Pros
Real Art offers the opportunity to work with really big name clients, and to be a part of some really special events and projects. You’ll find top talent here to learn from and collaborate with.
Cons
Real Art was easily the most toxic workplace I’ve ever experienced. There is little respect for work-life balance. Employees are honored for their hard work only if they’re seen physically in the building until late hours of the night. The management has antiquated views on how to motivate their people—choosing to constantly remind them just how lucky they are to be there, while offering no opportunities for career growth (i.e. leadership classes, promotions, raises, etc) The director structure is grossly top heavy with only 1 or 2 people making most creative decisions, while micromanaging the best and brightest into either a state of burnout or indifference. I watched too many people completely lose their confidence and love of their career while working there. Real Art is largely staffed by a handful of lifelong employees who started as interns and haven’t experienced any better. All the while they’re fed a cult-like ideology in the form of the “12 Absolutes,” which is a beautifully designed handbook full of toxic positivity and personality mandates. The rest of the team cycles in and out after 1-3 years, as they quickly realize they could be better respected elsewhere. I’ve had countless conversations with ex-employees where it becomes painfully obvious they are still coping with the psychological damage that was done to them during their time at this agency. If you are drawn in by the promise of working with top brands, like I was, my advice is to put your emotional armor on. But even more adamantly, I encourage you to look elsewhere.