How to start US/EU CAD-freelance for ~$15/hour? (skilled CAD-designer)

[RuCAD]

Hello.

I am a skilled CAD drafter/designer from Russia: for 6 years I have been making projects for millwork, furniture, metal stairs production (by laser cutting). *I have attached screenshots of my projects for a better understanding of my skill level.

My CAD software experience: Solidworks, AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor, ArtCAM, SketchUp, Photoshop

In the new year 2025 I decided to take my professional development to the next level and start freelancing English-language CAD projects (for about 12...15 dollars per hour). I'd like to begin working in the furniture/millwork/staircase industry that I'm familiar with, but pretty much anything will do to start a portfolio.

So can anyone recommend me where to find my first employers for US/EU CAD-freelance? I've registered on Linkedin, but I have a feeling it's not the best place to start. Maybe even sending emails to some small production firms would be a better idea.

Thank you in advance for any help

[AlexLachance]

Hey mate,

Might wanna drop your mail here, in case people are interested in reaching out to you.

I think being from Russia might cause inconvenience for certain projects, but I doubt it would be the case from anything architectural as you posted.

[RichGergely]

I think in the current climate you will find it very hard to find work in Europe or the USA. Companies will just want to avoid the possibility of any questions being asked.

It may be even tricky for a business to pay you without being asked questions. My Business Bank Account last year sent me a multi page form I had to fill out for me to declare where/what countries I do business/type of work an so on - there was loads of questions on it. If I remember, if you didn't fill it out they would pull the bank account. It was all to do with money laundering and/or doing business with countries which have sanctions and ensuring that the bank didn't fall foul of it.

[RuCAD]

Thank you all for the responses.

I see the problems with the current political climate, but I expect that in 2025 the conflicts with Russia will soften significantly and major sanctions will be lifted.

Also I still consider my advantage today to freelance as a skilled CAD-designer for 50...60% of the market price.

I do understand some difficulty in paying for my projects. But I have relatives and friends from US/EU, so it is ok to send transactions to their bank cards (or even set up an employment contract with them). I also have a bitcoin wallet and an account in a US online poker room, then the transaction will just look like a standard payment from an individual for online services.

If anyone reading this post would like to collaborate, here is my e-mail: skvorcad@gmail.com

[AlexLachance]

Thank you all for the responses.

I see the problems with the current political climate, but I expect that in 2025 the conflicts with Russia will soften significantly and major sanctions will be lifted.

Also I still consider my advantage today to freelance as a skilled CAD-designer for 50...60% of the market price.

I do understand some difficulty in paying for my projects. But I have relatives and friends from US/EU, so it is ok to send transactions to their bank cards (or even set up an employment contract with them). I also have a bitcoin wallet and an account in a US online poker room, then the transaction will just look like a standard payment from an individual for online services.

If anyone reading this post would like to collaborate, here is my e-mail: skvorcad@gmail.com

I'd look around on the platforms of the programs you know, there certainly are people who will be searching for subcontractors on there. After that, I'd dwelve into whatever domain you have an expertise in and would try to look around and find those platforms.

Biggest obstacle is getting going, once you get going, your reputation will preceed you and people will come to you with projects.

[Frederick_Law]

I do understand some difficulty in paying for my projects. But I have relatives and friends from US/EU, so it is ok to send transactions to their bank cards (or even set up an employment contract with them). I also have a bitcoin wallet and an account in a US online poker room, then the transaction will just look like a standard payment from an individual for online services.

LOL
I got nothing against you or Russian.

You just type out textbook definition of "Money Laundering".

[Frederick_Law]

I'd like to begin working in the furniture/millwork/staircase industry that I'm familiar with, but pretty much anything will do to start a portfolio.

Building code could be different in different country.

[RichGergely]

LOL
I got nothing against you or Russian.

You just type out textbook definition of "Money Laundering".

Yep, a sure way to get your company audited and the . Major red flag for the authorities.

If you do your own tax returns you will have to falsify them to hide it.
If a accountant does them, they will have to falsify to hide it and then the train gets even longer.

It just isn't worth the risk for saving a few £/$/Euro.

[Frank_Oostendorp]

How will you be accountable for errors and guarantee? You have to follow all local codes and regulations and standards. That can’t be done by a single person.