I used a layer of gesso on a wood figure in hopes that I could use sandpaper to distress it and reveal some design elements underneath. It did not work like I had imagined. Any ideas - now that I have covered my figure in gesso? :)

Gesso is meant to give texture to surfaces, sometimes for effect but mainly to make it a better surface for paint to adhere to...

You could sand it all off and start over (I'm not sure what kind of figure you're working with or the level of detail already on it). But if you're still looking for that distressed look maybe add another layer to get even more texture and dry brush a paint finish (maybe something bronze?) then wipe with a rag.

Crackle paint perhaps