I'm with you Steve. I can't draw at all so I have an idea of what I want to build (often an idea I've toyed around with for some time) but I let the character kinda direct itself once I start. I'm also incredibly impatient so once I start, it's all I do until I finish. Probably not a good way to do things really but I don't make to sell so have no concepts or boundaries to adhere to like professionals would have mandated by clients. The freedom that comes with being an amateur!

My sketch skills are minimal to beginner level.. Luckily my best friend from childhood is an amazing artist specifically in drawing of all things so I often rope him into the loop and lure him over with Tofu and ice cream (his cryptonite) to help me get my ideas on paper.

it really depends. For a simple hand and rod "sock puppet" sized character I generally won't need anything. But for longer projects a base idea can be useful. Same for parts of the process.. Draw 10 ears, cut foam for 5 and fleece 3 lol.. Then pick favorite and tweak it from there.
Sent from my iPad using Sticky Fingers!