Tom Sharp, Creative Director, Stone Soup (From York Press)

Tom Sharp, Creative Director, Stone Soup

2:35pm Tuesday 4th May 2010 in

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Even though he has a wife and two small daughters, Tom Sharp, creative director of Stone Soup, the York design and advertising agency, maintains his air of rebellion.

One suspects it has little to do with his study of the Beat poets when he read English and American literature at Keele University, and everything to do with an instinctive offbeat way of grabbing and holding attention.

After all, that is what he does for a living and he and his staff of five do it well.

While his fellow students were heading for London, he and his Keele University pal, Andy Milson, set off for York in 1998 to start a successful young people’s magazine called Here, and all the talents used fused into Stone Soup, which was formed in 2001.

Andy has since left the group to become a teacher, but Tom has ensured that the momentum goes on at Stone Soup’s Walmgate studio, with numerous projects for clients such as the Arts Council, Welcome to Yorkshire and local professional practices like Ware & Kay solicitors.

Which job (other than your own) would you like to have and why?

I’ve spent the last 11 years inventing my own job, so if I want other challenges I can seek them within Stone Soup.

Greatest achievement?

A recent Stone Soup advertisement for a creative to join the team attracted applications throughout the planet, including Brazil. We eventually hired a Mancunian, but I’m proud we’re contributing to the city’s economy by luring people to work here.

Biggest mistake?

Not realising that if you admit to your mistakes quickly and honestly people rarely hold them against you.

What makes you most angry?

I can’t be bothered to be angry.

What makes you laugh?

Kittens with human expressions, drunks falling over at weddings, people looking down the wrong end of a hosepipe and it suddenly being switched on.

What fools do you suffer least?

People who believe in bureaucracy over soul.

Whom do you most admire and why?

I think publisher Tyler Brule is great. His Monocle brand now has magazines, websites, shops and products. His emphasis on a global vision, quality and creativity is phenomenal.

What do you need to make life complete?

I’d be miserable if my life was complete. There’d be nothing to do.

How do you relax?

I have two young daughters, Sylvia, nearly three, and Violet, eight weeks old, to make sure I don’t. When they’re in bed, I switch off with my wife, Caroline, whisky and writing.

Name the organisation you see as the perfect one (not your own!) and why

Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co. They created art and a successful business, both of which are still remembered and admired.

Why do you make a difference?

Apart from to my immediate family, I don’t think I do.

Favourite record?

O Superman, by Laurie Anderson.

Favourite holiday destination?

The Isle of Arran.

Your epitaph

I don’t think words would be enough. A statue would be nice.