Working Notes: From Brainstorm to Final
Gary WhittakerWorking Notes
From Brainstorm to Final
These are working notes on how we are currently moving creative projects from an early idea into something ready to build, review, revise and finalize. They are not a standalone training lesson or a fixed formula.
1. Brainstorm
Start broad. Put multiple possible directions on the table before committing too early. Early concepts are meant to create reaction: keep this, lose that, combine these two, push this one further.
2. Choose the Direction
Once the strongest idea becomes clear, narrow the project around it. The goal is not to approve every word or visual detail yet. It is to agree on the direction worth developing.
3. Build the Working Version
Turn the chosen direction into something concrete enough to judge in context: a draft, storyboard, mockup, teaser sequence, page, song structure, or other working version.
4. Review in Context
Review the work as a whole rather than reacting only to isolated lines or frames. Ask whether the piece feels right for the story, audience, tone, purpose and larger project.
5. Revise
Use the review to strengthen the work. Keep what is working, correct what is not, and avoid rebuilding everything simply because one part needs adjustment.
6. Finalize
Only after the direction and revisions are settled do we move into final production, publishing, delivery or release.
Current takeaway
The key distinction is that brainstorming material is not final material. A concept can be useful even when parts of it are rejected. The purpose of the early stage is to make the next decision easier and clearer.
These notes can be updated as the working process evolves.