I apply the mirror mod a lot and then do what I need to do, then delete half of the model again and re-mirror mod. I rinse and repeat with this as needed

I see, thank you all!

Avoid applying it. See Karen's answer

No, better not to apply it, it is easier to manipulate the mesh when it is less dense

I leave modifiers on for as long as I can to keep the basic mesh simple. But applying some mods is necessary to do certain things.

the only time I've applied the subsurface is in sculpting

spikeyxxx tutorial started with a cube then used a Surface subdivision modifier, but not applied it. Is better to apply it before moving vertices?

Those were two short answers

hey Jake waves

Hello coconutjustice