Here I wanted to practice how I draw magic for my Next Gen Universe, as well as shading and lighting on things like hair and feathers. I’m not aiming for super realism, but I feel I’ve found a nice balance!
In regards to worldbuilding: I think I’ll have it that only powerful casters can create the swirl and symbol (mimicking the user’s cutie mark), whereas your average unicorn only gains the aura. For example: Celestia’s is a sun, Luna’s a crescent moon, Cadance and Flurry a heart, etc.
If a symbol is shared by a family (like the Sparkle Star for example), then the magic symbol is also shared/inherited. I may have it where it’s also tied to certain spells? For example, Shining Armor gains a shield symbol when casting one of his defensive spells. However if he’s just blasting magic, he doesn’t get the symbol.
It’s something I’ll definitely work on!