Tutorial: How to Prep Your Vectors

It can be tough when you’re starting out as a vector contributor on microstock sites. There are so many little things to watch out for! One tiny mistake could mean you need to submit your file all over again… Even worse, if you’re still in the application phase of becoming a contributor you may be forced to wait a set number of days before you can send in your application samples again.

We often hear from frustrated contributors who’ve overlooked a small detail in their file and received the dreaded rejection email. So I’ve decided to put together a short list of things you should always be checking… BEFORE you submit your file. Click here to read more!

iStockphoto Now Accepting Logo Designs

Yay! iStockphoto has announced that they are now accepting Logo Designs. You can read the original announcement here. If you’re interested in applying to contribute, you can start off by reading the new Logo Training Manual. Questions or comments? Feel free to pop by the new Logo Forums!

New article on iStock: Personalized Palettes

This week, author Cheryl Graham talks about how to put your own personal stamp on your vector illustrations by creating customized color palettes. Whether you’re pulling swatches from nature or history, color can make or break any illustration. Click here to read more!

New Article on iStock: Global Color

This week, author Cheryl Graham covers everything you need to know about setting up global color swatches in your vector files – and why you should be using global colors in the first place. Click here to read more!

Logos are coming to iStock!

A little while ago, iStockphoto.com announced that they would soon be selling logo designs. Why? Because under iStock’s current licensing agreement, customers can’t use anything on the site as a logo design (because the artist who uploaded the file retains full copyright of the image).

As a contributor, I’ve gotten literally hundreds of requests over the years from customers who wanted to use one of my files in a logo. Sometimes I’m able to turn the request into a work-for-hire agreement and design a logo for them on the side. The problems with this are customers are rarely willing to pay my going rate for custom work, and I’ve often found myself in a position where the number of revisions required on the logo start to exceed the price I originally quoted.

This is why I’m so excited about iStock’s new logo offering. There are so many customers out there who simply can’t afford to spend thousands on a corporate identity. Instead, they’re more than happy to let the Yellow Page designer give them a dingbat or a wingding as a logo when they purchase their ad! Click here to read more.