There’s a very specific kind of burnout that comes from working with an agency that just doesn’t get you. Maybe they’ve gone silent mid-project. Dropped “surprise” fees like they’re confetti. Told your vision was “fine” when it clearly wasn’t. You’re not dramatic—you’re just overlooked.
If your creative partnership has left you more frazzled than fabulous… it’s not you. It’s the relationship.
Here’s how to spot those red flags, take control, and walk—calm, confident, clarity-first—into your next chapter.
🚩 Red Flag #1: They ghost you mid-project
You send an email. Then another. Then it’s been two weeks, and you’re refreshing your inbox like it owes you rent.
If your agency can’t communicate consistently, your project isn’t a priority—it’s an afterthought.
Fix it fast: DM stall on our IG carousel or grab our Timeline Rescue Email Template to re-sync and reset expectations.
🚩 Red Flag #2: Surprise invoices keep popping up
We all know scope creep happens. But if “that wasn’t included” starts sounding like a theme song, you’ve got a transparency problem.
Fees shouldn’t feel like a trapdoor.
Fix it fast: Download our Creative Project Fee Audit Sheet and get crystal clear on where your investment is going.
🚩 Red Flag #3: You don’t have access to your files
Your logo. Your pitch deck. Your brand system. If you can’t access your own assets, we have a problem.
You paid for it. You own it. Period.
Fix it fast: Use our Source File Request Template to professionally ask for your brand files and logins. (You deserve everything you paid for.)
🚩 Red Flag #4: You’re not being heard
You show up with strategy. Vision. Big, clear energy. And they say, “let’s just use what worked last time.”
That’s not collaboration. That’s creative autopilot.
Fix it fast: DM listen to get our “Listen Up” Script—a super-clear way to reframe the conversation and bring the focus back to your vision.
🚩 Red Flag #5: The work doesn’t feel like you
It’s beautiful. Technically solid. But… off.
If your creative doesn’t feel like your brand—or your audience? It’s just decoration.
Fix it fast: Download our Brand Vibe Checklist to assess where the disconnect is happening—and how to bring your identity back to life.
🚩 Red Flag #6: You’re always asking, “What’s next?”
Projects should feel like momentum, not mystery. If you’re chasing timelines or babysitting deliverables, the process is broken.
You should be visioning forward, not playing project manager.
Fix it fast: DM control or download our Project Roadmap Template to see what a seamless, supportive creative process actually looks like.
Noticing some of these red flags?
You’re not alone—and you’re not stuck.
Most of our clients come to us feeling the exact same way: overwhelmed, underwhelmed, and totally unsure what to say or do next.
So before you panic-text your designer or suffer through one more “just checking in” email, read this:
How do I break up with an agency without burning bridges?
Keep the convo professional. Focus on unmet needs and misalignment—not drama. We even wrote you a script:
What if I don’t know what files I should have?
Totally normal. That’s why our Source File Request Template doubles as a checklist—to make sure you don’t miss a thing.
Can I keep using my old branding with a new agency?
If you have editable files, yes! And if not? We’ll help you rebuild smarter with a refresh that respects your past and levels up your future.
Am I overreacting, or is it time to leave?
If you’re constantly following up, clarifying, or guessing—this isn’t sustainable. Your gut is probably right. Grab our Project Check In Template to compare what you’re getting vs. what you deserve.
Will switching agencies slow me down?
Not at all. If your current agency is already dragging things out, making a change speeds things up. We’ll help you transition quickly and cleanly.
One Last Thing…
If your gut’s been whispering “this isn’t working”… trust that whisper.
You don’t need to wait for a crisis. You don’t need to justify it.
You deserve creative work that lights you up. A team that listens. A process that supports your pace, your values, and your growth.
At JLA, we believe creative partnerships should feel calm, collaborative, and exciting. If that’s not what you’re experiencing—it’s time to change that.
Book your free 15-minute Creative Breakup Consult and let’s make a plan that actually supports you.
