sophie bruce
Our in-house (not-so-secret) snacker
Sophie graduated with a Business and Marketing degree and set sail for a career in the glamorous world of international shopping on cruise liners. Unfortunately, she didn’t get to travel to the Caribbean or other exotic destinations, she was based in an office in Avonmouth! But the brands she worked on were truly global, she devised a media sales and campaign implementation program, which succeeded in driving on-board sales of Dior, Bacardi, and Tiffany. She eventually docked (that’s enough shipping puns, thanks) at t&s, where she’s an integral and much valued part of our client liaison team. She works across several key clients, always with huge energy and enthusiasm, and always with a smile, solving whatever challenges she’s presented with.
What do you do all day?
I work across multiple accounts, which keep me busy every day. I spend time researching media to achieve the best audience reach and value for money. I’m constantly monitoring progress on creative work, ideas, and production, and I’m heavily involved in all stages of TV commercial production. We’re a busy agency and organisation skills are essential. I have a huge appetite for my job, and getting stuck into my not-so-secret, pot luck pile of snacks!
What are you best at?
Keeping on top of everything on every project, and ensuring clients are kept informed, responded to promptly and stay happy.
And the real Sophie?
As you’ll probably have gathered, I’m a foodie! Eating, not cooking! I love trying out new restaurants, which also covers socialising with friends, another of my downtime activities. I love travelling, recently I’ve been to Iceland, Switzerland, Porto, the Amalfi Coast, and Budapest. Hobby wise – is online shopping a hobby? If so, then it’s one of mine.
sam clark
Brace yourself... she’s after your business!
Like so many before, Sam’s journey into the world of marketing is rich in variety. Starting at Hjellegjerde (a Norwegian furniture company), Sam spent four valuable years getting under the skin of retail, experiencing everything from in-store marketing to customer services. Ever eager to broaden her horizons, Sam managed some serious juggling with her work-life balance to take a Business Studies with Marketing degree at UWE, and duly graduated with a 2:1. If that wasn’t enough, Sam won the ‘Futures Award’ and held the post of PAL (Peer Assisted Learning) Leader and Student Ambassador, responsible for developing and promoting the University’s new learning centre. And as a breather in the Summer break, it was off to Florida to gain yet more experience, working for a little Mickey Mouse company – helping to bring the magic to expectant diners at Walt Disney World.
But exploring new opportunities didn’t stop in the Magic Kingdom. During her final-year research studies at university, Sam identified an opportunity for an online lifestyle magazine, and in typical Sam fashion, ‘Anything Goes’ lifestyle magazine was born – it still thrives today under her stewardship! Of course, any new venture takes time to grow, and the ever-resourceful Sam was funding her vision (and keeping food on the table) with a second job being the top advertising sales person for Mum’s Diary Magazine. No surprise then that when Sam came to the attention of t&s, this was exactly the drive and ‘I’ll find a way’ attitude we required in our Business Development team. Sam now leads our new business prospecting with the same gusto that she has applied throughout her working life. Great news for us, but watch out those prospects who aren’t interested in what she has to say.
What do you do all day?
I’m the face of t&s at networking events, such as Building Brands and The Care Show, which I’m involved in organising, you’ll also see me at Digital Gaggle. My approach is certainly not hard-sell, but tailored to identify prospective clients’ specific needs, and match them with how we will be able to meet those needs.
What are you best at?
I’m all about communication. I like to build a good rapport with people I speak to, and enjoy identifying new and mutually beneficial opportunities. But it’s all nothing without great organisation!
And the real Sam?
I love all things Americana, aside from working in the US for Disney (I’m Disney mad btw, having been to three of the six parks) I’ve travelled to the states often. I like going to gigs and festivals, over fifty so far (don’t worry, I’m not going to list them!) I love to read, confess to being a bit of a shopaholic, and relaxing at home is also important, usually watching US comedy shows, you won’t be surprised to hear, while cuddling my cats, Nala, and Simba, which also won’t come as a surprise!
john struth
Making the impossible, possible - our very own Studio Superhero.
John studied Graphic Design at North Devon College. He cut his teeth at a national comms agency based in Barnstaple, where he started as a Junior Designer and worked his way up to Team Leader. After relocating to Bristol in 2005, he joined Sedgley Belbin Wright as a Senior Designer, where his creative and organisational skills soon elevated him to Studio Manager. Joining t&s from it's beginning in 2011, John brought with him his impressive creative credentials and plays a key role in both the conceptualising and delivery of the agency’s campaign projects.
What do you do all day?
My current role at t&s gives me the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of being a Senior Designer whilst taking on the responsibility of Studio Head.
As a full service agency, a variety of projects keep me on my toes - I schedule all the creative work coming into studio and ensure it's good enough to leave. I oversee the work of our Production Team, and ensure that high volume, quick turnaround jobs are of a high standard and that our systems and processes are maintained and adhered to.
I also work alongside the Creative Director on the majority of projects, from the highs of the full advertising campaigns, branding work, and new business pitches, down to the nitty gritty of the 10x2 recruitment ads, prospectus typesetting, or rolling my sleeves up and getting stuck into a PowerPoint document!
What are you best at?
Whether it’s creating a brand, or getting the best from brand guidelines, planning in a fortnight’s work for a busy studio, whilst working on tomorrow’s pitch, and pushing through that curve ball of a late rush ad, you will always find the same accurate, and efficient attention to detail.
And the real John?
I have two young children, who also keep me on my toes! When they were very young it was replacing the Mac with crayons, nowadays my son is into Minecraft and my daughter is a very keen runner, as am I, but I can’t keep up with her!
chris taylor
A fan of cycling and upcycling
Chris learnt the trade up north at Sheffield Hallam Uni in the ‘Steel City’ before moving to the south coast and taking his first role down in Bournemouth. After a couple of years he moved back to his home city of Bristol to continue his progression, where he continued to fine tune his craft over the next 5 years before joining t&s via a stint in New Zealand.
What do you do all day?
After a cycle and a coffee the day can begin. I work across all aspects in the studio: print, social, web, and animation. Whether it’s creating a campaign, an intricate piece of packaging, branding, press adverts, or a 5-minute animation for google ads; in short, picking up all the projects that allow the smooth running of the agency.
What are you best at?
A master of juggling projects across print, digital and motion from the big projects to the small, with strong ideas and crafting throughout. Whilst at the same time still picking up all the projects that allow the smooth continual running of the agency.
And the real Chris?
Outside of work, I can be found outdoors. Either cycling across the country on my latest bike-packing adventure, tackling a duathlon, or hiking the highest peak I can find, and once the seasons have changed, hurtling down it on a snowboard. Aside from these exploits, I’m a keen creator of upcycled furniture, a live music enthusiast, and have a passion for cooking.
matthew mitchell
The Oscar Wilde of t&s
Mathew is a man of few words, but watch out during office banter, his repartee is rapier like! He’s a Senior Designer with a solid track record over his two decades of experience, his passion burns bright for branding, typography, and layout.
What do you do all day?
Lovingly finesse ads for print and social, artworking files for print, attending to client amends, and doing whatever is asked of me to be a supportive member of a great team.
What are you best at?
Typography and layout - I've got an eye for detail!
And the real Matthew?
I enjoy swimming and working out, listening to music, going to see live bands, and trying to keep up to date with the latest cinema and TV releases.