Someone posted on here last week that they're not accepting new artists right now.

I agree with Kona 110%. However, I think they are accepting some artists, it's just that they have some very specific criteria that not all artists meet.

About a month ago, I talked with Jamie, the owner of ClipartOf, about them accepting new artists. Jamie is very passionate about taking care of her artists and only works with serious artists with a proven track record. You can read more about ClipartOf�s philosophy here: http://www.clipartof.com/info/about.

Here are ClipartOf's requirements that Jaime gave me, for accepting new artists:
1. The artist must offer completely unique style and content from what we already have so we don�t dilute existing contributor sales. We do not frantically add contributors like other sites do because its unnecessary.
2. Must have at least 1,000 image available to us at time of signing. All files must be vector or high quality 3d renders.
3. Must be able to accept payments via paypal.

Jaime added, �The difference between us and other sites is that we have very limited spots and will not always continuously add.�

ClipartOf is not for all microstock and vector artists. I was lucky enough to get my portfolio accepted, and the results have been great. If you meet their requirements, I would recommend that you try and add your vector portfolio, just like Kona recommended. If not, or if they turn you down, don�t worry about it. I know that Jaime and her small staff are extremely busy, so they may not be able to answer each and every one one of your questions, or go into detail about why they turned you down. Don�t take that personally. Instead, work on improving your portfolio and finding ideas and concepts that designers need.

I have worked with Jamie and ClipartOf a lot, and I know one of her primary goals is to help her artists be profitable and successful. Her guidelines are put in place to make that possible.

~ Eli
www.graphicgravy.com

I know there's a lot of hype out there about the good and bads about various sites. I was sad to see some of the more recent news in these forums.

ClipArtof.com is extremely unique. If you can get in, definitely do it. They are extremely independent in terms of the way they operate. I'm not getting any sort of referrals from this post either. I'm actually more thankful at just how much they've watched out for my own work and most of my success (edit, stability/success relative to microstock) really is a result of their site.

Even if your portfolio stagnates for a while, don't worry. I do feel they are a wonderful catch-net from the rest of this business which often seems to be in a lot of unrest. There are other benefits of being involved with ClipArtOf.com, but I won't elaborate too much. If you can get in, do it!

I really like their choice to remain small and focused on a small few of artists. Instead of being a big rock in the landslide of microstock, they are a small little gem sitting up on a distant hillside . Ok, poetics aren't my strong point, but you get the point.

I appreciate all of the kind words so much. You have no idea!

As for contributors, yes we are adding contributors, but very selectively as mentioned above.

For anyone interested, you can read our terms and fill out an application from here:
http://www.clipartof.com/artist-application

I will personally respond to each request with any questions or comments. It is never my intention to hurt anyone's feelings but I really am looking for a select few artists that can supply images in their own unique niche, so if you have a portfolio similar to what we've already got, I'm sorry I will have to turn you down and wish you the best out there.

Jamie Voetsch
Owner
http://www.clipartof.com/

Interesting policy, referring possible superstars to your rivals!

indeed, was thinking about that too, very interesting, wonder why SS or other haven't stopped?

that all sound awesome chromaco BUT for the ones contributing AND in terms of business I wonder how smart it is to reject very good illustrators (know a few myself that started back in 2009/10 and sadly aren't contributing there) and drive them to other sites (the ones you just said that are growing), which in my view doesn't make any sense, pretty much they are losing market in long "race", now you are doing fine and over SS but I don't think it will happen in the future

Quote from: luissantos84 on April 20, 2013, 01:17

Quote from: ShadySue on April 20, 2013, 01:14

Interesting policy, referring possible superstars to your rivals!

indeed, was thinking about that too, very interesting, wonder why SS or other haven't stopped?

Maybe they should be? 50% commission on an average $14 sale with very good volume and no subs. You set your own prices. Ftp upload, they do the keywording and the site is easy to use and never goes down. Contributor service is amazing and I imagine customer service is as well. It's no wonder there are never any threads about this site.  There is nothing to complain about...ever.
It's interesting they choose toonvectors and symbio to refer to. Toonvectors is almost exactly the same minus the keywording and the volume, but it is coming. Just a guess but if illustrators had their own poll I would bet that clipartof would be above SS by a decent margin and toon vectors would be above all of the low earners and some of the mid.

These are the models for what microstock should be and all of us contributors would be much better off if all of the site were like clipart of and toonvectors.

Didn't work for warmpics did it. Perhaps vectors are different then all the sites for photo.

Quote from: ShadySue on April 20, 2013, 01:14

Interesting policy, referring possible superstars to your rivals!

Rivals? 

Oh, are they all divisions of the same company?
That would explain it!

This all reminds me to start uploading to Toonvectors. I was accepted a few months ago. 

Much of symbiostock strategy was inspired by the generous nature and method of clipartof.com. credit links on sy sites lead back to them and Msg to show gratitude for their contributions. Kenny for instance made his contributors their own themed sites and linked to them from main site.

I agree!

I think MSG + clipartof made valuable contributions as well..