I'm So Excited...

I am off soon to go and print out my first HAED desgin (my printer is dead need to use mom's) and then hopefully I can find some fabric and get started on it. My only question is how do you go about starting one of these patterns? I have seen most of the designs worked from the top corner and the fabric is "blocked off". Do you use a fabric pen and box out 10 x 10 areas? Any input is greatly appreciated.