Author Topic: Here we go my first vector..what'd think? (Read 18172 times)

donding · « **on:** January 30, 2010, 19:05 »

Wheeew...all day. Of course the free software Inkscape kept locking up on me so I'd loss layers...it would save the vector as a whole rather than separet layers....of course that could have been my fault...just remember this is the first and hopefully not the last
HERE IT IS !!!!! If you laugh I hope you laugh hard

Stu49 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 30, 2010, 19:31 »

Very smart !!

donding · « **Reply #2 on:** January 30, 2010, 19:47 »

Quote from: Stu on January 30, 2010, 19:31

Very smart !!

Thank ya Stu....ugly looking thing wouldn't ya say? I bet everyones first vector is a VW...lol

crazychristina · « **Reply #3 on:** January 30, 2010, 20:02 »

Gotta start somewhere. Keep working on it. I started learning vectors fairly recently too, and intend to contribute to stock someday.

donding · « **Reply #4 on:** January 30, 2010, 20:20 »

Quote from: averil on January 30, 2010, 20:02

Gotta start somewhere. Keep working on it. I started learning vectors fairly recently too, and intend to contribute to stock someday.

The hardest part is trying to remember what button you pushed and when...it would be easier if the software I used worked better...but it was freeware so I can't really complain.

Eireann · « **Reply #5 on:** January 30, 2010, 21:23 »

Hi Donding,
this is sooo cute and it's creative and funny, I can't believe it!
You should have seen my first vector, oh my god !

Yours is one of the best 'first vectors' i've seen so far.
i mean it, well done!
I know it takes long hours (remember this is only your first - things like organizing layers and creating simple shapes will get a lot faster in time) but the important question is - did you enjoy creating it?
If the answer is yes, there's no giving up. From this point on you can only get better.
Remember - close all your shapes, outline your strokes, use as few anchor points as you can (anchor points handles, each side, should be about 1/3 of the length of the path) avoid raster effects (drop shadows and even gradients are a problem whens saving as EPS), read tutorials, read books, try and try again.
You've got yourself one cute WW to start with.
I love the doorknob and its shadow detail. Good job there!
How did you create the wheels? Circles, stacked on top of each other?
Well, this is exactly the same principle used to create those best selling shiny web buttons.
Now you know

Good luck Averil and Donding, looking forward for more

LSD72 · « **Reply #6 on:** January 30, 2010, 21:34 »

Cant the SS requirement of EPS 10 handle gradients and transparencies? I know 8 cannot just not sure of 10.

Eireann · « **Reply #7 on:** January 30, 2010, 22:28 »

True Donding, LSD is right

As long as you save a later version than EPS 8 (EPS 10 for example) you can use gradients and what's even better, you can also use transparencies!
Transparencies are great, you'll love them.

There are a few EPS versions you need to know.
EPS 8 - Inkscape problems with gradients, (gradients ok with Illustrator). No drop shadows, no transparencies.
EPS 10 - gradients and transparencies allowed. No drop shadows.
SS, DT, FT all accept both EPS 8 and EPS 10.
I think IS doesn't (only EPS 8 accepted there).

And by the way, I'm definitely no authority. I'm actually waiting for experienced stock illustrators to come by and help us all out. Thank you LSD

And I'm no artist either. I'm just a long time Illustrator user, but that's about all.
It's fun though, and I like to help if I can.

Ah, and by the way, I'm working on a tractor right now, (spring theme, farmer). It's red, like your WW, but not half as cute or creative.
Waiting for more illustrations, best of luck,

donding · « **Reply #8 on:** January 30, 2010, 23:32 »

Thank you LSD and Eireann...as for the wheels I used three circles and moved them and moved them and moved them...I think 20 times....lol

. I don't remember how I made the texture on the outside of the wheels. Like I said I couldn't remember which button did what. Next time I'll write everything down as I do it...now forgive but what is EPS? I saved the file in PNG format. I know I can open it in Photoshop Elements..so hopefully I can save it in this EPS file format you talk about. I'll try it tomarrow...time for bed..my brain is exhausted after that creation.

