putting custom graphics on a solid color finish.

[Dig]

I can't believe I didn't discover this forum a long time ago.  This is my first post here.  I have one Warmoth custom build as you can see in my avatar.  I had Warmoth put the candy tangerine finish on the body and I couldn't be happier with it.  Now to my reason for the post:  I want to start a second Warmoth project.  For this one I'd like to include some custom graphics.  .... nothing much... just some simple stripes, lines, angles,.... something like the designes you might see on a race car.  As someone who's never even done so much as a single solid color finish before, what is the best way for me to go about this?  For example: If I wanted (to make it simple) black racing stripes on a white finish.  Tape off the stripe areas, paint the white, let it dry, then paint the black?  paint the whole thing white then just put the stripes on top?  What if I had a completely finished body in white... would I need to sand down past the protective coat first? 
    I know this is all very elementary stuff.  I'm obviously a beginner.  Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Patrick]

white stripes on black finish- paint the entire thing white, tape off stripes, shoot black, remove tape, sand rough edges, clear
black stripes on white finish- paint the entire thing black, "        "          "      "  white, "        "      "        "      "        "    "

 

[Dig]

white stripes on black finish- paint the entire thing white, tape off stripes, shoot black, remove tape, sand rough edges, clear
black stripes on white finish- paint the entire thing black, "        "          "      "   white, "         "      "         "      "        "     "

Thanks.