Always break a complex task into many simple tasks (clay off/clay on). Any
mistakes you make are small mistakes and easily fixed.

When sculpting creature maquettes hold a mass of clay in one hand. Let the warmth of your hand soften the clay,
making it pliable. With your other hand, pull off a small amount, the size of a pea, roll it smooth then apply to your armature. Any single small piece of clay will not ruin your sculpt.

Forget about "smoothing". Smoothing is for the nervous and neurotic. Your sculpt will come into focus the closer you come to the ending of the journey. As you sculpt, you'll begin using smaller and smaller pieces of clay; filling cracks and blemishes.

Before you know it, your sculpt will be done, no smoothing needed.