We recently connected with Mateen Khan and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Mateen, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?

The most fun thing about the creative industry is the ever-changing trends of what you make or compose. Technology plays a significant role in all aspects of innovative business, both the software and hardware sides.

Regarding photography, social media is a crucial player in introducing new trends. Last year, we saw a movement of videos with three different video clips in one window. Now, we see a rebirth of the old-school trend of using creative lens filters. The cameras are getting better equipped with low-light sensors. That means you can achieve better results without compromising the quality of the image.

Lighting trends are always fun to see. The number of lighting gadgets from different brands is a game-changer.

Most importantly, Artificial Intelligence (A.I). I see the use of A.I in photography and videography have minimal space to be applied. You can create incredible content by using A.I websites and apps. But it’s the question of the content creator’s credibility.

On the software side, as an Adobe Photoshop user since 2001,

I am enjoying the latest version of A.I integrated Photoshop. There are newer, straightforward ways to achieve professional results (time varies).

Adobe introduced Adobe Premiere Rush—another trend of faster and shortcut solutions for video editing.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

The trade I got into differs from the one most parents want their kids to end up in. I broke the norm of the society that I partially grew up in.

A brief description of my past: I was encouraged towards the arts as a healthy indoor activity as a child, along with my brother and sister. For them, they were born with artistic skills. I loved watching them coloring, painting, and drawing. Our parents never hesitated to buy us stationery and art supplies over toys.

Considering creative business was not my first choice, despite my grandfather being a garment factory owner and a photography enthusiast.

It was the time when I was getting into college for my bachelor’s degree. I decided to go into business and pass the entrance test for B.B.A.

But I concluded that I don’t want only a degree; I want a career to make money along with my education. That college had a fashion design program, and I passed my transfer test to start my fashion design education.

My aunt (my mother’s younger sister) was a handicraft teacher and a businesswoman. She owned an interior decoration business. My uncle (my mother’s older brother) was a high-end tailor master and used to train people to be high-end tailors.

Both of these people played a vital role in my early career. They gave me practical insight into what creative business looks like. What I need to learn and how to implement the knowledge. My uncle gave me the tools to design, draft, cut, and sew. My aunt helped me with the sales, marketing, branding, and prospecting tips.

Initially, I started with designing menswear, and then I started adding accessories and footwear. In 2014, I stepped into women’s wear. In the second stage of business, I started graphic designing, which included logo designing, layouts, labels & packaging, etc.

The idea behind my brand, M.A.K Studios., Inc., is to offer a wide range of creative services under one roof. The current focus is photography, videography, creative services, marketing, branding, and model management. As per the market, the first five services are in high demand.

You can find more information on my website.

I have kept a straightforward rule. You can only promise what you can offer.

Based on my expertise, whether it’s equipment, time, or processing,

I ensure I am only doing a limited quantity of work that allows me to focus on quality and turn in finished content on time.

Planner and sticky notes are my preferences. Out of sight, out of mind. So, I use sticky notes in the order of earliest to the latest. My planner hangs in front of me above my laptop screen.

It’s healthy to have work strategies and set rules that allow you more control over your business and personal life.

The one thing I’m most proud of is that wherever I go, I make friends.

Whom I love to learn from and share my knowledge and skills with them.

I recently visited LA, California, to attend a 4-day fashion week and collect my award for being the highest-voted photographer of the year.

I sincerely feel blessed by the support I received from my family, friends, fans, and followers. The intensity of pushing the votes was overwhelming to the last day of the voting process.

You must first focus on your personality to become a successful businessperson.

Be a positive person towards all. Comfort equals confidence.

Do things only when you genuinely feel comfortable doing them. When you are satisfied, you automatically become confident.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

My goal has been to improve my social skills. Your personality counts, not your business skills or your degrees. Have you ever imagined how high-school and college dropouts become successful businesspeople?

It all starts with self-respect. How well I keep my appearance, posture, attitude, and tone in public makes me gain and maintain my reputation in the market. I always do my analysis before I go to any event. My introduction is not a sales pitch; it is a highlight of my journey into my career, skills, and achievements.

Now, the question rests with the person before me: how relevant is the information to them? If they like me initially, it’s more likely that I will be offered an opportunity.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Attending events is the most simple and effective way to introduce myself and my services to my new potential clients. It’s called “Direct impact”.

Clients want to see enthusiasm and dedication behind the brand.

Clients would like to know your commitment capacity. Time and consistency are the two most important factors of any business. What have I done in the past months? I make sure I attend at least one event as a photographer. I want to network and grow my circle for the rest of the events.

You build credibility with 30% social media marketing and 70% in-person promotion. You need to take practical steps to promote your business successfully online. The people who give me their business know me in person, or they are referred by people who personally know me.

Suppose I am working on secret photoshoots and content that has yet to be on my social media. I will not be able to convince anyone because I do not have any credible proof of my accomplishments. Social media is a tool to market what you do practically.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://makstudiosinc.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/makstudiosinc
• Facebook: Facebook.com/makstudiosinc
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@makstudiosinc
• Other: https://kavyar.me/m-a-k-studios-inc