We are in a golden age of images and media. Our dopamine gets a hit every time we see a like or comment on our pictures and videos. Its no wonder our society has fallen victim to dopamine addiction from chasing the status of the digital world.

In the process, we've created a culture of copying. We see what is working to gain more followers and attraction, we copy what works in hopes for similar results. Sometimes is works, sometimes it doesn't. Why is that?

The final image you see, whether its a selfie, photoshoot, or makeup inspiration, took time to create. Lighting, framing, set up, inspiration boards, editing - they are all part of making an image. To copy someone at a surface level means you're diluting the pool of images you create for your audience/followers. As creatives, I want to inspire, not create a cycle of the same looks over and over again.

It's okay to take inspiration, its okay to build on a look with elements from somewhere else to make it your own. Images that stand out will always have an element of originality or spontaneity. Copying someone will never achieve the same result because all you see is the tip of the iceberg. There's the 90% of hard work, time, and effort that you just can't replicate. No one can be you so why try to be someone else?