A Brief Encounter with ... Mark Grove
 
Mark Grove, Creative Director at Shoal Creative is one of three partners at the Worthing based creative agency.
 
The team has a wealth of experience in many design disciplines from working with numerous companies across a wide range of market sectors, both in the UK and globally.
 
To find out more about Mark, we asked him to do one of our 'Brief Encounters', he obliged and here's what he has to say:

 

Q: What would you consider your biggest achievement in your career to date?
A: I would probably say forming Shoal Creative back in early 2003, myself and my two business partners have not looked back since!

Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: As Creative director I get a real buzz from the raw creativity that is generated within our studio, it's then my job to try and tame it for client consumption

Q: What do you least like about your job?
A: As a creative, administration! But I also know it's crucial to running an efficient business

Q: What motivates you?
A: A hunger for success; to be respected as Creative Director of 'the best creative agency' on the south coast!

Q: How do you motivate your staff?
A: As a young company, everyone seems to have bucket loads of motivation, I just help to direct and nurture those assets

Q: What was your first job?
A: Paper boy, at the tender age of 9, I used to love that paper round!

Q: Which business man or woman do you most admire?
A: I admire all the great entreprenuers, but especially those who share their knowledge and wealth with others

Q: What is your favourite holiday destination and why?
A: I have many but my favourite at the moment is Kynance Cove in Cornwall on an early autumn morning

Q: What made you want to get into the design industry?
A: I was always drawing as a child, I did really well in my art exams at school, art school seemed like the natural progression, I graduated at 21 with a degree in Graphic Design and haven't looked back since

Q: What drives you in your job?
A: My passion for design, the hunger for success and making work enjoyable

Q: How long have you been in the industry?
A: I have been in the design industry for over 24 years and I still love it!

Q: Favourite food?
A: Asian Noodle Soups, you can get a reasonable English version in the likes of Wagamammas, but it's not as good as the real thing out east

Q: Hobbies?
A: Pre children; diving, snowboarding, rock climbing, motorcycle touring.
    Post children; sailing, gardening, walking, flying kites

Q: What was the last book you read?
A: 'Queuing for Beginners' by Joe Moran, a very funny angle on British social history
  
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
A: As Creative Director of the best creative agency on the south coast, with satellites on the north west coast, south west coast, midlands, etc.

Q: Where do you feel your company is placed in the current market place?
A: We're in a great position to move forward, to grow and to be recognised as the best

Q: What did you want to be when you were growing up?
A: A famous artist (painter/sculpture)

Q: What subjects did you enjoy most at school?
A: Art, Geography and History

Q: Who has been the most influential person in your life?
A: My Dad, he's a bit of an entrepreneur himself

Q: What has been your most defining moment?
A: My most defining moments ever are seeing both of my beautiful children being born; I'm still blown away by it

Q: What would you most like to be remembered by?
A: My design solutions. Having designed the British Gas logo 12 years ago, it's still out there and still looking good!

Q: What guests would you invite to a dinner party?
A: People that make me laugh; Peter Kay, Frankie Boyle, Bill Bailey, Joan Rivers, Billy Connelly et al.

Q: What music do you listen to?
A: A complete mix of 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's and 00's

Q: What do you think of reality shows like The Apprentice?
A: I'm not a fan of these reality shows; I find them staged, egotistical and very dull.