AI image whatever just an example image
If I wanted to actually model this and dimension it for fabrication is there a point where I'd either want to or have to ditch a full solid modeling approach?
Having everything be parametric and play nice is always great but I figure that it's not effective in every situation

Or from the alternate side how would you sculpt or free(?) model something like this then actually give it real dimensions and volume? I'm assuming there's some way since I'm fairly certain lots of figures are made in zbrush

Is there some intersection point with the two approaches where you'd do a bit of both at certain times?