Thus far we've primarily been using colours to distinguish elements. The fractals used as casting effects also (tried to) reflect their element.
I didn't have runes/symbols for each element in mind (otherwise the fractal would be replaced by runes/symbols for casting). I like the fractals because:
1) They look cool
2) Why should symbols have power over elements? I think the fractals show the essence of the element more than some arbitrary name/symbol.
3) They do reflect a concepts of each element (water, spirit and fire do at least).
So with this in mind I'd like to steer away from symbols. I think the colors are probably sufficient. However, I understand that you can't really fit an informative fractal on a spell icon. So some kind of symbol for elements may be needed. If so....
I think it should reflect the fractal, to keep the association strong, and try to portray the essence of the element in a similar fashion. I think they should be simple and free flowing. The element symbols from the 5th element are a good example of this, although perhaps they are not distinctive enough.
- stones_all_01.jpg (41.33 KiB) Viewed 5562 times
Heres some retarded looking scribbles which attempt to convey an example of what I mean.
I try to reflect the fractal and the essence of the element itself.
- elem_symbol_idea.jpg (446.71 KiB) Viewed 5562 times
