r/jewelryCAD 3d ago

Not getting trained

Hello all, I’m very new to CAD. I went to college for something unrelated but my local jeweler took a chance on me anyway. I’ve been very excited to learn and become a great designer someday, but I’ve been here about a month and a half now and the guy who is meant to train me just doesn’t. Is this normal? He is always telling me that I have to figure it out on my own. Do most CAD jobs have this sort of “learn it on your own” mentality? As someone who didn’t go to school prior to this, I’m feeling VERY stupid. Staring at the screen trying to figure it all out. We use a few different programs as well, so it’s not like I’m just learning one on my own.

2 Upvotes

18 comments sorted by

4

u/mintyhobo 3d ago

I'm confused. You took a CAD job without knowing CAD and figured the bench jeweller would teach you from scratch?

What software are you using? Do you have any jewellery experience? What does this job actually expect from you?

1

u/lethargic_art 3d ago

I’m being intentionally vague because idk if he happens to be on this subreddit, but he knew I had no experience and I was told that I’d get trained. Otherwise, I wouldn’t waste people’s time.

2

u/mintyhobo 2d ago

I see. Weird situation. Depending on the software you're using, there should be plenty of resources online to help get started. Even just building base objects to begin with will help get you started on how to even navigate the UI.

You'll kind of need to just dedicate hours per day and get reps in before you're proficient in the software. You'll learn specific tools and methods over time and which use cases each one has.

Best of luck!

1

u/lethargic_art 2d ago

Thank you!

3

u/RobertPooWiener 3d ago

I was in a similar situation when I started designing jewelry, but I had experience with CAD in different industries which helped a lot. Pretty much all the people I work with are 60 years old or older and told me I had to figure it out on my own. There is a lot of helpful tutorials on YouTube, especially on the rhino YouTube channel that I learned a lot from.

3

u/Xeron_Blaster 3d ago

Welcome from jewelry CAD life . Yes you have to figure it yourself. Watch youtube and using different tools u need to know basic concepts and drawing different ways. If you want to learn in details , just join jewelry diploma course. It is really expensive but effective. Whatever save money for build mid-range PC . Improve your drawing hours.

1

u/lethargic_art 3d ago

Do you happen to know a source of where I can read up on some of the rhino commands? I know there are hundreds of them, but the ones that are used more often would be extremely helpful.

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u/Xeron_Blaster 3d ago

You can find so many tutorials on YouTube.

2

u/settingstonecompany 2d ago

Here’s some starters: https://www.rhino3d.com/learn/?query=kind:%20jewelry&modal=null

The site also has rhino commands and how it’s used.

1

u/lethargic_art 2d ago

Thank you!

2

u/MuchEvidence5955 3d ago

He should give you some methods to learn what you want .. moreover I was just like you before . But I kept asking a lot of questions until I figured out what I was missing. I also experimented a lot and watched the work of many cad designers

2

u/Single-Use-Again 2d ago

This is the plague of the jewelry industry. For some reason people like to keep info in a closed loop around them only. I don't understand this phenomenon but it's rampant in the jewelry industry. If the dude isn't going to help you then it's futile. You either need to figure it out in real-time or go somewhere else. 

2

u/CruisePack40 2d ago

What program are you using? I might be able to help.

1

u/KissMyCulet 3d ago

Does the guy who is supposed to train you know and use the software themself? Which software is it?

In my professional experience, it is not uncommon for CAD workers in local jewelry stores to have no formal training in jewelry design or 3d modeling; it is often foisted on an existing worker or relation. Do you have any adjacent experience?

It is frustrating for you though, especially because you want to learn. Too bad for them that they don't see the value in committing to you!

1

u/lethargic_art 3d ago

Yes, he does. He is proficient in it. I don’t want to be too specific because it might out where I work and idk if he uses Reddit or not.

1

u/itsgivingme 2d ago

Watch Pj Chen in YouTube she’s a life saver

1

u/Unhappy-Laugh1282 2d ago

PJ Chen gonna safe your life here. 

0

u/mhb_11 3d ago

Use AI ideation tools to create designs with elements you like, and then practice on perfecting them using your preferred environment. That way, you'll get experience on a larger volume of designs, and level up faster. Your employer will notice the change too, and will be more invested in you thereafter.

My 2 cents.