LSD72 · « **Reply #9 on:** January 31, 2010, 00:12 »

If you get into submitting as a vector... you have to have a .eps and a jpeg (this for a preview image). When saving as a eps, there should be some option as to which version of Illustrator you want to save it for. Illustrator 8 or Illustrator 10 dependent upon whats in your vector and which sites your submitting it to.

Klauts · « **Reply #10 on:** January 31, 2010, 06:33 »

PNG, while lossless, is a bitmap format, so no you won't be able to make a vector format out of it. Vector formats: EPS(think of it like a tiff with layers), SVG(this one is used for displaying on web, not sure about it), AI(adobe proprietary),CDR(corel draw), and probably some more.
EPS version 8 is the version that all agencies accept. It's the most compatible with all vector software. EPS does NOT support transparency, but DOES support gradients (both linear and radial). Not sure about how Inkscape saves them but Illustrator makes them right
EPS version 10 is a newer version accepted by: SS,FT,DT,BigStock,GLO(not sure about Veer & 123). EPS version 10 supports transparency, and some other things, can't say for sure, I don't use it.

Now for the illustration, not bad. The colors of the thing above the wheels(can't find a decent word for it now) is a bit too bright and detracts from the look of the illustration. Otherwise, be careful what effects you used on those tires, it may be a raster effect.

donding · « **Reply #11 on:** January 31, 2010, 09:07 »

Yes those fenders are a bit bright compared to the rest of it. That was because when the program locked up on me it automatically saved everything and I couldn't change it..or maybe I should say I didn't know how. Any way I just checked Inkscape and it does save in an EPS format but it doesn't say anything about level 8 or 10. How would I know what level it saves at? Also I don't know if those wheels are raster or not...if it's an EPS file would those effects not show up? I guess what I'm asking is why do I need to be careful if it's a raster?

Klauts · « **Reply #12 on:** January 31, 2010, 09:52 »

Well vector files can contain raster elements in them, but they won't be scalable. So you won't get an error while trying to save the EPS but it will get rejected at all agencies. Hmm wish I could help you on how to save them in EPS8 but I don't have Inkscape.Maybe someone who uses it can be of more help.
One way to determine the version of the eps is to open it with notepad. The first 2 lines of a eps 8 version would be like this:
%!PS-Adobe-3.0 EPSF-3.0
%%Creator: Adobe Illustrator(R) 8.0

donding · « **Reply #13 on:** January 31, 2010, 10:32 »

Quote from: Klauts on January 31, 2010, 09:52

Well vector files can contain raster elements in them, but they won't be scalable. So you won't get an error while trying to save the EPS but it will get rejected at all agencies. Hmm wish I could help you on how to save them in EPS8 but I don't have Inkscape.Maybe someone who uses it can be of more help.
One way to determine the version of the eps is to open it with notepad. The first 2 lines of a eps 8 version would be like this:
%!PS-Adobe-3.0 EPSF-3.0
%%Creator: Adobe Illustrator(R) 8.0

Here's what it says:
%!PS-Adobe-3.0 EPSF-3.0
%%Creator: cairo 1.8.6
I assume cairo is the creator of the software. I have Photoshop Elements so I think I'll open up the saved EPS file in there and then resave and see what it says. I was doing some research on the internet and somewhere I read not to use filters, which is what I used on the wheels and the drop down shadow of the door because they are raster. Do any of the agencies accept these saved as .jpg or would that be a waste of time because the purchaser couldn't use it? You can tell this is all really new to me.

LSD72 · « **Reply #14 on:** January 31, 2010, 11:10 »

Dont waste time with rasters on Istock.

One place for a bunch of good info in the SS Forum in the Illustrators section. Most of the Submission questions can be answered in their stickies. Any other questions, just ask and someone will help. Thats where I am picking up on most of my info.

crazychristina · « **Reply #15 on:** January 31, 2010, 14:13 »

Check out the istock Illustrator manual. Looks like your eps is fine (Adobe 3.0) Raster effects are things like drop shadows.

