I have seen people make models on the computer and then, using what looks to be a very expensive piece of equipment, they sort of sand blast the model into clay. I would imagine doing the opposite is a darn sight easier! For professionals, I can see clay modelling being a very useful tool. The modeler can make the clay model very quickly, and, in the early stages, simply smoosh the model and start again if he doesn't like it.
I don't like using clay models because it makes it take too long. I just want to sit for a few minutes deciding what I'm gonna make, then jump on the computer and start modelling. If it doesn't turn out exactly how I wanted it, I don't worry. At that point I mostly just change my idea to fit the model.
What's ILM?
Clonkex
Making games is easy.....finishing them is a different matter.
Intel Core 2 Duo 2.8Ghz, Nvidia GeForce 9400 GT 512mb, 1gb ram.