Last year I taught a drafting class and when I would mention this to some they were interested in which CAD program I was using, my answer was NONE! Yep, no computer aided design was taught. Don’t get me wrong, we did discuss it each week and how it related to our topic but the kids learned only hand drafting skills. I am a believer that you must understand how to draft (draw) by hand, how drawings used to be put together and then, and only then, will you be able to learn and understand how the CAD system is structured and how to best use the system. Since I work with many different architects and designers I have come across many who don’t understand these simple concepts and the CAD drawings I receive are ‘sloppy’ and poorly put together. I spend a good bit of time cleaning up plans so the correct information is present on the plans these should be.

What do I mean by all this? Well I think that you have to know how to read a scale, how to read a set of plans, how to draw a high quality line and make those corners meet correctly, how those plans are structured and build upon each other to create the construction set. Even the simplest of information, as knowing the difference in a 4H pencil vs. a 6B pencil can help you communicate an idea. Or what about different pen types and line quality? When you are sitting in front of a client I believe you have to be able to quickly sketch out your ideas in plan or perspective. This is true if you are drawing on paper or a tablet.

Oh, here is a chart about pencil types we used. For drafting I personally love using a 4H or 2H pencil but now for art I love 2B and 4B.

Pencils can be so great to show depth, shadows, and communicate a rough idea. Understanding some basics really goes deeper when you get into the computer aided design options.

Understanding the simple things will only help you communicate ideas. I look forward to sharing some of my computer aided design tips in upcoming weeks.

Julie