Unsafe space

Challenge #8 : Talk about your creative process.

This applies to all creative stuff: programming projects, game development, writing, art.

1. Challenge. Sometimes I come up with project ideas myself, but usually I need an external push :( that's why I'm a sucker for courses with homework assignments, challenge communities, workbooks and such. 

2. Concept. Just thinking about it, checking various options in my head. Sometimes Tarot help too.

3. Research. Check the source materials, facts I want to include, frameworks I want to use if applicable, art that inspires me, etc.

4. Drafts. Playing around in a quick&dirty way, disregarding all the rules. I can't do outlines / detailed planning and specifications and such... Most of the details are too vague at this stage, and everything is too much in flux anyway and may drastically change from my original vision. Some things are not feasible, some entirely new things come up in the process.

5. Patchwork. Fixing / completing stuff in random order, jumping between different parts, whatever calls for attention.

6. TODO list. When the project is close to completion, a TODO list emerges naturally, and now it's satisfying to cross out completed entries one by one (but still in random order).

7. Debugging.  Especially with writing, I go through the piece from start to end in an endless loop, fixing something small every time. For images, fixing pixels here and there. For games, fixing bugs / improving item placements, colours, messages, updating puzzle chains, etc. Sometimes adding new stuff and whole new scenes. Starting to get exhausted...

8. Packaging. Preparing for release, when applicable. Screenshots, descriptions, the prompt headers formatting, etc. Totally annoying and I hate this stage. 

9. Complete/release - by this time I thoroughly hate the project, so it's always a relief ;)