Process of Art

I am a girl interested in how people process things, so here goes. (It'll be long...brace yourself)

So the salesperson at my job sends me a vague email:

Sue has asked me to work with you for the purpose of creating some graphics that represent our current economic crisis. Here is an article and graphic that accomplishes what we have in mind. Obviously, we do not want to copy this one, but it could help you get a picture of what we are talking about.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123466563957289181.html

I blink once, I blink twice and am kind of blah about the whole thing. I've never really touched on concept work and didn't like the topic given.

I ask him a few questions, and find out more about the project:

It is to be used for our weekly lunch and learn sessions, wanting to show that the economy is in steep decline and that it threatens our business. At the same time, there is hope and the possibility of success if we take quick action. In short, we want to scare people and get them in touch with their pain. And then show them what can be done to make that fear and pain go away.

I am still frustrated as he tells me to search news and economy stuff for more visuals...

Nothing.

I researched some images containing devastation and doom. I really liked how the WSJ picture incorporated the downward arrow, so I found a picture of a cliff that got my brain rolling. I came up with the following (lame, I know :P)

We discussed that we are teaching the clients that you use resources available to escape the downward economy. He was satisfied with my concept, so I thought I would finish with:

So he was pleased at the end of the day. However, the next day, he came to me and didn't think the concept was fully fleshed out, wanting symbols and other changes. Here was my interpretation of what I thought he wanted.

Final outcome? (Sorry if you are not satisfied, but at least the guy seemed happy with what I created) I don't do perfection.