How to bring your ideas to life #53

This week I published the second to last video in the summer of consistency season. It’s amazing to see how the channels has grown since making that commitment and how much clearer it has become to people what Orbit is.

On Tuesday I also went on a little trip to see Nick Himo in person, who is one big reason for building that consistency.
Now it’s time to figure out the next steps. Part of that is turning this newsletter into the best resource for creators.

I hope you enjoy the last official summer weekend and if you have big plan for Fall I have the perfect tool for you below.

💛 Valentin

The I.D.E.A. Framework

How many ideas have you made a reality?
I know we all have a graveyard of ideas hiding in digital drawers.
Often it’s just hard to figure out the next step.

But for the past couple years I’ve used the IDEA Framework to give me certainty on how to move projects forward and turn ideas into reality.
It’s four simple steps that guide your process.
Imagine, Design, Execute, Amplify.

“It offers a structured, robust, repeatable system for the creative process. Each element in this system is valuable on its own, but harnessing the true power of IDEA lies in committing to the whole process.”

This comes from Chase Jarvis, a pioneer in the Creator world, and author of Creative Calling—my favorite book on combining creativity and business.
But how does it bring ideas to life?

Imagine

Imagine what you want to create—without limitations

This is my favorite part of the process, where everything is possible. All you need is pen, paper and a little bit of wild imagination. To get a sense of what an ideal version could look like get all your thoughts out of your brain and put them on the page without judgment.
Often I just start with the name of the project in the center and let things develop from there.

The starting point for Orbit was: How would a European Version of Colin and Samir look like? Who are the creators I’d love to hear more from? Who are the people that fascinate me? And who are the ones I have access to?

Design

Design a strategy to make your dream a reality

Now with your imagination on paper it’s time to look at the details and prioritize. At this stage, I focus on what's immediately actionable. What can I start with right now? What are the critical elements that need to be in place, and what can be developed later?
At this stage I usually ask: What can I do with what I already have?

The design phase of Orbit started with a call to David Ritt. His nearby apartment studio was the perfect setting to film a test episode. It allowed me to design a first draft of Orbit in a real environment that I could come back to if needed. (Fun Fact: David’s Studio Tour is a collection of three separate shoot dates and it was 10 months from the first day to actually releasing the video)

Execute

Execute your strategy and smash through obstacles

The most crucial step and where most ideas die. But it’s also where your project takes its first real steps. At this stage you can't make any excuses and just have to put in the work. That might sound tough but it’s also where you see the most results and start to understand how your idea resonates with real people.
Each step you take, no matter how small, moves you closer to your vision.

Executing Orbit’s first season took a full year from inception to completion. For two reasons. I wanted to have a full season ready before releasing anything and it’s was a real challenge to figure out when to meet up and film with each collaborator. But each episode was an opportunity to refine the process.
In contrast to David’s Episode, that took 10 months, the final one with Wojtek was filmed after launching the season and took only 3 weeks to edit.

Amplify

Amplify your vision to create the impact you seek

It’s easy to be satisfied with the work after you made it but if you don’t amplify it chances are very few people will see it. Even if it’s possible that the algorithms do all the hard work for you it is still your duty to share your idea with as many people possible and tell them why you are so excited about it. Because no one cares about it as much as you do!
One quote that reminds of that is: Sales is nothing but a transfer of excitement.

The picture above was how I imagined that final stage for Orbit. My vision was that on launch day everyone I knew, collaborated with or helped at some point would share Orbit on their socials in a single Thunder wave.
While that particular vision didn’t worked out—The launch did get featured in two newsletters and continuously amplifying it in person opened so many doors including the one to the media innovation lab, which really pushed my growth this year.

So for your next project, try out the I.D.E.A. Framework. Write your wildest idea down today, and let me know how it evolves. I’m excited to hear how it helped you bring your vision to life.

Further reading

Chase Jarvis, Creative Calling

Next week

I’ll be sharing the concept of Yearly Themes 
and why September is a great time to think about them.

My favorite things this week

James Hoffmann debunking Hubermans Coffee Routine

Becca Farsace openly talking why she left The Verge

Jay Alto talking about success

What are you watching, reading, listing to?