Have you ever heard a story about how some great invention, technological breakthrough or business started out on the back of a cocktail napkin? There are a bunch of them. Try searching the net for “Famous Napkin Sketches” and see what pops up. You know why it started out on the back of a napkin? The romantic storyteller will tell you that its because inspiration can strike anytime, and the napkin was the only thing available. However, the real reason is because they had a great idea that they didn’t want to lose and they didn’t have a sketchbook or notebook handy.
Its true. If they’d had a sketchbook or notebook, they would have written the idea down in it and it would have been safe in amongst all other other great ideas that came before and would come after. No wondering how to file it. No accidentally tossing it later. And more importantly, its easier to find, because it will be where you ALWAYS put your ideas. Ever lost an idea because you couldn’t find a notebook (or napkin)? I have. Its a bummer.