DNA Strands

[Marilynx]

I am working on a series of seven books. The common theme for the covers will be DNA strands. I vaguely recall that there was plug-n which generated these, probably one I haven't got round to installing since I changed computers. That didn't work for what I want. 

 

THis is a rough of one of the ones I am working on. 

 

 

To create this DNA strand, I am using a 1800 x 2700 picture, set at 300 dpi. Why am I using such a big picture? Because I get a better effect when I select an item, copy it, paste it, and then reduce it to the size I need. 

 

I fill a layer with something pretty. Clouds, flames, whatever. SOmetimes I apply blurs to what I have. WHen I like what I have, I duplicate it. 

 

One layer, I hit with Render => Shape3D on the default setting for Full sphere. (Depending on how fancy I am feeling on any given day, I may make several copies of the layer and modify the angle of the shadows on it. 

 

The second layer, I make into a cylinder, with these settings:

 

This results in a cylinder.

 

So I now have two layers which look like this: 

 

THen I start copying and pasting, reducing the size of balls and bars  onto two layers in my cover file, putting the bars on the bottom layer and the balls on top. It works, and gives, I think, a nice effect. But by golly is i tedious! And I have SEVEN of these to do, each with a different color DNA strand.

 

Is there a better way?

 

[Pixey]

I found your old thread on this subject see here.

 

It seems you are looking for a Plugin, by @Red ochre called Helix.

[Marilynx]

12 hours ago, Pixey said:

I found your old thread on this subject see here.

 

It seems you are looking for a Plugin, by @Red ochre called Helix.

 

Yes, Helix is cool, but does not do what I needed. But I will go find it because I had OTHER uses for it! (Got it, and donated!)

 

Edited August 5 by Marilynx
adding a note

[Ego Eram Reputo]

On 8/4/2024 at 6:19 PM, Marilynx said:

I vaguely recall that there was plug-n which generated these

 

I don't remember one, but the demo image is giving me echoes of my Organigram plugin?

 

[Marilynx]

On 8/6/2024 at 11:05 PM, Ego Eram Reputo said:

 

I don't remember one, but the demo image is giving me echoes of my Organigram plugin?

 

That's quite cool, but nope, not what I am after. I need the 3d DNA helix. Each of the seven covers will have helix as part of it. (BUt I may have to go looking for that plug-in now, because I can think of USES for it!