Technology Education Department
Technical Drawing Program

THE NOVICE DRAFTER

For those of you who are just considering or entering the drafting/design profession, there are five "P's" that you must understand: Perception, Preparation, Presentation, Product and Payment.

Before anything is created, it must be perceived . This begins with a mental picture or an idea. Next comes a series of sketches that represent a physical record of the idea that conforms with the perception . The sketches are reviewed by supervisors and preliminary drawings or plans are started.

When the preliminary drawings or plans are prepared , a meeting is scheduled with the client or owner. Because many clients cannot read plans, pictures or three-dimensional drawings are made of what shows on the set of plans. Perspectives and renderings become the presentation along with construction time and cost estimates.

If the presentation is successful, a final agreement is prepared and work begins on production of formal plans. The final set of plans will contain accurate detail drawings that describe the basic shape and size of the product and precise written specifications that describe the quality of materials, finishes and other details not easily shown on drawings. Depending upon the type of product, the production phase may include the construction of prototypes for testing before the product is mass produced. In the case of a structure, the production phase includes the actual construction of the building.

The final phase of the project is of course payment. With very large projects, payouts are made as the work progresses and as approved by the head engineer or architect. At the completion of a project, a final review of the plans and the final product is conducted to determine if all terms of the agreement have been fulfilled. If some items remain to be finished, a specified amount of money is withheld until the the work is completed. Usually a certain amount is also held back until all aspects of the project have been evaluated for performance or durability.

As a beginning drafter, you would not participate in most of the activities listed above. But as you progress through your training and gain experience, you will be given opportunities to observe and eventually be a part of all aspects of a project.

Certain experiences and/or awards await the future engineer and architect:

• You will find yourself taking part in national, regional or local activities that are social, cultural and community endeavors.
  
• You will find yourself some high standards and work for quality and finesse.
  
• Your training, background and intelligence will determine the heights you reach in your profession.
  
• You will work with and meet with consulting engineers, politicians, government leaders and people in high ranking positions in every field of business, education and finance.
  
• You will attend professional conferences, meetings and conventions and make presentations in the area of your expertise.
  
• You will share in the development and/or construction of products or structures that will make the world a better place to live in.

As you begin your career, you should study the works of the engineers, designers or architects you will come in contact with. Gradually, you will acquire the fine talents of these individuals and develop a style of your own.

The following personal traits are necessary for presentation and production:

• Be neat, clean and alert. Dress properly. Clothing extremes may be offensive to "old timers". Don't "moonlight" in drafting for intricate work cannot be accomplished with sleepy eyes.
  
• Be orderly and efficient. Keep your work area clean and organized. Supervisors expect a certain amount of clutter when busy, but it is impossible to turn out quality work in a messy environment. Keep your tools and equipment clean and repaired. Food and drink should be kept away from work surfaces. Operate with simplicity; don't complicate your work with unnecessary embellishments.
  
• Know what you are doing. Get all the information in advance. Insist on clear sketches and legible notes. Ask questions when in doubt. Be accurate and treat all mistakes like poison. Check your work as you go along and when you are finished. Visit the manufacturing area of your company or visit a construction site of a current project to see how your drawings are used and how objects are made. Read standards manuals, trade journals and product literature related to the work you are doing. Don't question or criticize the work of others unless you are qualified to do so.
  
• Organize you work. Make a mental picture, make notes and then start the project. Use a check list of items to be included and mark items completed.
  
• Be a good labeler. An accurate drawing without complete written descriptions is like a new suit with dirty shoes. Label everything and repeat items if necessary for clarity.
  
• Check on drawing reproduction techniques. If you are doing drawings by hand, you must be aware of the methods used to store, copy and transmit finished drawings. don't roll originals or hide them with prints. Use the same leads, line thicknesses and erasers throughout the entire job.
  
• Keep items balanced on the sheet. Don't crowd or spread them too wide. Use a consistent scale when ever possible.
  
• Develop a drawing file. When drawing by hand or with a CAD system, each item you draw can save you time in the future. Prepare a file of common parts or symbols that can be traced or inserted into a drawing. Maintain an index to aid your memory.

In shaping your carver, remember the following:

• Believe in yourself and your ability to succeed;
  
• Stay out of office politics;
  
• Be friendly with all, but chummy with none;
  
• Don't fake it, lie or procrastinate;
  
• Don't discuss politics, religion or personal matters;
  
• Face the truth if things don't go well and make immediate efforts to correct the situation.

In your search for employment, consider manufacturers, consulting firms, architectural firms, construction companies, utility companies, municipal engineering or building departments and government agencies. Large firms may have more job opportunities and more chance for advancement, but they also tend to be more specialized. Small firms offer a wide range of responsibilities but are often more difficult to get into.

You may be asked to show samples of your work and probably be asked to demonstrate your abilities. If you are starting cold, have your complete school records ready. If you have been previously employed, have a resume of your experiences. When you are being interviewed by a prospective employer, don't jump at the first offer. Think it over; consider several companies. Investigate the company, the work it has done and what you will called upon to contribute. If their goals match yours, go for it.

Remember a good engineer or architect builds his work on a firm foundation.

This is how you should build your career.

Entire contents Copyright ©1998. All rights reserved. [Updated: 2/11/99]