Surface Media Review - Anonymous employee Surface Media Employee Review

It is a good company

It is ambitious company so fast-paced

Working at Surface will enforce the skills of debate, navigating internal politics, and being resourceful (all skills undoubtedly useful to have mastered in one’s career). Gives thick skin, which is great. Most of my colleagues, especially those I work most directly with are incredibly talented, strong, smart, and optimistic. This has allowed us to get through some tough times. If anything, how far Surface had come is a testament to the hardworking, optimistic, and motivated individuals that make up the company. They impress me every day.

CEO preaches about dedication to “quality and craftsmanship” from one side of his mouth—to clients, advertisers, the legitimate design community at large, or anyone he can use Surface to get something out of—then leads and directs in a way to make it impossible to produce quality, often intentionally directing or imposing circumstances such that employees have no choice but to produce sub-quality work. Cutting corners in business ops and relationships until there will be no more left to cut. For freelancers and employees, the CEO sees Surface as a portfolio trophy. This outlook manifests in ugly ways that create a toxic internal work environment and poorly treated freelancers.