When I was in NYC recently, my grandson, who is an extremely accomplished musician and composer, was asked if he worked with a plan in mind. His answer was the same as my way of working: he/we just start and see what happens. There is usually a germ of an idea, something that is pressing to be expressed. One thing leads to another, with constant choices along the way. Possibly that approach runs in the family.
Robert Rauschenberg, in his exhibit at MoMA. Among Friends, described his collaborative aesthetic: you get together some people and you just do it. With or without friends, you do just do it. As long as you do it, it happens.