I usually decide after I'm issued a shot if I'm going to film reference for it, or if I'm just going to act it out at my desk and "feel" it out. If a shot involves a lot of mechanics or realistic behavior, then reference is generally a must.

Whether I approach a shot from reference or come up with a graphic solution, I always like to work in stepped key-frames. This really allows me to focus on the poses that communicate the story beat in the most entertaining and clear way.

I like the challenge of making each scene as simple as it can possibly be, while also milking the part that's most compelling about it.