Visually this guy should scream "wizard". Compare the iconic design of Elminster to Gale. Think of how interesting the Syous / D'raven characters looked in Shadows over Mystara.
But what if it's not his character? There are only that many Gandalf wanna-be one can digest before throwing up.
And while using stereotypes can be a useful shortcut, with how oversaturated fantasy is, I don't think that is particularly interesting way of doing it anymore.
And as you bring Elminster - I don't think you mind generic designs - he is as generic as it gets. It's just that companions from BG3 might not seem like your type of generic.
