Designing is part of the fun but as for drawing the plan out, it depends. If it's another table, nightstand, etc that I've already done several of then I already have the design/plan in my head and just need to vary the dimensions. Simple things like shop jigs I design in my head as I go. First time projects or those having exact dimensions usually get designed on paper or sketchup. Anything with expensive wood *always* gets complete design plans first and sometimes even a cheap wood prototype. I have been known to make an error or two on paper and even in sketchup. Art