Expert: Bob - 2/6/2008

Question
QUESTION: I find it hard to sit down and teach myself vectorworks any advice on ways to do this but to keep it interesting.

I have done a couple of short courses but find it hard to get into and practice.

Thanks.

ANSWER: Hi --- of course, I don't use it, as my profile indicates.

For me, I refer to Vectorworks as "an architecture school program".
(as in NOT the real world, as I see it)

The jobs I see advertised are roughly 75% AutoCAD, the rest, Microstation (VERY hard to find operators), Revit, Archicad, etc -- with regional variation.

I would say to be sure you have good reason to be using that one before investing your valuable time. Owning the software is not good reason, if you are in an industry where everyone wants you to give them AutoCAD drawings.

That said --- look online in Vectorworks forums, and ask which books suit your particular purpose for the program, then read, do all the lessons. I think one learns CAD programs by studying the basics, then do your own project in it, with the book next to you.

I am at a loss to understand why people keep writing me that they have been "figuring out on their own" such complicated software. And it is frustrating to try to assist people who dont give their background and purpose, because it is hard to know how to phrase the advice.

BOB

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks. The software is being used in the entertainment industry.

ANSWER: OK --- good luck.
May I point out that the "entertainment industry" is a very broad term.  I am in Hollywood, and no one asks me for Vectorworks.

I urge you in the future to tell the ENTIRE story when you ask questions of strangers. They will have a better idea how to help you.

BOB

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Studio features are using it instead of traditional analogue draughting slowly but seemingly more so.

Once again thank you for taking the time to reply.

Answer
Hi -- I am going to assume you  forgot to tell me you are in another country. They must have a good Vectorworks salesman there, LOL. And I have no idea what you mean about studios using it -- it is not animation software. Here, Autodesk software is most of the business.
Good luck.

BOB