What does it take to grow a thriving creative agency from the ground up? For Steven Mayatt, it starts with curiosity, trust, and the power of real-world experience.

As part of The Changing Education Group’s Inspire Future Leaders series, Steven shares his journey from early industry exploration to co-founding Pocket Creatives, a fast-growing visual content studio based in London. His advice? “Experience the world, experience work, and see what you enjoy doing.”

Who is Steven Mayatt, and what is Pocket Creatives?

Steven Mayatt is the Creative Director and Co-Founder of Pocket Creatives, a London-based video production and photography company with over 16 years of industry experience behind it.

Founded in 2016 by Steven, Haider Zafar, and Lauren Hutchinson, the company has grown into a team of seven creatives working from a studio in Waterloo. Pocket Creatives works with some of the UK’s most recognisable brands to produce professional, high-quality content, from commercials to branded video, photography, and social media assets.

What makes Pocket Creatives unique:

• Combines business expertise with strong creative direction
• Works across multiple sectors, including fashion, food, health, and tech
• Builds long-term relationships based on trust, creativity, and collaboration
• Champions emerging talent and the power of experience-led learning

Steven’s dual role as Creative Director and business lead makes him the ideal person to speak about both career development and creative industry success.

What advice does Steven offer to young people exploring creative careers?

Steven is passionate about helping future creatives find their path, and it starts, he says, with getting real-world experience.

“Go and experience the world. Experience work. See what you enjoy doing.”

“This industry is built around being sociable and creating personal connections; it’s about trust.”
– Steven Mayatt

His advice to students:

• Get hands-on early: Practical experience is more valuable than a perfect CV.
• Build your network: People hire those they trust, and personal connections matter.
• Stay curious: Try different creative disciplines until you find your spark.
• Learn by doing: Every project is a learning opportunity, no matter how small.

Steven’s message is especially important for students considering film, media, design, or photography, industries that thrive on portfolio, attitude, and initiative.

What careers exist in video, photography, and creative content?

Pocket Creatives offers a clear example of how diverse and exciting the creative industries can be. Students with an interest in visual storytelling, content creation, or digital media can explore a variety of roles.

Common creative career paths include:

• Videographer / Camera Operator
• Video Editor / Post-Production Specialist
• Photographer (Product, Commercial, Portrait)
• Creative Producer or Director
• Social Media Content Creator
• Studio Assistant or Production Coordinator

Steven’s story helps demystify the industry and shows how young people can grow from entry-level work experience to leadership roles with the right mindset.

How does this support careers education in UK schools?

Steven’s interview supports Gatsby Benchmarks 4 and 5 by:

• Linking creative subjects like Media, Art, Photography, and Business to careers
• Offering a real-world encounter with a creative employer
• Encouraging students to take action early and explore their strengths
• Promoting skills like communication, collaboration, and resilience

This makes his story a valuable part of any career programme focused on creative, digital, or freelance career pathways.

From Work Experience to Creative Leadership, Steven Mayatt’s Message to Future Creatives

Steven Mayatt’s career reminds students that creative success comes from a mix of real-world experience, relationship-building, and self-awareness.

Whether your students are interested in content creation, production, or photography, his advice is clear: start early, explore often, and let your experiences shape your future.

Want to help your students explore real careers in the creative industries?
Book a demo to see how our Work Experience Suite connects students with industry insights and employer encounters that inspire.

FAQs

What is Pocket Creatives?
Pocket Creatives is a London-based video production and photography company working with a wide range of UK brands to create visual content for digital and commercial use.

Who is Steven Mayatt?
Steven is the Creative Director and Co-Founder of Pocket Creatives. He leads the team’s creative output and business development, with over 16 years of experience in the industry.

What advice does Steven give to students?
Start with work experience, build trust through real relationships, and stay curious about what you enjoy doing. The creative industry values initiative.

Do you need a degree to work in film or photography?
Not always. Many professionals enter through work experience, apprenticeships, or freelance projects, portfolio and experience often matter more than qualifications.

How can schools access more stories like this?
The Changing Education Group offers a range of employer interviews and career insight content through its Work Experience Suite, all aligned with Gatsby Benchmarks.