I think the flames should be pointing upward as real flames do. The rampant shading errors are also distracting--defining a lightsource and lighting the piece based on that is works better than shading out from a central point or in from the edges of segments. Look at some 3D renders (or even better, real life examples) of simple shapes like cylinders and spheres being lit from above, the sides, and any other angle. Getting a feel for shading is one of the most important parts of art, no matter what medium or style is chosen.
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