Hi,
Once knowledgable enough I intend to have a go working for myself.As anyone started a business drawing up plans etc with Autocad.If so how did you go about finding work, what do you consider realistic earnings potential etc.
 
Thanks...Markmanich442009-07-11 16:35:22

I have the same desire as you; put in some time with architecture companies then begin to produce drawings on my own.
Due to our sliding economy I had a slight issue finding work for my college mandated co-op term (I got lucky and was able to return to the architecture firm I was at the year before) but I did preform my first solo design job prior to begining work; which was a small 2-storey apartment complex in Cuba.
 
I did everything from basic floor plans, elevations and details to 3D renderings in Revit; I also included a standard set of documents so the owner could take it for aproval directly.
 
All in all it was good for around $1,200; spent nearly 80 hours on the job; which as a student was a great help. I also started designing a website showcasing my abilities, some pre-planed things like sun-rooms ect.
 
The best way to go about doing this is creating flyers, talking to locals in the industry that sorta thing to see whats out there; setting up a webpage can expand your market too!
 
Good luck Mark

I have also want to earn by utilizing my drawing skills.  But there are  no any free lance site, where we can find cad designing work. Please share, if you know any such free lance site, which can provide us cad related work.

If you are looking to make money with Auto cad there is many ways, when i first started i did shop drawings for different companies in the curtain wall industry, you can do them in many industries. If you go to my website at www.glazierscenter.com there are many companies listed, another good way to get work is by signing up to linked-in. there are many architectural firms and other such companies looking for help. if you go to my profile at glazierscenter i have a group and there are people looking all the time.

It's really good work. As anyone started a business drawing up plans etc with Autocad.

Been working from home, for myself, since 1995.
 
I suggest specialize drawing what you know best.
Telecommute is possible, *.pdf's and/or *.dwg's and email.
 
Check all help wanted for CAD positions and apply.
 
Good luck!

I worked with a well known architect who was old school and didn't knowcad. He was a neighbor so I was able to work out of my home for about a year. I enjoyed it. Beware of contractors though. Make sure you meet directly with the client, no go-betweens, and be sure you date everything and keep good records.