A recent review of my "per page" billing (although I work by the hour) shows a downward trend. That is, the average price per page has dropped over the past few years from around $70 to $45 (average). How can this be?
It's simple really. First, keep in mind, I am talking mostly about moderately complex utility drawings. You know, typical mechanical devices. Five years or so ago, client provided electronic engineering files (2D and 3D) were rare. Now, 20%-40% of the projects I work on start with existing engineering files. As a patent draftsman/illustrator, it is my job to utilize these files while maintaining the traditional aesthetic values of classic patent drawings.
Ok, how does this process save time/money and increase accuracy? If for example I needed to illustrate a typical can opener. If I only had blueprints (paper or 2D electronic vector files) or the product (perhaps prototype) to work from, it would take hours and hours to build isometric views, exploded views, cut-aways, etc. But if I have the client provided 3D solid model files, I can whip out page after page of views in a snap. Of course, I always adjust the line weights, add shading (if require), clean up the drawings, remove unnecessary lines, etc.
How does this all work into the concept of fair market value? Let's take the exploded view mentioned above. If I have the 3D solid model engineering file to work from, it may take me 1 hour to produce the exploded view. If I work from the model or blueprint, it might take me 6 hours or more. At the end of the day, the finished product looks exactly the same. However, an attorney may look at the two identical pages produced by two different draftsperson and wonder why one (for example) is charging $46 for plate and another draftsperson is charging $276 (or more) for what looks like "the same thing".
In my book, patent draftsmen, patent draftswomen are technical illustrators. Not engineers, not graphic designers. Yes, there are exceptions. Engineers for the most part make "good money". However, engineers do not always make the best patent illustrators. They usually use the wrong tools (engineering tools), and usually do not have all the broad skills (such as drawing from photos) necessary to meet all the patent drawing challenges. Graphic designers generally draw pretty pictures but do not always have the engineering knowledge (or tools) necessary to utilize existing engineering geometry or the mechanical knowledge to understand and emphasize the key features of a technical invention. And, graphic designers are usually paid less than engineers. I point this out because an engineer's time is generally more valuable than a graphic designers time. The question is, should the client (attorney) be paying their draftsperson engineering wages or designer wagers. Answer: Neither.
My decades of experience as a technical illustrator has convinced me and my clients, for the most part, the skills necessary to produce the broad range of challenges presented in producing patent drawings can be accomplished by a true technical illustrator. I will explain my meaning of "true" technical illustrator at another time.
So, if the best skill to employ for patent drawings is a technical illustrator, this is the skill level you should be hiring and paying for. Why pay an engineer price to draw a simple object or pay a graphic designer to struggle with a complex engineering challenge? The question is, what is the fair market value for the products and services you are buying?
As I mentioned above, prices can depend on the source materials (ie., engineering geometry, etc.). In the long run, all talent charges (give or take) by the hour. This is why less and less draftspeople are charging by the plate. There are too many variables. The trick is to keep the production time, therefore cost down. And, to pay a fair wage to the appropriate talent level. Keep the production cost down by providing the optimum source materials to a service provider who has the talent, skill and tools (drawing programs) to do the task efficiently.
If you provide 3D model geometry to a graphic designer, illustrator or engineer who does not have the skills or tools to utilize it, you could be paying 4 times or more what it should cost.
I'm going to stick my neck out here. Assuming the person you hire for your drawing requirements is competent and has all the correct skills, experience and tools to draw from all source materials (photos, sketches, prototypes, 2D & 3D geometry, etc.), you should be paying from $40-$60 per hour. A proficient technical illustrator can make "good money" and the attorney should be spending an average of $45-$80 per plate (average) for drawings. Again, these are my opinions, my calculations. This is my suggested fair market value.
I assume this post will raise more questions than provide answers. And, the observations I have presented are my own - based on my particular experiences. Others may argue my presentation. Let's keep this thread moving. I will try to answer all questions and clarify where I can.
At your service, Mike Maloney - Patent Draftsman / Technical Illustrator
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Topic: Patent Drawings - What is the fair market value of patent drawings? (Read 653 times)
