Regardless of all the statements and talk about what is the oldest profession in the world, drafting is the only profession that historically can be documented.

Drafting can be defined as a descriptive way to deliver an idea through the use of illustrations and drawings that show in detail the process of turning the idea into reality. This process dates back to thousands of years ago when primitive drafters illustrated on the walls of caves the processes by which they lived, hunted, worshipped, and died.

Since that time, this process has changed little except for the drafting supplies and tools used to draw, paint, and preserve the illustrations. The greatest changes are noted during the Egyptian and Chinese Empires and the development of rice paper and the methods of presenting ideas. This was the beginning of drafting as we know it today. Other than the drafting tools and equipment used to make drawings more accurate and legible, very little changed until the creation of the modern electronic devices that we have used over the last 75 years. Drafting is the basis of everything that is usable.

Mathematics and science are the foundations from which drafters work. There is nothing manufactured or process carried out without the aid of drafting. Everything that a person can hold in their hand, feel, or touch has some type of drawing or illustration created for the production of that product. When most people think of drafting, they think of skyscrapers, beautiful homes, or maybe a complicated electronic device such as a computer.

There are almost 100 different work disciplines for drafters and designers. These include aerospace, highways, parks and recreation, electronic, nano-technology, medical, furniture, high-voltage electricity, automotive, and many more.

Think about all the equipment and gadgets used in hospitals. Consider all the tools that are used during surgery. Knee implants that are specifically designed to fit your body, or something as simple as a band-aid; are all manufactured by the aid of a drawing. Engineers, architects, scientists, doctors, physicists, and even composers used drafting to create these products.

All of the world's greatest inventions, thoughts, and improvements started as drawings. The drafter is that invisible person, who in reality, makes dreams come true. Contact the American Design and Drafting Association (ADDA) www.adda.org 731-627-0802 for additional information on how to become a drafter or to join the organization.