When getting started quilting, get a pattern and follow it. Don't free lance on your first project. As you work on that first project, you will mentally make notes of how you would do it different/better/quicker/more to your liking. So, after getting a bit of experience, then you can THEN do a similar project implementing your own variation.
Following a pattern to get started is like following a recipe in cooking; the recipe is the best way for MOST people to get a certain result. After you understand the basics of the recipe, then you can put your own twist on it because you are not MOST people.