The process of creative work and collaboration begins with communication and understanding. Obviously, the individuals need to feel that they are the right fit for each other, and the first thing that James attempts to do is understand the project and the people involved, and identify what he can bring to the table. Communication and understanding are essential throughout the life of the project, and the lines of communication are always open. Additionally, every available technological tool is used to facilitate this communication, which also helps to ensure a cogent and timely workflow. Because of this, even long-distance collaboration can flow smoothly and effectively. Understanding is crucial to see what role(s) James can fill, and ultimately what creative tools (literal and figurative) he can incorporate. Depending on the project or client needs, he can simply be an interpreter or bridge of an idea into music or sound, or perhaps he can act as a lens to focus an idea into a more targeted form. If needed, he can be the extension, translator or emissary of an idea to help transform it into a totally new shape, or perhaps he can be a catalyst or accelerant that can help ignite and inject new ideas into a project. The creative involvement can begin and end with music and sound, or it can be fully integrated into the project's entire development process. Once the project begins and the general objectives and roles are identified and understood, the immersion into the project can begin. Sometimes this includes additional research or deep experimentation. It may even include research into new techniques, new software or hardware tools, historical research or seeking out that unique session musician that might aid in creating that signature sound or musical mood. During this process, many ideas will be generated, and reworked, redeveloped, finessed and enhanced, until the final objective is met. The application of critical music composition and production skills, talents and a full emotional commitment, with the goal for an artistic, high-quality outcome that meets the budget, is a hallmark of the process. And a large array of standard professional tools, from sample libraries to DAW software, to recording equipment and other hardware are brought to the table as needed. Talented professional session musicians can be incorporated as well, depending on budget. One unique skillset brought to the table is James' extensive background in multimedia, programming, storytelling, web and video development and the resulting understanding of the "other side" of the process. Timeliness is crucial to many types of projects, and sometimes an extra level of effort is required to bring the right level of quality to the project, on time and on budget. James believes in going the extra mile when it comes to those types of situations. Additional technical tools are brought to the table when needed, such as high-speed webservers with huge storage space to quickly transfer large project files back and forth between team members in all-night or all-weekend crunch sessions to meet critical deadlines. In the end, one of the most important parts of the process is optimism, and a can-do positive attitude, grounded with an appropriate dose of reality-checks that take the whole project, including schedule and budget, into consideration. This balanced, but positive approach, ends up yielding great results. Finally, not to leave out the ever-important legal side of projects, flexible contracting and licensing options are brought to the table as well, to fit many budget and project needs. . . . to know more about his creative process and how it can benefit your project!