LSD72 · « **Reply #16 on:** January 31, 2010, 18:49 »

Hell, I will put up my first attempt in Xara Xtreem. Took me about 30 minutes to figure out where the gradient tool was...lmao. Duh..its the drop down list. Just trying to learn controls and placement of things in here but this one might get submitted to see if everything is ok. Exported as a PDF and going to try to do eps 10 in CS2.

I really like Xara more than Illustrator right now. Easy but powerful so far.

PS.. sorry for the watermarks but you know how it goes.

elvinstar · « **Reply #17 on:** January 31, 2010, 19:42 »

I, too, am trying my hand at vectors (seems to be going around!) and wanted a bit of feedback on my first attempts... Here they are!

LSD72 · « **Reply #18 on:** January 31, 2010, 20:52 »

I think I should have trademarked my birds....lol.

elvinstar · « **Reply #19 on:** January 31, 2010, 21:22 »

I thought that they were flying mustaches!! ROFLMAO

LSD72 · « **Reply #20 on:** January 31, 2010, 21:33 »

Flying Mouse Stashes !!! Mine are bigger. They carry more poop.

Anyways... had a problem getting CS2 to save to eps10. Friend with CS4 ...Yada Yada Yada... figured out the problem, its with my CS2. Got to try to unload it and reinstall it. So I am happy that I can use Xara and get it into the proper format to submit... as long as CS2 cooperates with me.

Now, I have a question. I didn't look but where do the Description and keywords go? On the eps? jpeg? both? Right now I am just trying it on Shutterstock.

donding · « **Reply #21 on:** January 31, 2010, 21:51 »

elvinstar...they both look great, much better than my little ol' VW. Hopefuly with time and patience I'll be able to get the hang of it. I got ALOT to learn.

Quote from: LSD72 on January 31, 2010, 21:33

Flying Mouse Stashes !!! Mine are bigger. They carry more poop.

Anyways... had a problem getting CS2 to save to eps10. Friend with CS4 ...Yada Yada Yada... figured out the problem, its with my CS2. Got to try to unload it and reinstall it. So I am happy that I can use Xara and get it into the proper format to submit... as long as CS2 cooperates with me.

Now, I have a question. I didn't look but where do the Description and keywords go? On the eps? jpeg? both? Right now I am just trying it on Shutterstock.

LSD72..I like the Flying Mouse Stashes..lol.

madelaide · « **Reply #22 on:** January 31, 2010, 22:11 »

First first vector is my best seller (as raster) in DT. Made with a free version of Canvas I got from a magazine.

elvinstar · « **Reply #23 on:** February 01, 2010, 00:28 »

If you put the IPTC data in on the jpg, it reads fine on shutterstock. Not sure about the rest. Will be investigating upload procedures/requirements this week.

donding · « **Reply #24 on:** February 01, 2010, 09:04 »

Madelaide...I could see where that would be a good seller...do those of you that do both photography as well as vectors find the vectors sell much better?

madelaide · « **Reply #25 on:** February 01, 2010, 17:26 »

donding, my few illustrations are very simple like this, and I don't have a large portfolio for proper statistics, but some seem to sell much better than photos. Many of my best-sellers in FT in fact are illustrations.

donding · « **Reply #26 on:** February 01, 2010, 17:44 »

Quote from: madelaide on February 01, 2010, 17:26

donding, my few illustrations are very simple like this, and I don't have a large portfolio for proper statistics, but some seem to sell much better than photos. Many of my best-sellers in FT in fact are illustrations.

It just seems like everything is leaning towards vectors. I just got to get it through my head as simplicity. I was a realist oil painter for many years and I look at these vectors like a detailed drawing. I think I need to stop that and look at it as a simple illustration.

LSD72 · « **Reply #27 on:** February 01, 2010, 17:56 »

Ok... this is my actual 3rd Xara drawing. Think I am finding out the tools pretty fast.

