First, you must learn that there are four kinds of magic, each balanced against each other. Without this balance, the foundations of our world would crumble.
Elemental: Elemental magic is the ability to manipulate the physical world with the power of the elements. These include fire, ice, lightning, and earth magics. Mages who use elemental magic are generally bolder and more active, making elemental magic useful for intimidation or demonstrations of power.
Illusion: Illusion magic is fundamentally opposed to elemental magic—it is used to manipulate minds. Illusionists tend to be more secretive and cunning. They can also see through the tricks of others and pick up on new things easily.
Necromancy: Necromancy magic is control over death. This powerful art can animate the dead or take life from the living. Necromancers can become dark and brutal in the course of their training, so it should be practiced with caution.
Healing: Healing magic is mastery over life. It can be used to shield the weak and heal the injured, and it has even been rumored to resurrect the dead. Healers are often gentle and supportive mages.
While many mages prefer one kind of magic, there is no reason you cannot learn a bit of all of them. In fact, some of the most renowned Battlemages like myself employ a balance of all four forms!
And one final note before we get started: While the form you rely on most may say something about you, the way you choose to use it is much more important. Take control of magic, and you will attain Arcane Mastery. Let magic control you, and you will suffer from Arcane Corruption—which could warp your physical appearance in supernatural ways.
It is still a bit of a mystery what exactly causes Arcane Corruption. Some mages devote their lives to studying this question. I can only advise this: If you wish to avoid Arcane Corruption, study and ponder the proper use of magic.