Sunday 4 November 2012


MicroStock Vector Tips 
 



Vector Files have already gained significant market share of the microstock photography industry.



The uploading procedure for such files is slightly different from that of ordinary pictures. Here are some useful tips... 

  • Vector file should be an EPS format file, accompanied by a JPEG format preview file, with the same file name  
      
    E.g. stock example.eps
                   stock example.jpg

  • The title of the file should be relevant to the topic.
  • Fill in Metadata information in EPS file. Title, description and keywords  (for adobe illustrator file > fileinfo) 
  • Most agents demand eps files compatible with adobe illustrator 10 (so if you have later versions ai save the final file as eps).
  •  Several agencies have limit on the file size (e.g. shutterstock   has a limit of 15MB for eps). There are also restrictions on the size of the preview file which differ in each agency. Before uploading check the requirements of each agency (eg shutterstock 800 pixels on the longest side at 72 dpi, 123rf 1600Χ1600 pixels or larger, istockphoto 1900X2600 or larger)
  •  If you upload files via FTP (recommended), have patience until both eps and jpeg files are uploaded before proceeding with keywords and categories. Check if the file is registered as a vector file.
  • When it comes to choose categories ,make sure you choose illustration, apart from other categories.
  • Do not upload simple autotraces of photos, without any further processing. They will be rejected.
  • Do not leave fonts in the file. Expand them to become simple shapes.
  • Do not forget to erase useless lines, points or layers. Open shapes are unacceptable.
  • Don't use copyrights
  • Very simple vectors are not accepted.
  • Files must not contain raster images, such as photo or sketches.
  • After you close and re-open the final eps10 file check in window>links (for adobe illustrator) and make sure there are no raster files there.
  • Upload your vector art to all major microstock agencies to increase sales possibility.





Monday 15 October 2012

Microstock  

Microstock photography is a whole industry of on line agencies that undertake to sell graphic and photographic material on the Internet at very low prices but without selling the rights. So a logo or a composition are sold countless times and remain designer's property. If you feel your portfolio is commercial and creative continue reading.



If you want to sell your work at expensive prices don't lose your time here go to stock agencies not microstock ...

What is sold
What's most in demand. Vector files (adobe illustrator) have captured a large share of the market and are in high demand, especially grouped.

This vector is Νο1 image on sales chart in the world


Νο2 on sales


 Νο5 on sales

 Photography, as the oldest species, has huge competition and requires expensive equipment, which means hardly would anyone seriously claim a good market share. In addition you will need models to pose for you.


Νο3 on sales


or a food synthesis isolated on white background
Νο10 on sales




One very popular Texture image



You can make better profits and built quickly a portfolio with rendered images (3d) that are also on high demand in the market, depending on their theme.


The advantage of render is the perfection of the images produced: no noise, high resolution, in focus, and much more...


A simple render of 3d text with a good simple concept can sell a lot




Another communication concept render


 



 Interior simple scene

 


If anyone can create images like the above , can also sell them...




The list of agencies... 
that will sell your work countless times (holding significant supply)


The premier site for most designers and photographers in terms of profits. Requires 10 images to be accepted before the start of the collaboration, but gets the fastest sales (from the first days). Is the primary target for anyone that starts. 2/3 of my earnings come from shuttterstock ...



Top site for advanced contributors, not for me and certainly not for new contributors. Requires patience and a professional-level portfolio. They rejected 80% of my portfolio and of many other contributors while uploading system is painful. It is really worthy but needs experience. For start leave it for the end.



Likable agency accepts easily photos, vector art, and of course renders. Unfortunately you will have to wait 1-3 months to see sales, especially for small portfolios, but yet one of the first you should try ...


canstock 
Easy to use, easy uploading and easily accepts material while sales come quickly. Perhaps the perfect choice for a pleasant start. The fourth best for me ...



fotolia   
Average uploading system , slow on sales but has been steadily rising over time ...





photodune   
A Fresh site, very easy to use with easy uploading. Ideal for beginners ...





From the older agents, moderate acceptance, moderate uploading. However makes significant gains ...
Small agency yet with upward trends, easy uploading and high acceptance. Deserve to be in the list of your partners ...


One more old agency ,slow on sales in small portfolios, good uploading ...


These are the best agencies in my opinion and in general acceptance. The list however does not end. New agencies appear all the time ...

 Tips 


  • Before you Upload any picture, open it with Photoshop (File> File info>) or Adobe Bridge and enter the title, description and up to 50 Keywords. These data are called metadata Iptc accompanying a picture so that you don't need to fill them in again and again when you upload the image on different agencies.
  • The best way to figure out the keywords for your image is the site of Yuri Arcurs. Write a keyword on top, select the photos that are related to yours and generate automatically suggested keywords with statistics for every word, from which you choose what you like. The site is here.
  • Upload becomes easy using Ftp server, programs that manage the uploading automatically. In this way you can stop uploading whenever you want and resume later or adjust the speed and number of files. Featured Ftp programs: Filezilla, CyberDuck, FireFTP and SmartFTP.


 NOT to do

  •  Don't make exclusive contracts with agencies. Exclusive contract means that you can not sell your work via another agent. Since you cannot know which agencies are the most effective for you let time decide. Upload on as many agents as you can. Maybe later, after years, you will be able to decide going exclusive.

Top Keywords  



In the world of picture the top serches for images to buy:

 Top 100 searches - Ever
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source:  shutterstock