As a photographer with over 700 magazine covers to his name (including the one you’re reading now), James Patrick has been creating imagery that sells other brands for over two decades. Patrick is an award winning photographer, best selling author, entrepreneur coach, podcast host, studio owner and public speaker... and even with his impressive resume, Patrick's driving force is pursuing the thrill of what comes next.
“After any image has been created, there is an immediate curiosity and desire to develop what comes next. I view entrepreneurship the same way,” says Patrick.
Patrick takes pride keeping his businesses thriving as they grow, but that doesn’t mean building businesses has always come easy. In fact, it’s the obstacles—and finding ways to overcome them—that makes his brand even stronger.
In business, Patrick embraces what he fears the most. For him, that means having the courage to launch a product before he feels fully ready. Patrick holds his work to the highest standard, so determining a project is “finished” can be a tall order.
“I’ve learned that an imperfect launch works better than the perfect launch that never happens,” he says.
Patrick uses fear as a launchpad to grow successful businesses. Here’s how you can, too.
Stop waiting. “I had no idea how to be a photographer when I first picked up a camera, but it led me to photographing hundreds of magazine covers.”
You might suck. “The first time I gave a speech, it was collectively cringeworthy for everyone in attendance, but the only way to improve is by doing.”
Confidence is a lie. “It is a fallacy that successful entrepreneurs are brimming with confidence. We’re not more confident over time—we simply have more experience in navigating fear.”
Patrick aims to always create meaningful, captivating work. And while the risk of failure is always there, he believes succeeding is equally possible. He is also the the founder of Get Published LIVE, the Valley's largest publicity and media casting event, helping hopeful prospects land media gigs. JamesPatrick.com, IG @JPatrickPhoto