CompuServe Messages

Hi Paul, You are the only one who can decide if your skills are more valuable than those of the typical drafter, but I would be inclined to think that they are. Right now mid-range drafters are a lot easier to find than skilled 3D artists/animators. Also, if you care to look it from a value added stand point, you are producing images that will help the developer or designer attract investors, win clients, and garner approval from review boards and zoning commissions. Those are some pretty important steps in the life cycle of a design project. Since you are striking out on your own, you might find it useful to drop in on a few other forums. CONSULT, USEN (US ENtrepreneur), and WORK are all forums that deal with the issues of being self-employed. While they are not geared towards a particular profession, they deal with such issues as understanding overhead, marketing, networking (the social kind), and determining rates so that you don't starve. The MULTIMEDIA forum also has a section on business issues as well. As far as reference books go, of course I'm partial to "Inside 3D Studio" <G>. I think that you'll find Chapter 11 very helpful with AutoCAD issues. There is also the book "Fallingwater in 3D Studio: A Case Study and Tutorial" by Onward Press (505) 865-7504. Studying various AutoCAD references for Architectural drawing may be helpful but you also must keep in mind that the layer management system that you want for 3DS transfer will be much different from the layering system your clients will want to use for production. You will need to coordinate layer conversion strategies with your clients or learn enough AutoCAD to make these changes yourself. Finally, keep asking questions! The only way to get help is to ask for it and if anyone gets worn out they can just stop replying. Steven