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| Vector |
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| Raster |
Vector graphics are constructed with points which are based on mathematical calculations, while raster graphics are generated by an array of pixels. Vectors can be scale to any size without losing its quality, whereas a raster will lose its quality once you zoom in. Vectors is generated by softwares such as Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw, and Inkscape. Raster is created by software such as Adobe Photoshop. Vector file format is normally saved in .EPS and .AI. Raster commonly saved in .JPG, .PNG, and .GIF.
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| Adobe Illustrator |
You need to know how to draw using computer software such as Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw, or Inkscape. It is not enough if you can draw beautiful artwork using a pencil on a paper. Drawing using computer software is very different from drawing on a paper.
The accepted file format is .EPS version 8. Some agency accept .EPS version 10 but I would advice that you concentrate on .EPS8 because IStockPhoto only accepts .EPS version 8.
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| Shadow Or Transparency Effect |
You may have been happily using effects such as Drop Shadow and Transparency on all your artworks, but these effects are not accepted by microstocks. The reason being is because different softwares will have technical issue opening vectors with these effects, and thus microstocks agencies do not allow them. Yes, shadows and transparency are very handy but you should avoid using it all together.
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| An open path example. |
Your vector should not have open path. Open path is a path that is not closed.
To view open path in Adobe Illustrator, just click on View -> Outline.
Expand all your stroke and fonts into objects.
You must expand all your stroke and fonts into objects at the end of your work. To expand your stroke and fonts into object, just select the stroke and click on Object -> Expand. For your information, all agencies will accept expanded text inside an artwork except IStockPhoto.
The above are just a summary of the technical aspects that you should know about preparing a vector graphic. For a more complete manual, please refer to IStockPhoto's Training Manual.
4 things you need to have.
Email account.
Your email account will be the main communication medium between you and your stock agencies.
10 good vector artworks of your own.
Shutterstock needs you to submit 10 vectors graphic in order to review your skills. If you fail to meet their requirements, you will have to wait 30 days before you can submit new better vectors again. For your information, IStockPhoto needs only 3 vectors for reviewing. So, only submit vectors that you are very confident in, and if you have doubt, don't submit them because it will likely fail. If your vectors are accepted by these two agencies, then I can guarantee that every other agencies will have no problem accepting them.
Paypal account.
All microstock agencies will be able to pay your earning through PayPal. It is fast, convenient, and has never got any delivery issue.
Passport (scanned version in jpg).
In order for microstock agencies to know you are not a fraud, you will have to send them a copy of your passport (or driving license). I have tried sending them my identity card of my country, but they do not accept it. So, just scan your passport and be ready.
You must expand all your stroke and fonts into objects at the end of your work. To expand your stroke and fonts into object, just select the stroke and click on Object -> Expand. For your information, all agencies will accept expanded text inside an artwork except IStockPhoto.
The above are just a summary of the technical aspects that you should know about preparing a vector graphic. For a more complete manual, please refer to IStockPhoto's Training Manual.
4 things you need to have.
Your email account will be the main communication medium between you and your stock agencies.
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| An example of good vector. |
Shutterstock needs you to submit 10 vectors graphic in order to review your skills. If you fail to meet their requirements, you will have to wait 30 days before you can submit new better vectors again. For your information, IStockPhoto needs only 3 vectors for reviewing. So, only submit vectors that you are very confident in, and if you have doubt, don't submit them because it will likely fail. If your vectors are accepted by these two agencies, then I can guarantee that every other agencies will have no problem accepting them.
Paypal account.
All microstock agencies will be able to pay your earning through PayPal. It is fast, convenient, and has never got any delivery issue. |
| A sample of scanned passport. |
In order for microstock agencies to know you are not a fraud, you will have to send them a copy of your passport (or driving license). I have tried sending them my identity card of my country, but they do not accept it. So, just scan your passport and be ready.
3 things you should not do.
Do not take other people's work.
Never ever take other's work or your account will be ban forever. You might think that there are millions of vectors out there, and they will not recognize it. Believe me, they will, and if they don't, the other contributors will. Always produce your own work.
Do not trace a photograph that is not yours.
Do not trace out a photograph that you found on the Internet, magazine, or your friends photograph. If you were to trace them, you will have shoot your own the photos. Microstock agencies take this issue very seriously and so avoid them as much as you can.
Don't get a partner for the same account.
Why? Money issue. It is rather difficult to divide the earnings at the end of the day because there is no special tools in these microstock sites that helps you on this automatically. Also, you will want to treat this as a long term business and you will only want to concentrate on producing more vectors. Unless you are a company and you are hiring other people to do this, then getting a partner is reasonable.
