When a project grows organically, takes shape, when there is close collaboration and room to experiment and play, that's when you will get great work.

That said, I have worked with strict creative briefs and tight project requirements. When the parameters are clear it's not a problem. In fact it's a lot easier than having the entire blank canvas. I ask my clients for direction either way.

When I am designing any project, I find out as much as possible about what you do, and then do research and sketches until the ideas form.

I found this painting while doing research for a project for a therapist. Since therapists deal with the unconscious mind, Magritte really inspired me. His work lead me to using the image of a mirror, and working with textures inside of that for one of the directions.

I've seen his paintings like everyone has. But you know the one I find really terrifying? It's this one.