Glaring Beam

[Panda]

I like the idea but theres too much white, add some grey lines in the middle to indicate a beam is being pushed out of the wand, right now it looks like a big white area. Also the wand also being copied from the original icon, can be defined a bit more since the white area is taking over the wand, needs more definition.

 

[bu3ny]

Updated. Still too white?

 

[Panda]

Yes it still doesnt look like a beam is shooting out of the wand, its just a white area right now that doesnt seem like its moving and is staying still.

 

[bu3ny]

more grey

 

[PrinceYaser]

Well, one way for the wand to stand out and be defined more is to make it less engaged with the effects. Make just the head of it impact with the effects; this way, it would also seem that there is a beam coming out of the wand. Another thing I have in mind is that why there is no color variation/variety? That's the reason for the icon looking pale in my opinion, use every color you can relate to this type of icon. Some rim light would also be nice if you wanna use this way. Did a rough example showing what I said:

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[bu3ny]

updated again

 

[San]

The light source from the original and yours is completely different, your shading should be based on the burst of light(a main light source itself) coming out from your staff.
I am not experienced in dynamic lighting, the suggestion I can give is to make the middle part darker, leave only bright side on the edges of your object;

The light effect, make the whiteness more solid and flat instead of sketching it with soft brushes, they looks like gasses at the moment.
Try following the effect from these example, I believe it's very similar to what are you trying to achieve;

Paint the low-opacity side of your light with different variation of colors, don't just stick with white and greyness.

 

[bu3ny]

New attempt, redid the beam entirely, and changed light orientation on the staff.

Im busy with other stuff atm, so this make take some time to get done.

E: Didn't update OP yet, waiting for feedback.

 

[San]

Looks much better in color variation, the shading is also improved, though some people may find it hard to make out the staff for its tiny size, I suggest you to increase its scale(easy if you're working with layers).

Sorry for responding late, Hive didn't notify me about your comment.

 

[bu3ny]

Increased staff size by 17.1875%.

 

[San]

A cute and cartoonish icon, not in a bad way.
Light effect has been improved but still lacks accuracy, you'll get better after more practices with reference.

Approved.