Some of the challenges of creating a design for a gourd is – does the image you created or that already exists fit the gourd shape? I preface this by saying I almost always use Stick ‘n Burn sheets to transfer my images to the gourd. I mention this because the curvature of the gourd may not lend itself to the necessary details of the image or the image can become too distorted. And, also because of perspective. For example: a tall vertical design will best be shown on a vase shaped gourd [See #18 below], while short, squat gourds [See #s 10, 12, 23] provides a better canvas for a similar form. You can also take a vertical design and flip it horizontal or a horizontal design and flip it vertical. The issue here might be the transition on either side of the image. [These are examples but NOT my work]
Another issue around design images is one of scale. Sometimes I am torn over this because I want some of the gourd character to show through all my designs and so too large an image does not work. Sometimes when you enlarge a design, and you go to place it on the gourd, you may find that the curves are no longer appealing yet if you shrink it you have an image too tightly detailed to etch well or it is not a good use of space. In these cases, I would suggest modifying your image or find or create one that is a better fit.
All this being said, I do all of this depending on the look I want. Sometimes when I run a horizontal design and it doesn’t terminate well in the space, I use a medallion to finish the piece off. The medallion will only be slightly larger than the wraparound design.
You will find that problem solving and troubleshooting as well as creating good design will include dealing with a lot of transitions. From gourd navels (top or bottom centers) to diameter (outside) or circumference (inside) all create their own trials and your transitions through those can make or break your design. Plan carefully.