Nice and simple... so I dont get... "Burned Out"

elvinstar · « **Reply #28 on:** February 01, 2010, 18:22 »

^^ I like it!

donding · « **Reply #29 on:** February 01, 2010, 18:26 »

That's a really cool vector LSD72. Is Xara very hard to use?

madelaide · « **Reply #30 on:** February 01, 2010, 18:33 »

Quote from: donding on February 01, 2010, 17:44

Quote from: madelaide on February 01, 2010, 17:26
donding, my few illustrations are very simple like this, and I don't have a large portfolio for proper statistics, but some seem to sell much better than photos. Many of my best-sellers in FT in fact are illustrations.
It just seems like everything is leaning towards vectors. I just got to get it through my head as simplicity. I was a realist oil painter for many years and I look at these vectors like a detailed drawing. I think I need to stop that and look at it as a simple illustration.

I don't sell mine as vectors (except for a couple in Crestock - I regret that), only rasters, but vectors seem very popular indeed.

LSD72 · « **Reply #31 on:** February 01, 2010, 18:53 »

Quote from: donding on February 01, 2010, 18:26

That's a really cool vector LSD72. Is Xara very hard to use?

Thanks

Not actually hard... but I used to do some T-Shirt Designs in CS2 back around 2004. So some head start...but not much since I forgot a bunch of it and the controls are in different places with different names. To me it is a simpler layout than AI.

I think I am going to breakdown and buy the Non Pro version when the trial runs out. It's only like $89 (Big Selling Point over AI). Since I still have my CS2 Disk I can export over and check the design...then put it into proper format for Stock.

epantha · « **Reply #32 on:** February 02, 2010, 19:44 »

Here's an owl feather I traced from one of my photos in Illustrator, first time I've tried using a photo as a template (the original photo is 2nd). Haven't done many illustrations even though I have a BA in this area. Was trying to get the photography up to snuff first.

donding · « **Reply #33 on:** February 02, 2010, 20:45 »

Quote from: epantha on February 02, 2010, 19:44

Here's an owl feather I traced from one of my photos in Illustrator, first time I've tried using a photo as a template (the original photo is 2nd). Haven't done many illustrations even though I have a BA in this area. Was trying to get the photography up to snuff first.

Thats what I want to do...I want to make vectors out of my photos. Thats a really good one you've got. I need to purchase Illistrator or some other software that will work as good. Inkscape is freeware and fairly easy to use but it crashes all the time and alot of the applications it has, have a mind of their own.

LSD72 · « **Reply #34 on:** February 03, 2010, 11:49 »

whooo hooo. Now I know the conversion process works correctly.

Flying Mouse Stashes are now branded

Trying to figure out what else to add to the lightbulb before submitting it.

donding · « **Reply #35 on:** February 03, 2010, 12:06 »

maybe put part of a face below it com-tinplating an idea?

elvinstar · « **Reply #36 on:** February 03, 2010, 13:19 »

The light bulb needs Mouse Staches!!!!

LSD72 · « **Reply #37 on:** February 03, 2010, 13:39 »

Flying or non-flying?

LSD72 · « **Reply #38 on:** February 04, 2010, 22:47 »

I am going to share one more to give ideas on practice. I picked an object in the house and just went for it. Might take you a while if you don't know what your controls can do... but this will teach you and force you to play and learn.

This particular one just made up my mind to go ahead and buy Xara Xtreme. I did not time it but best guess by what was on tv...under an hour. I am also just using a mouse.

Here is a link to it on my Flickr.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4331099923_9e4eeb081b_o.jpg

elvinstar · « **Reply #39 on:** February 05, 2010, 10:13 »

Great idea! Thanks for the tip.

LSD72 · « **Reply #40 on:** February 06, 2010, 14:17 »

This is kinda cool. The Country Girl got Todays Best on Zazzle. On the Main Zazzle Page.. it's the second item under "Todays Best"( Edie: I guess it moves around, not in the same spot now). I cleaned up the design a little and added the fence.

http://www.zazzle.com/country_girl_on_fence_card-137890815407569449

donding · « **Reply #41 on:** February 06, 2010, 14:29 »

Quote from: LSD72 on February 06, 2010, 14:17

This is kinda cool. The Country Girl got Todays Best on Zazzle. On the Main Zazzle Page.. it's the second item under "Todays Best"( Edie: I guess it moves around, not in the same spot now). I cleaned up the design a little and added the fence.

http://www.zazzle.com/country_girl_on_fence_card-137890815407569449

Congrats!!! I haven't tryed out my "new software" yet, but hopefully over the weekend I'll be able to. Have you tryed submiting it to any of the stock agencies yet??

