Here's how I got the designs:
1) Identifying object (center) - represents the Mage. It's like the Patronus spell in Harry Potter, only more diverse.
2) Magic Type Logos - the fire, water, wind, earth and dimension elements, which is represented by the symbols to the sides of the circle. The presence of those elements in the magic circle indicate that my magicians have the highest ranks.
3) Name - I put the name of the mage on the letters circling the element symbols. The font is in 'Aelfa',
4) Circles - the big circles surrounding the 'Identifying object' to the center shows the intensity of the magic of the mage. Basically, the more powerful the mage is, the greater are the number and thickness of the circles.
5) Traits - additional traits that appear in the magic circle. Those are in 'Daedra' font. I based my traits in the Seven Virtues/Sins
6) Ley Lines - random lines that appear on the circle. It represents that the mage can tap into the Ley lines that is scattered around the world.
7) Poem - there are poems in that circle, only written in 'Daedra' font and is typically seen circling around the symbols to the center. For each of these circles, I used a popular poem from their country of origin...for example, Temaire's circle has the poem 'Song of Roland' in it.
8) Stars, Moon, Sun - basically just additional elements for that added 'magic' appearance. In the story, if it appeared in the magic circle, it meant my mage can cast magic without wand.
9) Glow - gives information about the Mage's dominant attitude.
Here's how I got the 'glow' for each circle.
Temaire's blue glow represents her intelligence/scheming attitude.
Numiho's yellow glow represents the character's amicability/happy behavior.
Lizze's red glow represents her courage/passion.
Anya's green glow represents her gentleness.
Camille's violet glow is for her loyalty.
It's quite exhausting and detailed, but at least, it would give you an idea how to design each circle. Hopefully this system helps in your designs.
