In order to feel comfortable with the designs that I am working with I have to create and eliminate as many ideas as possible. How else can I know that the end result is the best?

When getting started on a design session I create an illustrator file with several art boards.

This way I can spend plenty of time brainstorming ways to take my ideas and evolve them from board to board. Also, I like designing this way because it leaves a trail of breadcrumbs that I can retrace if I feel that I have begun to deviate from the basic idea.

While I am working I have a categorical rule:

          “Never fall in love with your first idea!” 

No matter how amazing I think my first idea is, and I often think that they are the answer to Life the Universe and Everything, it will always be better after some more problem solving. 
On each board I design a thumbnail idea and then copy, tweak, repeat! 

When I run out of art boards, and since this design is meant for 3d application, I print out and assemble little baby versions of the templates. This way I can make sure the edges match up, the proportions are right and that the lines look as sleek in person as they do on my screen. The relationship between our hands and eyes is the most important factor to consider when working to create something that is gorgeous while being sneakily utilitarian.

   Once these little fleets are created, I tear into each of them, scribbling my criticisms onto the ones that I think are viable and tossing away the unfortunate little packages that don’t make the cut.

After I narrow down the choices that I am happy with, I apply the changes to my designs and print out full color life size versions and take them to the guys to get their input and fresh perspective!