hello,
It's already about a year when i'm working as contributor in microstock sites. I'm mostly working with vector illutrations. Everything is going fine .. but i have one problem - i still didn't pass istockphoto vector exam. I've failed multiple times. Two my vectors were accepted, so i need one more vector to be accepted and i will become istockphoto contributor. But also i know that when my vector illustrations were rejected last time, i' ve had to wait 6 months to submitt new works. So if i'll fail again, i guess i'll have to wait one year till i'll get another chanse. This is very important to me, so could You please advice me  - which of my works has better chanses to pass exam? What other advices could You give?

Yeah, I would say none as well. If you are either in or waiting a year, I wouldn't risk it on these. I'd say make twenty or so illustrations and pick the best ones and come back for another critique. You really don't want to wait a year, so being safe is a good idea.

They are certainly looking for more personalized, stylized illustrations these days. The images posted, while technically skilled, have the style I like to refer to as "Clipart 2.0".

I agree with the rest.
These will get refused on the poor use of gradients rejections if for no other reason.

Hi Archibald.

I think the last one has a "strong" yet already used a lot stock subject. That would be the best out of the pick, but you may need to move it up a notch.

If it can help you, I just passed the application a few weeks ago, having a similar issue with the time they give you in between (was up to 1 month and didn't want to have to wait 3 months or so to get my application approved).

Here are the images that got me accepted, all three at the same time. I tried to use different themes which may have helped:
http://www.istockphoto.com/file_closeup.php?id=15760933
http://www.istockphoto.com/file_closeup.php?id=15760963
http://www.istockphoto.com/file_closeup.php?id=15767358

Let us know how it goes for you and show us the ones that were accepted, along with other ideas you might have, you'll get in!

hi Morphart,
thanks for advices
P.S. i liked Your illustrations. really beautiful

Thanks!

I like your Safe Illustration. Maybe make it look like a true steel lock, add a bit of 3d or perspective to it to make it stand out from the backgroud. Maybe a few highlights in the background also but I think it can devellop to a nice Illustration with a few tweaks. If it's good enough for iStock creativity-wise I am not well placed to say since I am a new contributor there.

Your best bet would be to ask for critique at iStock forums. Reviewers go there and they can give you the insight you need from the "inside" so you will stand a lot more chance with the reviewers opinion.

Well, i think i won't risk with this safe and other illustrations and i will try to create something new
By the way, i didn't know, that In istock forum their revievers are writing advices and comments. I thought there are discussions only among contributors. so writing post there is really good idea. Thanks

SOME are, but mostly there is always a highly experience forum moderator which would count for the same, so yes it might be a good idea posting in their photo critique or Illutration thread. I had quite a few good answers there. Good luck!