As a maker, I would say either way. Knives are such a personal thing, that unless you know the style will work for you, you can end up with something that just doesn't gel with you.
Things I typically ask prior to starting a custom order:
Western or Japanese handle/ what material
Hand size/handle size/ grip
stainless or carbon
Cutting style
Blade Style/Length
Right or Left Handed
Height of Elbow from Cutting Surface
As well as a blanket question of what's important to them in a knife
Regardless, sometimes there's total freedom, or occasionally there's exact specs given for each occasion. Either way, even if I don't have a custom order, I'm working on something. Sometimes there are requests that require extra thought and time to perform, but part of making knives, and being good at it, is to never stop learning.
Learning to take constructive criticism is also helpful in determining what communication needs to take place. Something I may like on a knife may not work for someone else, so please feel free to ask questions. A knife maker will also have reasons why they do things their way. It's important to listen if they think something is a bad idea.