Hi there, there is flying geese paper (sew and fold on a roll) I have 2x4”, and then there is the technique to cut squares, piece the little squares on the corners on the diagonal, then cut the larger square in half, there are YouTube videos on how to do the corner squares on the angle technique (my description).
As for modern blocks, there are many simple blocks that can look modern by the fabric you choose, with graduating colors, for example. subtle graduating colors can made traditional blocks modern. Even a simple log cabin can be modernized with different thicknesses of the strips and thereby creating a different angle of movement. There is a quilting daily blog post on traditional blocks made modern. That’s a good starting point for fearless color selection, and HUGS for making these blocks!