Hey MSG Illustrators,

Recently, I found myself wondering: does preparing your file in EPS8 or EPS10 have an impact on sales? Are buyers naturally inclined to EPS8 files?

The reason why I'm asking this is because I'm seeing a trend where EPS8 files have more downloads - both in my portfolio and on the top lists of iS (I'm an exclusive there.) Of course, subject matter could also play a part here, so I might be seeing something that's not there.

I've been personally moving in the direction of doing more EPS10 than EPS8 files, even when the main elements of the illustration don't require EPS10 effects. Rather, I use EPS10 effects to spruce up the backgrounds in hopes that they'll look more attractive on the preview image. I'm beginning to wonder, though, if it's backfiring, and that there are actually a large chunk of buyers who avoid EPS10 files like the plague.

What are your experiences?

How do buyers know the difference?

Quote from: cthoman on April 15, 2013, 15:08
How do buyers know the difference?

Isn't it a requirement (at least on iS) to place a note on whether or not a file is EPS 8 or EPS 10? I read it in one of the older threads.

Even if it isn't so, it seems like a courtesy thing that many illustrators rightfully practice.

Ever since I upgraded to CS6, I have had trouble getting SS to properly recognize any files saved as EPS 8.

If I upload as EPS 10 it seems to work just fine.

Most of my files are saved as EPS 10 and I don't do anything to label them differently.

Quote from: daveh900 on April 15, 2013, 15:24
Ever since I upgraded to CS6, I have had trouble getting SS to properly recognize any files saved as EPS 8.

If I upload as EPS 10 it seems to work just fine.

Most of my files are saved as EPS 10 and I don't do anything to label them differently.

Ah, I see. Thanks for this. I do recall that Shutterstock doesn't have a description field, so it's not easily indicated unless the contributor places a label within an artwork itself. I suppose buyers don't really bother about formats, or at least the ones on Shutterstock don't!

Quote from: davidgoh on April 15, 2013, 15:21
Isn't it a requirement (at least on iS) to place a note on whether or not a file is EPS 8 or EPS 10? I read it in one of the older threads.

This is the first I'm hearing of it, so they never told me.  I don't think there is anything wrong with labeling the files. I'm sure some buyer somewhere would find it useful. If you are tagging your files for all the agencies, then I would think some of them (DT especially) would not want that info in the description (since they sell raster formats too).

I am also in transition from eps8 to eps10. And I really really hope, that this will have positive impact on sales.

I believe, that on Shutterstock is needed "eps10" keyword.
Also, I am using this as caption:
"(name of illustration) - eps10 vector illustration."
this is imported on Shutterstock as description/title/caption.

But I am looking for some modification like:
"(name of illustration) - available in eps10 vector file."
To be more precise for sites offering both raster and vector versions.

For raster only sites (like Scanstockphoto), I use ExifTool to batch modify metadata and remove information
about vector format.

It is possible to automatically detect the difference between EPS 8 and EPS 10 files and flag the illustrations up appropriately. Don't really understand why the larger agencies would ask you to add the version number to your keywords, description or check another pesky box.

NO, 

One of the greatest improvement in EPS10 over EPS8 is IPTC Metadata! This one little feature of EPS10 makes big difference in process of keywording and  contribution.