I started FMQ only a short time ago. I use Leah Day's website. I pick a pattern, watch the video and go practice. There are many other videos out there showing FMQ as well. I have several practice sandwiches from left over fabric and batting. You know those really long pieces you invariably accumulate?
While this isn't like a full size quilt you're trying to get through the sewing machine, you can get comfortable with the design first before using on a large project. I find that if I do this, the design comes more naturally.
So far I have only done meandering on quilt tops but have incorporated several designs in my meandering. The easiest to me has been the a curly q meandering as all motion is circles.