Its amazing how many start in the middle. I count up and over and start at the top right corner and work down. Love to see the piece come to life that way.
I start in the middle and follow the path of the first colour, I stitch strange i guess. I stitch each area of one colour and map outwards from the centre ;P
For me it depends on the design and whether I grid the fabric first. Usually I start in the centre but if its completely covered as in a HAED I will start on the upper left and work my way down.