Author Topic: What does it take to make a living from selling stock (Read 21043 times)

Donvanstaden · « **Reply #50 on:** May 27, 2013, 09:20 »

Quote from: Microbius on May 27, 2013, 05:05

Rob Davies did some interesting analysis of the industry, track down the videos on YouTube. I operate mainly in the tail so a lot of this thread doesn't apply to my business model. I tend to illustrate mainly niche concepts (with a few bigger sellers in there). I find my sort of illustrations get used more editorially; say in place of a photo to illustrate a concept than as general design elements. They have a longer shelf life, with a smaller RPI/month. They also lead to more commission work.

It also means I fly under the radar; most of my more niche conceptual images don't sell enough to get imitated, but enough to pay me back for time invested.

Thanks, I will check out the videos... How do you know how your illustrations are being used?

Microbius · « **Reply #51 on:** May 27, 2013, 10:01 »

One way is to just do a google search for your name. I come up with lots of annual reports, blog articles and the like for mine. I also just know my market and the type of stuff I create.

ETA try "copyright YOUR NAME" that's usually a good one for coming up with some examples of your work in use.

panicAttack · « **Reply #52 on:** May 27, 2013, 10:29 »

easier way is to open google image search in one tab, your portfolio (shutterstock, istock, or any other...) in other tab, then and drag and drop specific image from your portfolio in the box that will create after you drag it over google image search tab.

sorry for my English, but i believe you understood.

JPSDK · « **Reply #53 on:** May 27, 2013, 17:52 »

What does it take to make a living from selling stock?

....Knowledge about the global demand for licenced pictures
....Knowledge of how images are integrated in publications
....Knowledge of how keywords and concepts can be visualized in photos
....Knowledge about legal aspects considering licencing images
....Some equipment
....Technical skills
....Photoshop litteracy
....Access to trendy environments
....GF or wife, children and pets are nice, trendy and pretty.
....Stamina
....Style
....Branding
....Innovation
....Common sence
....Financial sence
....Business qualifications

many think it is about gear. That is a huge mistake.

tab62 · « **Reply #54 on:** May 27, 2013, 17:56 »

the above is good but add in just plain and simple 'Luck' as well...

CarolinaSmith · « **Reply #55 on:** May 27, 2013, 18:04 »

Thank you, Microbius, for the suggested way to find our work on the web...

ShadySue · « **Reply #56 on:** May 27, 2013, 20:24 »

Quote from: tab62 on May 27, 2013, 17:56

the above is good but add in just plain and simple 'Luck' as well...

Apparently and officially so:
http://www.istockphoto.com/forum_messages.php?threadid=353233&messageid=6893191

Poncke v2 · « **Reply #57 on:** May 28, 2013, 03:54 »

Quote from: ShadySue on May 27, 2013, 20:24

Quote from: tab62 on May 27, 2013, 17:56
the above is good but add in just plain and simple 'Luck' as well...

Apparently and officially so:
http://www.istockphoto.com/forum_messages.php?threadid=353233&messageid=6893191

I uploaded 20 people images to IS a month ago, and got one sale for 19 cent from that new batch. It took me about 2 hours to get them through the uploading system using deep meta. I can see why people are packing up.

ShadySue · « **Reply #58 on:** May 28, 2013, 04:06 »

Quote from: Poncke v2 on May 28, 2013, 03:54

Quote from: ShadySue on May 27, 2013, 20:24
Quote from: tab62 on May 27, 2013, 17:56
the above is good but add in just plain and simple 'Luck' as well...

Apparently and officially so:
http://www.istockphoto.com/forum_messages.php?threadid=353233&messageid=6893191
I uploaded 20 people images to IS a month ago, and got one sale for 19 cent from that new batch. It took me about 2 hours to get them through the uploading system using deep meta. I can see why people are packing up.

New stuff is getting papped pretty quickly. Look at even BD ports by age and most have very few dls on their most recent page, if they've been uploading regularly, which some haven't been.

JPSDK · « **Reply #59 on:** May 28, 2013, 05:16 »

I tried to upload a file the other day to see if they had changed the upload system. They hadnt, so the 999 makes no sence.
I deleted the file, of course.

MicrostockGroup Sponsors

Author Topic: What does it take to make a living from selling stock (Read 21043 times)

Donvanstaden

Microbius

panicAttack

JPSDK

tab62

CarolinaSmith

ShadySue

Poncke v2

ShadySue

JPSDK

Related Topics

Sponsors

Microstock Poll Results

Sponsors