Looking for advice or direction for side work.

kramichael

I am looking to see if there is anyway for me to put some of my hard earned skills with Sketchup and Layout to work for me. I would rate myself somewhere in the middle of the heap as far as skill level is concerned and after about 8 years of using the software I still enjoy playing around with it. It's an essential part of my work day so I'm lucky I'm still having fun making drawings. I'll spare you the details about what I do but most of my work involves surveying and creating drawings for manufactures of Archieteural grade terracotta on historic buildings in Chicago and the Mid-west.

My question is, Is there a market or neich out there for freelance draftsmen somewhere in the realm of Interior Design? My dream is to find part time work building models, and creating deliverable images / drawings of interiors they can use during conceptual phases of a project. Of course my net is rather large at the moment. I'm open to anything that involves SU, Layout and part time work.

I'm honestly not sure if this is the correct forum for this kind of question. If you can point me to a community more in line with this sort of question I would be very grateful.

Thanks!

Krisidious

I think this area is more for ideas and issues regarding the sketchucation website. But someone will be along to move it for us.

On to your thoughts... I think there will be an equal amount of work available directly proportional to the quality of work you do. If I saw some of your work I might be able to better judge.

As to how to go about getting that work. First and foremost get a website of some kind. Make it simple and layout your portfolio of work, your price and your abilities.

Then get the website out there as much as possible... Create social media pages with links to your website and posts about your daily goings on, you'll be surprised how many people take interest.

Also you might follow this thread I just posted and see if you might get a link in your signature. That would be the best way to get work in the industry.

http://sketchucation.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=76%26amp;t=57905

olishea

@krisidious said:

Also you might follow this thread I just posted and see if you might get a link in your signature. That would be the best way to get work in the industry.

Aren't the people visiting this website already in the industry though? For best exposure I'd concentrate outside of these circles and aim for the clients.

Saying that...I've had quite a bit of work from people I've "bumped" into on forums, but again, it's normally from someone already in this industry.

Krisidious

It sounded to me like he doesn't do custom work but illustrating works already made? If you're right and he's not looking for industry work then I agree outside of this place would be better.

jeff hammond

search 'sketchup' in craigslist's jobs..

there's always something in there (at least in nyc).. lots of full-time/intern architectural work listed but every so often, a temp position and/or project specific sketchup help will be sought.

also, maybe try the opposite.. post on craigslist offering your sketchup services.

for instance, a current craigslist posting:

@unknownuser said:

[...]
This position will involve heavy mock-up and 3D rendering development so comfort using google sketchup and photoshop is necessary, CAD is a plus.

Responsibilities:
• Develop mock-ups and renderings to help visualize our concepts to clients, these could include designs for mobile tours, concerts, sampling programs, or beauty events
• Design and develop different event assets which could include banners, posters, step & repeats
• Work with printers and vendors to ensure all art is to spec and prints properly
• Work on designs and drawings for fabricators and vendors
• Design the full event mock-up of the space

The ideal candidate is:
• At least 2 years of experience, with specific experience in event design or 3D renderings
• Self-motivated and a team player
• Creative and can take minimal direction to develop designs
• Personable and has a positive attitude
• Motivated by results
• Detail oriented
• Responsible and accountable for work
• Flexible and available to make changes and work outside of normal business hours

Consistent performance and attention to detail is expected from the candidates.

This is a part time position (2-3 full days a week or half days). While we prefer having this individual work from the office at least twice a week, working from home is acceptable. If interested please respond to this post with your resume, link to your portfolio, and availability.

Krisidious

I had no idea Jeff... That's pretty kool.

andybot

You can also look at freelancer websites - as you will find people there who are looking for specific work. I had reasonable success with guru.com when I was starting out and didn't have enough work. I found and established several solid long-term clients through there. My other advice is networking. All my work currently is from established clients and referrals.