I have played this game to death and back already... (it takes my mind off things in real life), and even now, i still take the strategy guide and make sure that i havnt missed a mission (and the last time i played, i discovered a mission in act3 that i NEVER did before <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" />)
I dont recall the strategy guide saying anything about spell pictures when you cast it... but when you start messing with wizardry, you will notice it soon enough.