Hi Elaray,
welcome to the world of quilting. The answer about published patterns vs. designing depends on so many factors, not just the experience level. Sometimes quilters will start with a pattern, and then decide to modify something in it. Sometimes the modifications come about because of boo-boos (example: I have eliminated corner stones in sashing once because things just didn't match up). I don't know if designing is a natural talent - I do think that it can be developed. Sometimes there are elements of a pattern that I try to incorporate, but other parts that I don't find appealing. I have a pattern for a medallion quilt that I love the center, but I really don't like how the published pattern shows the borders so I will devise my own border blocks. I think I started doing these types of things on my fourth quilt (six months or so after I started quilting.) Whatever is fun for you, do that!