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Illustrators Corner - Microstock Illustrators Forum => Illustration - General => Topic started by: OSweetNature on October 26, 2015, 17:13

Title: Finding it most difficult to figure out what will sell
Post by: OSweetNature on October 26, 2015, 17:13
I'm rather new to selling vector stock but have about 20 pieces in my portfolio as I try to feel my way into the business.

I'm trying to figure out what types of things will sell and what is just a waste to spend time on.

I sell a few things but just pennies now because I have so few images. The good images I create take time to make so it is a slow process building my portfolio. I want to be unique and find the small niches. I look through the vector sites and what is "popular" but I don't want to copy things, either.

My wish list is to figure out what will actually sell well. So my question is what do successful vector artists do to find out the trends and know what is useful to create? How did you get started in figuring out what sells?
Title: Re: Insight into rejected image
Post by: marthamarks on October 26, 2015, 23:48
I'm rather new to selling vector stock but have about 20 pieces in my portfolio as I try to feel my way into the business. This vector was rejected by iStockPhoto, but I'm not sure why. The reason given was:   
"We're sorry, but we found the overall composition of this file lacking visual impact and therefore not suitable as stock. 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."

You need to attach your image, or a link to it, so people here can see it.
Title: Re: Finding it most difficult to figure out what will sell
Post by: dacascas on November 01, 2015, 13:12
I'm rather new to selling vector stock but have about 20 pieces in my portfolio as I try to feel my way into the business.

I'm trying to figure out what types of things will sell and what is just a waste to spend time on.

I sell a few things but just pennies now because I have so few images. The good images I create take time to make so it is a slow process building my portfolio. I want to be unique and find the small niches. I look through the vector sites and what is "popular" but I don't want to copy things, either.

My wish list is to figure out what will actually sell well. So my question is what do successful vector artists do to find out the trends and know what is useful to create? How did you get started in figuring out what sells?

You should find your own way. Work hard and try a lot of things. And your time will come
Title: Re: Finding it most difficult to figure out what will sell
Post by: banna on November 01, 2015, 13:54
just sort for most downloaded?
Title: Re: Finding it most difficult to figure out what will sell
Post by: Hongover on November 01, 2015, 14:05
Most good images that sells well take time to create. If you're looking for a shortcut; there isn't any.
Title: Re: Finding it most difficult to figure out what will sell
Post by: Hongover on November 01, 2015, 16:56
I'm rather new to selling vector stock but have about 20 pieces in my portfolio as I try to feel my way into the business.

I'm trying to figure out what types of things will sell and what is just a waste to spend time on.

I sell a few things but just pennies now because I have so few images. The good images I create take time to make so it is a slow process building my portfolio. I want to be unique and find the small niches. I look through the vector sites and what is "popular" but I don't want to copy things, either.

My wish list is to figure out what will actually sell well. So my question is what do successful vector artists do to find out the trends and know what is useful to create? How did you get started in figuring out what sells?

You shouldn't ask what will sell. You should ask what you would buy if you were in different industries. Would you buy your own vectors for a project when you compared them to the similar vectors in a specifice category? I ask myself that question all the time.

Regardless of what type of contributor you are...you have to be really good at it to be successful. Everyone has their own strengths, and it's not one size fits all. Even if you know what everyone's bestsellers are...you still have to create something better to climb the ranks. You already know what industries are out there...business, technology, medical, retail, food, beauty, etc. They have their own category for a reason and it's up to you to figure out the rest.