In an industry where visuals speak louder than words, Matthew August has carved out a space for storytelling that resonates far beyond the screen. As the founder and CEO of Matthew August Media, he’s become a rising force in the creative economy—blending artistic vision with commercial strategy to produce work that’s both impactful and original. From humble beginnings to capturing the attention of cultural tastemakers, Matthew’s journey is a testament to passion, perseverance, and purpose. In this interview, he opens up about the inspiration behind his brand, the business lessons that shaped him, and the bold vision driving Matthew August Media into the future.
Matthew, take us back to the beginning—what inspired the birth of Matthew August Media, and what was the pivotal moment that made you believe this could become more than just a passion project?
It all started with a deep love for storytelling and the visual arts. From a young age, I was fascinated by how visuals could evoke emotion and communicate powerful messages. What began as a hobby—experimenting with cameras and editing software—quickly evolved into something more serious when I realized that people were responding to my work.
The pivotal moment came when a local brand reached out to collaborate on a project. That single opportunity made me realize that this wasn’t just a passion project anymore—this could actually be a career. From there, I committed fully, and Matthew August Media was born.
Your work captures a distinct visual identity—how do you balance artistic vision with client demands, especially in an era where content creation is both abundant and competitive?
It’s definitely a balancing act. Every project starts with listening—understanding the client’s vision and objectives. But then comes the art of interpretation: how do I take that brief and infuse it with creativity that still feels true to my style? I believe the key is mutual respect—clients come to me for a reason, and I make sure to deliver their message while staying authentic to the visual identity I’ve built.
In today’s oversaturated market, originality stands out. So I constantly push myself to create work that feels fresh, even within commercial parameters.
In building Matthew August Media, what have been some of the hardest business lessons you’ve had to learn—particularly as a young founder in the creative economy?
One of the biggest lessons has been realizing how tough it can be to access branded work, especially as a young creative without big industry connections. It takes persistence, a strong portfolio, and a lot of networking just to get your foot in the door.
Another challenge has been learning to balance input vs. output—sometimes you pour so much time, energy, and creativity into a project, but the return doesn’t always match the effort. That taught me the importance of valuing my work properly, setting boundaries, and working smarter, not just harder. It’s an ongoing journey, but every challenge has helped sharpen both my creative and business instincts.
The creative industry is often unpredictable. How do you stay creatively inspired while also managing the pressures of scaling a business and staying commercially relevant?
It definitely requires balance. I stay creatively inspired by staying connected to the culture—whether that’s through music, fashion, film, or even just observing everyday moments. I also make time for passion projects where there’s no brief, just pure creativity. Those moments help refuel my vision.
On the business side, I’ve learned to treat creativity like a discipline—setting structures, planning ahead, and building a team I trust so I’m not doing it all alone. Staying commercially relevant means listening to what the market is asking for, but still finding ways to deliver it with authenticity and a signature touch that sets Matthew August Media apart.
You’ve built a strong presence on Instagram and beyond—what role has personal branding played in growing your business, and how intentional has that strategy been?
Personal branding has played a massive role. In many ways, people connect with the person behind the lens just as much as they do with the work itself. I’ve been intentional about showing up authentically online—sharing both the highlights and the behind-the-scenes grind.
Instagram has become more than a portfolio; it’s a storytelling platform where I get to shape the narrative around my brand. That visibility has helped attract clients, collaborators, and opportunities I could never have imagined early on.
What are some of the key milestones or moments of recognition that validated your journey and gave you momentum to push further?
One of the most validating moments has been having my work recognised by influential people in society—individuals whose platforms and voices hold real weight. When people like that take notice, it reminds me that what I’m creating is not just seen, but felt.
It’s those moments—whether it’s a repost, a personal message, or being booked for a major campaign—that have fueled my drive and reminded me that I’m on the right path. Each of those milestones gave me the momentum to keep pushing creatively and professionally.
Looking ahead, what’s the big vision for Matthew August Media? Are you planning to diversify, expand globally, or perhaps mentor the next generation of visual storytellers?
The vision for Matthew August Media is rooted in expansion—both locally and internationally. I see the brand evolving into a full creative agency that produces world-class visual content and sets new standards in storytelling.
Mentorship is also close to my heart, and I’m passionate about supporting emerging creatives. I look forward to hosting workshops in the future to share knowledge, build community, and help others grow their craft. Ultimately, the goal is to build a legacy that empowers, inspires, and leaves a lasting impact on the industry and beyond.
To book Matthew August Media for your next event or campaign, you can reach out through:
- WhatsApp: +27768985917
- Email: Matthewaugust5@icloud.com
- Instagram: @Shotsbymattyaugust & @Fashionphotographybymatty
- Facebook: Matthew August Media
- Booking Form: https://linktr.ee/shotsbymattyaugust