I have a habit of sketching small studies (by hand or digitally) to explore my ideas for photo or video sets. I often create dozens of these studies before moving on to the final set. Each study includes not only drawings and color palettes, but also stories, ideas, and concepts. This process allows me to experiment with different compositions, lighting, and props. It also helps me to visualize the overall feel of the set before I start building it. In addition, the studies can be used to communicate my ideas and get feedback.