So I've tried doing like a dust bowl like effect of clouds on the ground, but it never ever looks right. In fact just really bad. I've seen some users do it well over the years but have forgotten the pieces and users. Anyone got any pointers or examples? I feel like it's down to warping for the wind like effect, but not sure how to get the fractal look without it just being "clouds".
You could try using Jon's cloud column (the one you transformed into the very nice black smoke trailing off), or a simple simple shape based, warped cloud with another low one, wider one at same location, with a vortex warp on it. If that's what your aiming at.
Oh sorry I don't mean a dirt devil, although that would be a really good touch for what I had in mind, so thanks nevertheless. But I want to do just like dirt/dust kicked up by wind.
Ah, there's the 'language handicap' :P Dirt Devil, what a great word actually.