I took this course because I wanted to learn how to do Mandalas.  I tried the mirroring built into Affinity Designer, but it only worked in raster mode.  I was so thrilled to find this class, especially when I saw the teacher and student works that was produced.  At first I thought the process sounded complicated... but then I got the hang of making symbols and duplicating them, and honestly it's brilliant.  

So what I did here with my first attempt at a mandala was to make a Valentines image for my wife.  I started with the built in heart shape in Designer. I colored it in, making it look shiny.  I made ovals like a necklace in an inner circle.  I drew some simple scrolls above the hearts... and to make the hearts pop a bit, I used a texture brush to give some dark lines.  The inner petals, I followed along with the teardrop idea used in the course.  Although mine kinda look like shark teeth!  so maybe I went a bit too sharp.  To make them pop I used a shadow under them and blurred that layer.  Also a textured brush below that.  The center was again made using the teardrop tutorial in this class.  

The outer rim is leafy foliage, which I painted by hand in Pixel Persona.  It made it look like a wreath I think.  

I think this class is pretty amazing.  Thanks for offering it, I'll look for more from you.