Pros
1. location -- practically on the sand in Santa Monica. ocean views.
2. talent -- super lean, A-list agency full of ex-Wieden, Crispin, 72 vets. they've stepped up recruiting in the past year, packing the place with Cannes winners.
3. culture -- people here are suspiciously nice and happy. i don't know if it's because you can surf before work or because there are booze-y events weekly.
4. opportunity -- it's a relatively small agency with giant clients and a flat structure. mid-level employees work directly with partners, with fortune 50 clients, and help win new business. this is an office of people punching two levels above their title. everything you do at 180, will be seen. This just does not happen at Deutsch, 72, or Chiat.
5. work/life balance -- rare place where this actually exists.
Cons
- 5 months ago, would have said "DIVERSITY." But honestly, it feels like every time a white kid leaves, they're replaced with a smarter, better kid from another country/background.
- Because 180 is super-lean, some of the brain and talent here is going to waste. Everyone is spread too thinly to be as awesome as they were hired to be.
- Run by account people. Even the creatives at the top (minus the new ECDs) think like account people.
- Sometimes I suspected the top-level guys loved the idea of great work, but were too scared by it when it landed in their lap.