Mug Making Mental Mysteries

Hi all. Long time reader, newbie poster:

I've seen a lot of wonderful tiki mugs on the forum, especially from TC members (Stuckie's work over at Munktiki is simply astounding, as just one example) and it was making me curious about both the creative and craft aspects of making mugs (not to mention making me want to take some ceramics classes).

I'd love to hear from some of the folks here about the process of tiki mug making, since I know nothing about it. For example:

Do you sketch designs first, or get right to the clay?

Do you keep a lot of reference around for designing, approach it with a blank slate, or what?

How many designs do you go through before getting to something you like?

How much refinement do your mugs go through before the final?

Are there different considerations in mug making than other ceramic creation?

Any technical aspects of actually making the ceramic and firing glazes would be appreciated too (I've read Making Tiki Mugs but would love more info). I'd love to check out any websites on mug making if anyone has got any references.

I'd love to read any thoughts on creating mugs, as an interested and ignorant fan.

Thanks!