LSD72 · « **Reply #42 on:** February 06, 2010, 14:34 »

Yea on SS only, the flying mouse stashes are approved and Country Girl and Lightbulb are waiting for review.

Don't forget.. if you use text (like I did in the Sunset)... you must convert the text to a shape before you save and submit.

donding · « **Reply #43 on:** February 08, 2010, 22:28 »

Here we go again..how's this one..a little less detailed than the last one of mine. Gotta figure out to save these things to,,

LSD72 · « **Reply #44 on:** February 08, 2010, 23:13 »

Auto Trace?

Now to look at it as a possible stock design...

I would probably remove all the white on your Silo. Make it Black. Parts that should be shown through... show that BG Yellow Color (Fishing Pole Eyes)

For this one... I am not digging the Stars and Moon? Sun? Maybe make that Sun a little bigger and remove that glow and the stars. Maybe feather the Sun just slightly. Leave room for "Room for your text" or something...copyspace.

This one could be a submitter for you.

Saving...might want to go for EPS10 unless you know it will work for EPS8...IE: No Gradients or Transparencies and such.

Look at this page and pay attention as to what should not be ticked on the "EPS Options" Screen.

http://sellinggraphics.com/24/how-to-prepare-vector-illustration-for-microstock-sale

donding · « **Reply #45 on:** February 08, 2010, 23:47 »

Yeah I think the sun and the stars don't quite go together....and yes it was an auto trace. That's the only thing I could figure out...lol

I see what you're talking about on the white....heh I got so excited I forgot to click.

I think I'll take out the sun and stars...that really doesn't look to good. You think I need to leave the background yellow or do you think it would look better just white?

donding · « **Reply #46 on:** February 08, 2010, 23:50 »

Can you tell the boy is fishing or is that lost in the Silo?

LSD72 · « **Reply #47 on:** February 09, 2010, 00:11 »

Leave it yellow and yes I can tell he was fishing.. or at least on a dock holding a Pole.

elvinstar · « **Reply #48 on:** February 09, 2010, 11:03 »

My first two vectors were rejected on iStock today...

donding · « **Reply #49 on:** February 09, 2010, 11:32 »

Quote from: elvinstar on February 09, 2010, 11:03

My first two vectors were rejected on iStock today...

What was their reason? I haven't tried yet.

donding · « **Reply #50 on:** February 09, 2010, 12:58 »

Another question...what size are these suppose to be? 400 x 400 eps? 4000 x 4000 jpg? What file size is minim and maximum.....example 135KB or like 1.5MB. I don't know if I'm starting the Art board at the right size or not.

elvinstar · « **Reply #51 on:** February 09, 2010, 13:42 »

Quote

We're sorry, but we found the overall composition of this file lacking visual impact and therefore not suitable as stock. With the rapid growth of the iStock collection, we give valuable consideration to each file but unfortunately cannot accept all submissions. Please don't take it personally. This isn't necessarily a reflection of your skill, rather a decision by iStock to determine commercial applications for your illustration as royalty-free stock.

The same reason for both.

elvinstar · « **Reply #52 on:** February 09, 2010, 13:46 »

Quote

I don't know if I'm starting the Art board at the right size or not.

It doesn't matter what size the art board is because you can scale the illustration up if you need to when you create the JPG.

To view requirements for all sites, please view this thread.

Also, size requirements for IS and SS can be found at the end of this very useful tutorial.

Susan S. · « **Reply #53 on:** February 09, 2010, 17:21 »

Quote from: elvinstar on February 09, 2010, 13:42

Quote
We're sorry, but we found the overall composition of this file lacking visual impact and therefore not suitable as stock. With the rapid growth of the iStock collection, we give valuable consideration to each file but unfortunately cannot accept all submissions. Please don't take it personally. This isn't necessarily a reflection of your skill, rather a decision by iStock to determine commercial applications for your illustration as royalty-free stock.

