> looks like what it sounds like? or sounds like what it looks like?

Like the letter 'o', right? That sounds round, looks round and you make your mouth round to get it. I find this topic (letters > articulation > sound) fascinating but have read little associated with it as yet. I'm guessing most would agree that the shape of letters in phonetic alphebets are not entirely abstract though.

..now I've stumbled on the following...lots of reading:-)
THE ARTICULATORY BASIS OF THE ALPHABET