I usually get a general idea of the theme I want. Since most of my past quilts have been for small kids. I usually take whatever they like, cars, trains, flowers, etc and then go on the net and look around. I then go to coloring book sites and look for simple color pages. I enlarge make several copies and make my own applique. The material has to fit the them I'm working on. As far as traditional or non traditional. I look around and work from there. Best of luck on your quilt.