I was thinking Meso, too, just thought Mezzy is cuter!
I have decent idea in my head of how it all looks, I just don't have the best drawing skills to translate it to paper. The shaping I don't mind modeling in 3d, but before I buy fur to pattern it I plan to try my paw at making a red sheet. You might have convinced me to give that a shot first, though! It would probably help having something to compare against for face shape and expression (thankfully I've only finished the base and about so far!
I'll check it out! I hadn't thought of looking at some of the other crafting communities, but they would probably have good tips for different stages of the build!