Thanks for your advice on AutoCAD. Regarding a portfolio, it's funny: I keep hearing "you have to have a portfolio," and I'm thinking, "I haven't even gotten close yet - I need the training!" However, I get the point
I'm 41, so it will be a big change for me if I pursue it. I've been trying to think of the pursuit as if I were a high school student just ready to train for a professional career, and the lack of clear direct formal choices has resulted in my frustration. What I've concluded so far is that architectural illustration just isn't as far along as, say, landscape design, or other similar niche fields (just an opinion).
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Originally Posted by JamesTaylor
I think some training with AutoCAD will certainly help as it'll first of all introduce you to the software and also i would expect give you some exposure to orthographic / section type drawings as that is the area it is aimed toward. Although the specific drawings may not be architectural during generic training the principals of plans and elevations or orthographic projections are universal.
i would also point out that AutoCAD isn't always the tool of choice for visualiers when it comes to modelling, different people will different workflows and applications - but autoCAD is very common
I'm not sure what is available to you in the states but i studied City & Guilds AutoCAD qualifications in the UK which covered all aspects of the software both in 2D and 3D, i found the experience very helpful and was actually the experience which has brought me down the path to architectural visualisation.
in terms of finding a mentor i would suggest that if you are prepared to put yourself out there, show willing, build yourself a portfolio - to whatever standard - off your own back then someone will take you on and in essence act as your mentor. Get applying for those junior positions that come up on the job board here and see what happens, Once you get a foot in the door you'll be away
can i ask how old you currently?
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