Nope, smoke itself is not an element. Its a tool just like a shuriken or a kunai. This is important because when trying to create customs for it, you can't make it materialize somewhere or get produced from your body.
So some ways smoke is made:
1. Wrist Launchers: The most common way for a smoke user. You could have one of those big clunky multi-chambers ones like Kiho used, or you can go for more sleek ones that are concealed under your wrists. Those are the ones I went with.
2. Smoke Bombs: Pretty self explanatory.
3. Explosions: Again, self explanatory.
How does one's senses become affected in the smoke?
How do you avoid affecting your own senses within the smoke?