Hello Mims and a big welcome from North Carolina. I'm not new to sewing but I'm new at making quilts. I don't use a design board, color I basically think about clothing, like what colors go together when you are matching what color blouse goes with certain color pants, does that make sense?
Anyways tell us do you have the tools you need to make a quilt, fabrics, thread, rotary cutter, cutting board ect. If you do then all you need is a pattern and the perfect one to start with is a nine block disappearing patch it is easy to make and you need at least two colors, a light one and a dark one.
You are going to get a lot of answers to your questions and lots of advice from this group of amazing quilters so sit back and get ready to learn and have fun. :D