Copy Machine - On Imitation, Identity, and Making Work That’s Actually Yours

We all start by imitating. That’s human. But somewhere along the line, many of us stopped making work we love — and started making work that just looks like it belongs to someone else.In this episode, Patrick tells the strange, slightly heartbreaking story of Klarbinnax-7, an alien who crash-lands in California and becomes a crude copy of a workshop guru named Brad. Through this fictional tale (that’s not so fictional), we dive deep into the psychology of conformity, the cost of mimicry, and how to find your voice again when everything around you screams “just do it like them.”If you’ve ever felt stuck making the kind of work that doesn’t feel like you, this one’s for you.🎧 Topics Covered:Why we follow, even when it costs usHow photography education became a billion-dollar industryThe subtle burnout of imitation3 practical steps to break the cycle and make weird, personal, unforgettable work again🌀 Creative Challenge:If you stopped caring what other photographers thought of your work—if you weren't trying to impress them, join their communities, or earn their validation—what would your photography actually look like?Subscribe to Field NotesThe podcast is the campfire, Field Notes is what you take home. Field Notes is the weekly email companion to this podcast, one part creative letter, one part behind-the-scenes mess, all bullshit-free.→ Sign up hereNot what your clients want. Not what the algorithm rewards. Not what workshops taught you. But what would you create if the only person you needed to please was yourself?📩 Feedback or thoughts? Email Patrick: [email protected]📸 Follow: @TerriblePhotographer -----------------------Office Hours with PatrickStuck on your website, portfolio, pricing, marketing, or business strategy?Office Hours is a one-on-one, 60-ish minute conversation to help you work through whatever you’re trying to figure out. No agenda. No curriculum. No pitch. Just honest feedback, thoughtful questions, and a fresh perspective.$99Learn more or book your session:https://theterriblecreative.com/office-hours