We are Thirst
We like to do good things. You might think: ‘doesn’t everyone?’ Not always. You see, we’ve worked for other agencies, and Thirst is the culmination of our experiences, and how we feel we can do things better on both a local and national level.
We pride ourselves on our consistency, on our service, and on our delivery. We’re really good at what we do. We work hard and we excel under pressure, and we love to pass on our expertise to others looking to do good things.
We do all of this without unnecessary sales staff or account handlers. If you work with us, you’ll be guided by our lead creator, and you’ll discover that our designers handle our accounts, meaning you’ll stay more informed throughout the creative process. Everything we do is designed to deliver cost-effective creative excellence, and build relationships for the long term. At the core of everything we do, are our people. Good people. We take great pride in finding the brightest talent, but also work hard from the bottom up to nurture team members and let them flourish. It’s why we’re able to retain our staff, and clients, for long periods.
Thirst continues to work across multiple sectors and with brands large and small. Some of our clients are iconic UK brands, but we’re also on a mission to become THE local design resource. From small and medium-sized businesses, to local charities and inspiring initiatives, if you’re looking to do good things, we’ll be there to help you achieve your ambitions.
Branding
Maximise your potential
Compelling, purposeful and strategic branding/identity that epitomises your mission, vision and values, and which helps you stand out and resonate with your audience.
Design
Simply stunning design
From illustrations to retouching, and more detailed design and artwork, we’ll transform your brand with extraordinary design and impactful collateral to grab people’s attention.
Digital
Click & connect with your clients
We design, test and develop effective, seamless and responsive digital solutions to meet the needs of your brand, and to exceed the expectation of your customers.
Be like John
John Hirst, dad to Lead Creator Matt, is sadly no longer with us. If he was, he’d be very proud of what Thirst now represents. For it was John that built our first office back in 2003, and it was John that instilled the values that saw H2, now Thirst, rise to prominence. ‘Be good. Be nice. Deliver. And don’t rip people off’. These values have served us and our clients well on our journey so far, and they remain at the heart of everything we do.
The concept of Thirst was born in 2020, when COVID gifted us with the time to reassess and understand our vision for the future. We’re looking forward to servicing clients large and small, just as we’ve always done, but also now helping all those who might benefit from a professional service without paying ‘London’ prices. It’s time to give something back, and pass on our excellence to those who need it. Just like John did.
In our ears this month
Top artist
Mumford & Sons
Current top tracks
Run Together by Mumford & Sons
Vagabond by Caamp
What’s Underneath by Turin Brakes
Veni Mangé by Viren Neel
Fish On by Mark Keller
Our team
Matt Hirst
Founder & Creative Director
As the founder of Thirst I still find time to experience other passions such as fishing, golf-balling and Shrivenham FC. I’ve been involved with my local football team since 1991. Playing for 21 years and now looking after the pitch and surroundings.
I wasn’t great at school but was fortunate to discover a talent for design. A work experience placement at a top advertising agency was defining, I achieved decent grades and embraced the industry in my first job. Over the years I have learnt how to interpret briefs, something that i’ve become very good at.
I’m privileged to be surrounded by a talented team who share my enthusiasm for offering a great service and creativity to our clients. My career has taken me from an ambitious teenager to Director and I am still hands on with many of the projects. What have I learnt? Be respectful of clients’ needs, be cost-effective and above all, be nice.
Sally Hirst
Company Secretary & Director
In my free time, I enjoy a range of hobbies such as reading, cooking and socialising. I like to stay active and healthy by going to the gym and taking my dogs for walks. At work, I’m passionate about keeping accounts organised and clear to ensure everything runs smoothly. After having my second child, I started working part-time with my husband, Matt at Thirst and have enjoyed being part of a talented and supportive team ever since.
