Root Stand Beginner questions

[Macfeargus]

So I have been in love with root stands for a long time and one of these days i would like to build a bunch of end tables in the style but my first project is probably a little out there, I and wanting to carve a 5 string electric fiddle body out of a 2 in piece of walnut to look like a root stand. I think it will need a tap root running down the center to support the bridge and then to the tail piece but the rest I should be able to do what ever with.
So for my questions, Do you start with a basic design in mind or do you just start drilling holes and carving away excess wood? Are there any videos out there that give the do's and dont's of root carving? Is there anything else i should know?

 

[sorce]

Welcome to Crazy!

There's a good recent thread on a couple.

Sorce

 

[ABCarve]

You should make a drawing to firm up the design in your head. It would also give people here an idea of your intentions.