Problem description: Hey guys, I'm trying to figure out how I would go about using basic icons and transforms / matrices to create effects like fireballs, explosions, auras, etc out of it.

What I want to know is less a specific solution, but more some insight in how to break into this kind of stuff. I'm considering using like 3 icons to layer onto each other and blend / animate them to create the effects.

Does anyone have any experience with this to help me get started?