How to begin Lasercut Names - Houston Calligraphy

I do quite a few Houston calligraphy projects laser cut out of wood and sometimes acrylic.  I was asked the other day how I start that process.  Sounds so artsy :)  Well here is how I start.  I just calligraph them on paper....  Pretty simple, see!  Just ignore the ones with x's...those would be the lovely mistakes. It happens.  Cheers!