Have you ever done a patent drawing?

Gee, Mark, are you going to go after Gavin for not having enough experience to do drawings for someone? What a surprise that would be!
I love the honesty of your question, though. From Gavin’s post, I think it’s pretty obvious that he hasn’t done any patent drawings……..are you not smart enough to infer that, or are you just being disingenuous ? Yeah, thought so.

Actually, I have done patent drawings — for my own patent! I didn’t charge myself.

Very nice, Gavin. Get so irritated by Mark looking for ways to slam people……..
I remember first seeing your drawings on here about a year ago or so? Totally stuck with me…..felt the emotion, good stuff.

Thanks, Mike. The school year is winding down and I have a bit more time to post (I’m also a third grade teacher). I can also see I have to do some catching-up…

Gavin,

I was thinking about doing patent illustrating myself two years ago. I did some research on existing companies and how they charge for their drawings. The average rate was around $85.00 a sheet at that time. Also you need to add in for any changes or corrections to drawings you have already done for the client. Of course it would also depend on the complexity of the invention.

Thanks, Tom. When I used to pencil for Marvel, that was about the same price I was paid to draw a comic book page.

You’ll do great Gavin, I have seen your work. :))
Go make some money. lol

You’re such a positive force around here, Toni. I hope you don’t change when you sell your inventions and become a billionaire!

Are you Kidding Gavin, I’m to old to change…lol
I guess I will have to hire you to do all my patent
drawings.

Very obvious Mike…good call!

Hi Gavin, I’m new here and I was wondering the same thing although I don’t have any experience excepte a couple drawing I did for a friend. I use to work a Boeing as a tech illustrator so I could say I have experience doing illustrations. I’m looking for some part time work and was wondering how do you get the word out that you do patent drawings. Unfortunatly I’ve run into people like Mark who ask for experience first.

There are definitely industries in which experience is paramount, but with any visual art medium, ability to do the job is proven with samples and a portfolio. If you can produce work comparable or better than the patent drawings already in existence — and frankly that is not such a daunting task — then you have the necessary skills to pursue work. I find that buyers like to use that “experience” label to negotiate lower payments, yet they will often let slip that they stopped working with a well-known draftsman because his fees were too high.
Douglas, try patent attorneys—they are always looking for new artists. I worked with the attorney who wrote my patent. He was impressed with my drawings and asked if I would do some for another case. It is leading to other offers, but I am not finding the work terribly fulfilling and probably will not do anymore after this latest gig – it feels too much like sharecropping!