We did a ton of paper and cardboard models at Pratt in the early 2000’s and many of them were mind blowing in quality and detail. Most of that work was done with just pencil, ruler, xacto and white glue with the occasional illustrator file to layout some lines.
I try to do paper sketch models as a short workshop with my students but they always resist and want to 3d model and print everything… maybe it’s my age showing but when you’re in early explorations of form, volume and proportion there is nothing faster than getting your hands dirty and manipulating cheap pliable materials. i know the future is here and technology is cool but the value of feeling a form is huge and when it comes to handheld objects i can bang out 100 paper sketch models in the time it takes to 3d model, 3d print and review just 1 object.