Start with four folders
My-project/ 01-References/ 02-Working/ 03-Exports/ 04-Notes/ START-HERE.txt
- References: source material, inspiration, measurements, and research. Keep a note of where outside material came from.
- Working: the files you actively edit. A draft, a recording session, or a set of design files.
- Exports: the versions you share, submit, print, or publish.
- Notes: decisions, test results, and a short record of the next step.
Name files so you can tell them apart
Choose a pattern and keep it consistent. For example, “studio-vase-test-03.jpg” says more than “final-new.jpg.” When a date is useful, YYYY-MM-DD keeps dates in a sortable order.
Avoid renaming files or moving folders that your creative app manages for you. Use that app’s project or export tools when its files depend on each other.
Write a two-line handover
At the end of a session, write what changed and what you want to do next. Save it in Notes. You’re handing the project back to yourself.
Organization is not a backup
Keep a separate backup and check that you can restore it. A second folder on the same drive won’t help if that drive fails.
Rename, combine, or remove folders as your practice requires. The downloadable starter contains only folders and text files; there is nothing to install or run.
Start with a project brief