Through my experience, I’ve learned the importance of teamwork and having fun while still being productive. It’s been a valuable lesson to find joy in my work and build strong relationships with my colleagues. As a married mother of three, I’ve learned to balance my personal and professional life while still pursuing my passions. I’m grateful for the many opportunities I’ve had and the lessons I’ve learned. My ethos: Work should be fun and not just work.
James Street
Senior Creative
At weekends you will find me coaching my son’s football team, watching Liverpool play at Anfield and going to gigs. I love live music and going to Glastonbury every year.
At work, my passion lies in branding. I have always been creative, from doodling characters on any paper I could find as a child to illustrating on Procreate. I love working with colour and creating stories through something as small as a logo.
After studying IT, Business, and Sports Science at A-level, I pursued a Design degree at Bath University. My journey at Thirst started as a Junior Designer, and over eight years, I worked my way up to Senior Designer. I left to start a family, but I am excited to be back and to bring my passion for design and boundless energy to make Thirst the go-to design agency.
George Hegg
Creative & Account Manager
When I’m not designing, you’ll usually find me involved in something football-related, in the pub, or chasing a golf ball around a course, normally with a beer in hand.
My real passion within the industry is Photoshop. I find it particularly useful for adding abs to my holiday photos. I like to think you’d never notice, although I have had plenty of practice, having used Photoshop since I was 17. My journey into design began with a week of work experience while I was still at school. I’ve known Matt my whole life, and he kindly allowed me to spend a week annoying his staff. Somewhere along the way, I discovered that design was something I genuinely enjoyed.
College followed, but I quickly realised I hated my graphic design course. So, I got back in touch with Matt, who generously made me work unpaid for three months, and the rest, as they say, is history.
James Hirst
Creative
I enjoy playing and watching football and darts, going to the gym, and supporting my favourite team, West Ham, both at home and away games. Though I occasionally play golf, I am not very good at it. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I left school early and came to Thirst for work experience, which I enjoyed so much that I started a Junior Content Producer Level 3 course in September 2020 while working full time.
I am passionate about problem-solving, creativity, learning, and taking responsibility for my tasks. I feel comfortable and excited about my future at Thirst.
Through my experience, I have gained confidence in my design work, always managing client expectations and meeting deadlines. I am grateful for the opportunities and knowledge Thirst has provided me and look forward to continuing to grow in the industry.
Taylor Wall
Office & Accounts Manager
A couple of years ago I became a first-time mum, so in my free time, you’ll usually find me out and about with my 2-year-old daughter. Most likely exploring new play places, shopping, or meeting friends for a coffee (which almost always involves cake and a babycino!). When I’m not with my daughter, I enjoy anything and everything creative. My craft cupboard is fast running out of space as I’m constantly discovering new hobbies and wanting to try new things! I have always been creative, and having an eye for detail and a passion for making things look their best, enabled me to achieve a foundation degree in art and design whilst at college. These are skills that I took with me into my career, which have ultimately led me here. After previously working in a leadership role, joining Thirst was the natural next step. Working in a creative environment whilst continuing to be efficient, organised, and focused-it’s the perfect place for me.
Bradley Hirst
Studio Co-Ordinator
I enjoy playing football and going to the gym to support that. I also enjoy walking around a golf course, more so than actually playing the frustrating game. I love competition, and have become obsessed with sport psychology, which I am also studying an MSc in at Loughborough University. I am very reflective and have a deep respect for ancient cultures and the knowledge that they carry. I believe we, as individuals and a civilisation, can learn a lot from many of them. Mindfulness, acceptance, consciousness, psychedelics… Many times we come across things in this world that feel right, things that resonate strongly with us, but we struggle to explain why. The answer lies within ourselves, and ancient knowledge (combined with emerging research) can guide us towards those answers within. Meaning and purpose. Not to get too deep…
Want to join our team?
Are you a talented, passionate and hard-working creative? Whether you’re just starting out and looking for your first big break, or you’re experienced and keen to share your experience and creative excellence, we’d love to meet you. Send us your CV and your portfolio… we’ll get the kettle on.