To shape something, to create a series of radii, and half-rounds, and edges, and tapers, and dimensions that transition from six zip-codes through four time zones and at least as many arrondissements, you need a sense.
It’s about knowing what came before. It’s about studying, and then borrowing. It’s about adding yourself to a mix that’s already full. More than anything it’s about repetition, routine, and relentlessness. And some Grobet 6″ 00 barrette files according to my opinion. The newer the better.