Meet Jonathan Mathew

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jonathan Mathew a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jonathan, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.

To keep my creativity alive, I believe in immersing myself deeply in culture. For me, creativity is rooted in inspiration, and inspiration is something that grows when I stay open to new perspectives and continuously explore. I try to be a constant learner, consuming content whether that’s through books, art, music, or conversations that broadens my mind. I study others’ work, whether it’s designs, concepts, or even trends, and I analyse what makes them successful. This process fuels my curiosity and leads to fresh ideas. I’ve found that experimentation is essential. When I approach something with curiosity, I’m not afraid to replicate aspects of it as a learning exercise. However, it’s important for me to add my own twist, a layer of uniqueness that aligns with my personal style and vision. This blending of inspiration with my own perspective not only keeps things exciting but also challenges me to innovate continually. In this way, by staying dedicated to exploring, studying, and experimenting, I’m able to sustain and nurture my creativity over the long term

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am a creative director, which means I get to bring ideas to life in a way that is visually captivating and impactful. What excites me most about this role is the freedom to take concepts that start as abstract thoughts in my mind and translate them into tangible visuals. It’s incredibly fulfilling to shape ideas into something that people can see, experience, and connect with on an emotional level. Recently, I had the pleasure of working on a music video with an emerging artist from Bombay named Adi. This project was a great experience as it allowed me to merge Adi’s unique sound and style with my own visual interpretation. I’m looking forward to sharing even more projects like this, where art and storytelling can blend seamlessly.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1. Having an eye for what looks good – Developing a strong visual sense is crucial, and it’s something that only improves with time and exposure. Spending countless hours studying the work of the best in the industry, analysing details, and practicing design has helped me train this ‘eye’ for aesthetics.
2. Technical knowledge – Often overlooked, technical expertise is essential for turning creative ideas into reality. Whether it’s using design software, understanding lighting, or grasping the fundamentals of composition, technical skills are the backbone of good execution. I’d recommend taking the time to get hands on experience and mastering the tools of your craft.
3. Communication – Effective communication is invaluable, whether it’s sharing ideas with a team, networking, or even conveying a concept to a client. Creative work is collaborative, and being able to articulate your vision, give feedback, and connect with others can make all the difference.

For anyone early in their creative journey, focusing on these three areas – visual instinct, technical skill, and communication will equip you well for the challenges and opportunities in this field.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I’m open to collaborating with musicians, youtubers, brand owners, anyone who is looking to bring their creative vision to life. I’m passionate about working with people who are excited to explore new ideas and push boundaries in their projects. Whether it’s crafting visuals for a music video, enhancing brand storytelling, or creating engaging content, I’m here to help make those ideas a reality. If anyone is interested in collaborating they can reach out to me on Instagram.

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