I tend to be a bit descriptive with spells so as to maximize player bewilderment. For example, a fireball from a certain sorcerer might look like a winged human skull wreathed in faerie fire. Another wizard might cast the same spell and it might look like a phoenix rising from his outstretched palm and flying towards his target. While this may not confuse all players all the time, it sure is fun to watch them guess, and it adds flavor to the game