When you attend a school of drafting and design you will acquire a great number of skills that will be highly useful to you in many different situations throughout various industries. Most likely, you will be considering using it in a workplace environment, but you can go so much further than that. After you graduate from your drafting education, you could spend a few years working the 9-5 grind which is a great idea if you are looking to gain some experience, but if that is not really your cup of tea, then you could use the skills that you gain in the workplace to move further, and of course, move toward a career that you will love. For example, you can start to freelance, which is a much more entertaining idea than some of the alternatives. Contact ITI Technical College today for more information.
What Is Freelancing?
When you work as a freelancer you have the opportunity to apply your skills in many different ways, but in this capacity, you will essentially be working as your own boss rather than working for someone else. It might sound like an amazing endeavor but there are a few things that you will need to consider before you strike out on your own. First of all, as a freelancer, you will be working for yourself, which means you will be responsible for generating all of your clients and bringing in all of the money. It can be very rewarding, but it can also be highly stressful depending on your level of skill and the quality of clients that you are able to attract.
Types of Jobs that you Can Take
After you finish a good computer-aided drafting course the types of jobs that you will be able to take on are numerous. One example would be electrical drafting, which means you could find yourself designing the layouts for electrical systems throughout a power plant or even a water plant. This is just one of the jobs that you could find yourself working! You could take on this job, or you could take it further by drafting building designs. Design a skyscraper, help develop residential housing, or move into any number of other industries – the choice is yours.
It Is a Very Particular Field
In computer-aided drafting school, you are going to learn that this is an extremely complex field and it will require you to be extremely detail oriented. You will need to assign specific measurements, and most importantly, you will need to make sure that you are adhering to the specific legal regulations in the state that you are designing in. It can all be very complex, but it is also quite worth it.
Building a Freelance Drafting Portfolio
Clients want to see what you can do before they hire you. A strong portfolio might include a few clean examples of your best work, such as a floor plan, a set of construction details, a mechanical part drawing, or an electrical layout. Show both 2D drawings and 3D models if you can, and make sure every sample follows proper drafting standards. Always get permission before you share drawings that you created for an employer or a past client.
Setting Up Your Freelance Business
Working for yourself means taking care of the business side as well as the drafting. Before you take your first project, it helps to plan for:
- Software and equipment: Licensed CAD software, a reliable computer, and a way to back up your files.
- Contracts: A simple written agreement that explains the scope of work, deadlines, the number of revisions, and how you will be paid.
- Taxes and records: Self-employed workers usually need to track income and expenses and pay their own taxes, so it is wise to talk with a tax professional.
- Insurance and licensing: Some clients may ask for professional liability insurance, and local rules may require a business license.
Finding Your First Clients
Many freelance drafters start by working with people they already know. Local architects, engineers, contractors, and builders often need extra help when they are busy, and a good first project can lead to repeat work and referrals. Networking at industry events, keeping an online portfolio, and following up promptly on every inquiry can help you build a steady list of clients over time.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for drafters was $68,090 in May 2025. Many drafters gain experience working for an employer before they decide to freelance.
For more, read drafting and design technology skills. You can also learn more about this topic in the life of a drafter.
Get the Education You Need
Computer-aided drafting can be a great career and one that will be extremely rewarding for you if you simply put the work in to become the professional that you have always dreamed of. The Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) Degree in Drafting & Design Technology at ITI Technical College can help you build the skills you need to get started. Whether you are working in an office alongside other professionals or striking out on your own, there are plenty of great opportunities out there, and our school makes it possible. Call us today for more information. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify. Your new career is just a few classes away.
For more information about graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website:Â https://iticollege.edu/disclosures/
