Constantly Guessing What Was Expected Because Clear Direction Was Never Actually Given - Former Employee Starfish Agency Employee Review

1.0
Apr 14, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Exposure to media planning workflows.

Cons

A lot of time was spent trying to understand what success actually looked like because expectations weren't always clearly defined, so you'd complete something thinking it aligned only to find out it missed the mark in some unclear way, and then you adjust, fine, but it happens again and again until you realize you're basically working off assumptions instead of direction, which honestly gets old fast and makes even routine tasks feel unnecessarily complicated.

Explore other reviews about Starfish Agency

5.0
Feb 10, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Starfish works with a very wide range of clients in almost every industry and vertical. Every project and client is different, and you're always learning new things. Starfish also offers a significant amount of autonomy and collaboration.

Cons

Autonomy can sometimes be a double-edged sword since it comes with responsibility.

2.0
May 29, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Skilled and talented staff are present, but creativity is constantly suppressed and wasted. The location and office building are accessible in a good area.

Cons

- Employees receive almost no support from management while demands are unreasonably high and relentless. - The salary is low and completely mismatched with the extreme expectations being placed on staff. - Expectations are absurd considering there is no real guidance or help provided. - Designers are stripped of any real creative freedom and everything is tightly micromanaged and controlled. - Management behavior is suffocating and driven by constant control over every detail instead of trust,

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Starfish Agency Response
1mo
Starfish is a high-intensity, strategic, and creative intelligence agency. Entrepreneurial at 24, we are a tight team and a cordial bunch. Passionate about our craft, we collaborate to make sure the work has the perspective and insight it needs. Moreover, we win our fair share of awards, and our clients appreciate our attention to detail and hardworking nature. That said, it’s not for everyone. It is, however, for those who want to be thoughtful, autonomous, and not so overly protective of their work that feedback or client asks don’t cause undue stress. With a client roster spanning startups to non-profits, healthcare, professional services, tech, and consumer goods, some clients have greater demands and require more creative finesse. That’s not a euphemism for “Do what’s been asked of you and don’t ask questions.” What it is is understanding the client, the deliverable, and finding ways to make the work work. For some, that’s stifling. Having worked at large, mid-size, and small agencies, there is no perfect place. But if you find a place with good people, a visionary and fair-minded leadership, and people you like, try to stick around. Work is demanding, do your best, and if the place doesn’t align with your beliefs, needs, or creative soul, you can always jump ship.
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