How did two young musicians from Liverpool manage to create some of the most iconic songs in history? It all started with a simple yet powerful habit: always bringing an idea to the table. You get hits like Let It Be, Hey Jude, and Yesterday.

Paul McCartney and John Lennon’s partnership as part of The Beatles is legendary. But it wasn’t magic that created those songs—it was a creative process rooted in collaboration and a simple but powerful philosophy: always bring the idea. Their approach holds lessons for anyone who creates, whether you're a filmmaker, a writer, or a video producer.

The Power of Collaboration
Paul and John didn’t walk into every songwriting session with a fully-formed song. Sometimes, Paul would have a melody in his head but no lyrics, or John might jot down a few lines and a chorus. What made their partnership so prolific wasn’t just their individual talents but their ability to build on each other’s ideas.

Paul’s knack for melody and optimism balanced John’s love for grit and introspection. One would spark an idea, and together they’d refine it into something unforgettable.

The lesson? Collaboration doesn’t mean showing up empty-handed and hoping someone else carries the weight. It’s about bringing even a seed of an idea to the table and trusting that someone else’s perspective can help it grow.

"Bring the Idea" to Every Creative Collaboration
When it comes to creative work, the worst thing you can do is start from zero. Bringing an idea doesn’t mean you need a masterpiece—it could be as simple as a question, a sketch, or a piece of footage. What matters is showing up prepared with something that others can build on.

For instance, I once walked into a client meeting with a few rough concepts for a video campaign. One was just a simple tagline paired with a visual metaphor. While not fully fleshed out, it sparked a conversation that led to an entire campaign. That initial idea wasn’t perfect, but it was the jumping-off point we needed.

The Balance of Preparedness and Spontaneity
Paul and John’s process wasn’t just about preparation—it was also about leaving room for spontaneity. A simple lyric or melody often turned into something far beyond its original scope because they allowed the process to evolve naturally. That’s the sweet spot of creativity: come prepared but stay flexible.

In your next project, try this: bring your rough idea, but don’t be too attached to it. Let collaboration take it somewhere unexpected. The best ideas often emerge when you’re open to change.

My Takeaway
Creativity thrives on collaboration and preparation. Paul McCartney and John Lennon taught us that bringing even the smallest idea can ignite a transformative process. It’s the spark that turns a simple thought into a masterpiece, and it’s a reminder to show up, contribute, and trust in the power of shared creativity.

If you're a video maker or creator looking to elevate your work, explore resources that can help at paulstevenforrest.com. What’s your idea? Take that rough concept you’ve been mulling over and share it boldly in your next meeting or creative session.

Challenge yourself to refine it, let others contribute, and watch it evolve into something extraordinary. Your next hit is waiting to be discovered.