Author Topic: Photos or Vectors - Which makes better money? (Read 3037 times)

stockyme · « **on:** July 20, 2015, 12:40 »

Hi All,
I've recently started uploading stock photos & working to upload on regular bases. I just want your opinion about what works best, I see vector file is being sold in 6 credits but photos starts from 1 credit only. What do you think will make us good money photo or vectors?

Thanks!

Sean Locke Photography · « **Reply #1 on:** July 20, 2015, 12:48 »

Depends on what site, your skill, your ideas, etc., etc., .

ShadySue · « **Reply #2 on:** July 20, 2015, 13:00 »

Sean's right.
How long is a piece of string?

Rose Tinted Glasses · « **Reply #3 on:** July 20, 2015, 13:15 »

Quote from: ShadySue on July 20, 2015, 13:00

How long is a piece of string?

Twice the distance from the center.

noodle · « **Reply #4 on:** July 20, 2015, 13:26 »

Quote from: Rose Tinted Glasses on July 20, 2015, 13:15

Quote from: ShadySue on July 20, 2015, 13:00
How long is a piece of string?

Twice the distance from the center.

Brilliant

PixelBytes · « **Reply #5 on:** July 20, 2015, 13:51 »

I'm gonna actually answer your question. Vectors. When I look at the ports of top vector artists vs. Top photogs, usually it takes half or even way less vectors to make the same as it does with photos. Also, there is way less competition. Everyone with a camera thinks they can be a great photographer. Most people can't draw well enough to be successful as a vector artist, and the difference is they know it.

ShadySue · « **Reply #6 on:** July 20, 2015, 14:04 »

Certainly a vector artist has less expenses. Both togs and vectorians need computers and programs, and have devoted time and perhaps money honing their skills, but photographers also need cameras and lenses as a minimum, and in many cases lights, models and props, or travel expenses.

Shelma1 · « **Reply #7 on:** July 20, 2015, 14:23 »

All true. But vectors take longer to create, so you can't upload as many. I can take 100 Or even 1000 photos in a day (not that they'd all be worth uploading, of course), but five vectors is pushing it. And it's the same challenge as photography...finding a niche and creating quality images that are useful to buyers. Plus you really have to learn Illustrator and understand what the micros are looking for (closed shapes, expanded lines and text, etc. etc.) There are many Illustrator techniques that cannot be used for microstock.

Noedelhap · « **Reply #8 on:** July 21, 2015, 04:27 »

I think vectors give slightly higher RPD's, there's less competition and they're cheaper to make. It takes more time to make them but require less equipment.

On the other hand, I think there's more demand for photos.

Hongover · « **Reply #9 on:** July 21, 2015, 14:50 »

There's more competition with photographs, but they also have a higher chance of getting extended licenses.

It doesn't matter if you want do submit photographs or vectors, you still have to be really good at it. At the end of the day, it's really dependent on your style and skillset.