The same reason for both.

Istock seem to like to see strong drawing in their application files (although that sort of artistic image doesn't seem to sell terribly well once you start submitting!) All the examples on this thread are likely to be rejected by istock for applications. (and most are likely to get rejected for the collection once application is passed). They just aren't sophisticated enough. You need to think about consistency of line, style (so not mixing up gradients and flat shading in an unsubtle way) lighting (so that if you are shading the implied light source comes from a consistent direction, perspective (can be distorted for effect but must be handled consistently within any one drawing) and colour.

Once you are in it's easier to get the more commercial stock vectors accepted - although they seem to have got tougher on the not for stock rejections in the last year -and I haven't submitted much as I don't do commercial I just draw for pleasure and it doesn't sell. (although the few I do sell make lots of $$per sale as an exclusive)

tamasvargyasi · « **Reply #54 on:** February 09, 2010, 17:41 »

Right now I`m over the 3rd attempt to submit vectors to istock, but only one was accepted, all the others was:

"We\'re sorry but this artwork is not what we are currently looking for in terms of composition, color usage, use of line and shape, concept, detail and/or file complexity"

The thing that most surprised me is the accepted file, I just put in the list to have the 3 files that they require for submision.

I hope that for the 4th attempt I`ll be in.

elvinstar · « **Reply #55 on:** February 09, 2010, 17:51 »

Quote

Istock seem to like to see strong drawing in their application files

These weren't application files, just regular uploads.

Susan S. · « **Reply #56 on:** February 09, 2010, 17:55 »

Quote from: elvinstar on February 09, 2010, 17:51

Quote
Istock seem to like to see strong drawing in their application files

These weren't application files, just regular uploads.

Well if you have got through the vector application process, then a bit of experimentation should get files accepted. It's a fine line at istock - the simple stuff that sells on other sites (apparently) tends to get rejected as not stock, while the time consuming arty stuff is easily accepted but doesn't sell too well.

donding · « **Reply #57 on:** February 09, 2010, 18:03 »

Quote from: Susan S. on February 09, 2010, 17:55

Quote from: elvinstar on February 09, 2010, 17:51
Quote
Istock seem to like to see strong drawing in their application files

These weren't application files, just regular uploads.

Well if you have got through the vector application process, then a bit of experimentation should get files accepted. It's a fine line at istock - the simple stuff that sells on other sites (apparently) tends to get rejected as not stock, while the time consuming arty stuff is easily accepted but doesn't sell too well.

After what you said I think I'll stay away from iStock until I can get to a "professional" vector level...

It sounds like the ones they like are way above my level. I just submitted to a couple of agencies as jpg, not eps, so we'll see what happens.

elvinstar · « **Reply #58 on:** February 09, 2010, 23:24 »

Quote

After what you said I think I'll stay away from iStock

I think that with upload limits, that sounds like a fine long-term strategy from my vectors!

donding · « **Reply #59 on:** February 10, 2010, 14:07 »

I'm shocked!!! My silhouette of the boy fishing....of course with just a light yellow background, I did away with the sun and stars.....got excepted at SS and depositphotos....I am truly shocked. Still wanting on BigStock. I only uploaded the jpg's not EPS.

Now it's time to celebrate with the creation of the next masterpiece!!!!!! I know I don't need for it to go to my head but heh at least I can enjoy the moment!.

LSD72 · « **Reply #60 on:** February 10, 2010, 15:15 »

Congrats.

Now go for creating from scratch or do the practice like I mentioned before. Force yourself to learn the tools.

donding · « **Reply #61 on:** February 10, 2010, 15:18 »

Quote from: LSD72 on February 10, 2010, 15:15

Congrats. Now go for creating from scratch or do the practice like I mentioned before. Force yourself to learn the tools.

I'm slowly learning them...I working on a goofy looking man...or woman...riding a bike. We'll see how that goes. Oh and it is from scratch..

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