether they care about the age of their partners. Do they want energised young scrappy upstarts, or mature teams with a proven track record?

We hypothesise why there’s a big drop off, as our guests reflect on where their peers are now. Asking them when they were doing their best work, and if their creativity is as fierce now as it was in their 20s.

And what next? Talking about how to ‘be relevant’ in an ever-changing landscape, and what retirement looks like for this generation.

Ultimately, our guests believe that mid-life creatives are a huge untapped resource, ready to help us access the largest consumer group. So if that’s true, where are they? And why isn’t anyone harnessing their power?

Credits —

Small print:

Invisible to Invaluable: Unleashing the Power of Mid-Life Women, Jane Evans

Visible Start - https://visiblestart.com/

Olivia Stubbings ‘The Late Radicals’ for the IPA Excellence Diploma in Brands -

https://ipa.co.uk/knowledge/ipa-blog/the-late-radicals

Mentions: Vera Wang / JR Tolkein / Barabara Beskind / Anne Rothenstein

Stories: Brett Allan / Belinda Hubbal

Sponsored by Lucky Dip

luckydip.studio

Get in touch hello@thendapodcast.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we want to understand what it’s like for juniors entering the creative industry. We’re asking who’s responsible for their success, and if we might be failing them.

We talk to DINES (STUDIO BLUP) & Ellen Ling (LINGO) about whether the expectations we’re placing on our newest creatives are unrealistic. Can we really expect them to be multi-disciplined? What about having side hustles, or knowing what their creative passions are? Job role descriptions seem to be asking for all that and more.

We learn that juniors are feeling undervalued, overworked, and underpaid — as though their development is the last on the priority list. We also discuss veteran creatives’ experiences working with young talent. Some think juniors are having an easier time today, and others feel they are coming out of universities less prepared for agency life than ever before.

Ultimately, we unpack if we, both as individuals and the industry at large, support the next generation. Are we expecting too much? Do we secretly want them to have the same (traumatic) initiation as some of us did?

Or is the fact they’re raising the bar better for us all?

Credits —

Small print: Blup Academy - https://studioblup.com/academy/

Somerset House, ‘Upgrade Yourself’ - https://www.somersethouse.org.uk/inclusive-talent-engagement/upgrade-yourself-creative-industry-placements-participants

Shillington - https://www.shillingtoneducation.com/uk/

Mentions: Mother / Dixon Baxi / Havas / Wolff Olins / New Blood / D&AD

Stories: Jenny Potts / Hello Katy Studio

Sponsored by Lucky Dip (luckydip.studio)

Get in touch hello@thendapodcast.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.