You can still use that function for free, scroll down to "Browse top sites - or search for a site".

The criteria between reviews will always differ from one inspector to another. On this case, I would try to improve the hands on the ballerina just a bit. That low level of detail might have worked for the chef, but on the ballerina their relevance to the illustration is bigger. You can always check this by comparing them to other body features. They should be more a bit more detailed (and maybe a bit more delicate?). Hope they sell, good luck!

Lee, is it possible to check the status on my portfolio? I still have no approved nor rejected illustrations.
Should I re-upload them as PNG? Thanks!

There are some usually overlooked benefits in going independent, besides the potential increase on earnings:
1- Different sites attract different clients (in different countries also!), and one of them might be more adequate for your portfolio.
2- Extra exposure: increases the odds of getting custom jobs for specific clients.
3- Deeper knowledge of the industry and how your images interact with it: I've learned a lot as my illustrations increased in views and sales in many sites, making it easier to spot some tiny niches

My guess is that exclusivity on microstock will eventually fade. With some extra work (not that much if you manage it properly) going independent might be the best way to revert or even the falling earnings.

Thank you for your answer, Lee... I'll probably wait before bothering you.
Just an observation, If I knew a bit more about how well (or which of) my files could work in canva, I would really consider editing most of the backgrounds out of my vectors, specially if it could make review easier and faster.

It's great to hear about positive experiences from contributors. But only makes me even more anxious waiting for my vectors to get ingested. Is there any time frame on that matter? Thanks! 

I'm an illustrator, they invited me last year, offering a "one-time-special" 40% commission and I joined them. Started fine (not great, just another steady low earner), but recently they changed everything they promised. Cheap subs, commissions cut to half, forgetting-about-contributors, all the usual stuff.
Like cthoman said, I wouldn't bother much with them.

There is no RIGHT choice. Depending on your style and skill it could go micro, macro, both, or none.
It is difficult to advise when you don't provide images to even guess where you will fit as photographers.
Maybe try both ways for some months and then choose.

I was about to ask the same! Also, I can´t reset my password...

Same here! No clue about the reason, its unusual.

Vectors are probably more profitable, but it depends on the images (it would be great to see them). Also, if you are talking about profit, you should consider the time it takes to produce them, and which sites you are uploading. On some sites, uploading vectors is a real PITA or even not possible.

I was a happy exclusive until I noticed a big downward trend, and before it was too late, I dropped the crown.

After less than a year I'm happy with my decision even though I don't think I'm earning much more than I would have as an exclusive. But it makes a HUGE difference to be in an upward trend, at least until you reach your peak at the "new sites". And I learnt a lot about microstock following that path.

No.

Quote from: shudderstok on February 21, 2014, 00:30

that's why they 'experiment' LOL
enjoy making your 0.25 - 0.38 per download pros
welcome to the walmart of stock, you made it to the bottom, congratulations

Even if it was only 0.25-0.38, you are reaching almost a million customers. Quantity does count. While some might be able to make a great living excluding subscriptions, ignoring that huge market wouldn't be a wise choice, at least for me.

Canstock works ok for me, my 4th earner right below DP. But then again, I'm mostly about vectors.

Nice start! Great pictures chosen for the slideshow, guess you left copyspace to add text later, if not, you should do it. A small, direct message or call to action might work. Good luck!

I don´t know them. In these cases, although traffic its not the ultimate way to measure success, I check it out on Alexa. It ranks 970,467 worldwide, so it has way less users than all the small sites I´ve never sold anything, and ridiculously far from those which actually sold something. I wouldn´t upload, or at least, wouldn´t expect much.

Im in! www.upillustration.com

Just a big pile of nothing for me.

I also like GL, and luckily, I've sold a couple images on January, I was losing a bit of my faith in it.

So far, it´s been a solid month for me. Can´t compare it to last year, since it´s my first January as an independent, but clearly much better than the forgettable december.

It´s like lots of other already explored areas, it´s hard, but possible. If you are very talented, very determined or very patient, you have a better shot at it. If you would be taking photographs or illustrating all day anyway, it might be worth the try and also, sometimes microstock is a good training area.
But you have to be sure that you are also comfortable with the other half of the job: keywording, uploading, submitting and marketing your pictures. Keeping up-to-date information about it will be vital, because although microstock scenery won´t change as fast rights managed did, it is still an dynamic industry with small twists and changes every day.

Quote from: niserin on January 12, 2014, 12:43
I also find a bit unfair that Shutterstock employees have all the perks:

QuoteWe know that the trick to keeping awesome people happy is by creating a fun, comfortable environment. This includes competitive pay for top talent, full medical benefits, plus:

Stocked beverage fridges, free breakfasts & snacks
Lunchtime Yoga
Pizza & Massage Fridays
Happy hours and killer Summer & Holiday parties

I'd never complain about that, I'm actually happy about it. That's one of the best investments a company can do and wouldn't expect otherwise from the most successful agency out there.

Sean, always admired your dedicated and professional approach on the industry and the microstock community, and I still do. This might sound odd, but personally, I find your decision to give it a try on SS a bit reassuring. Somehow, if you are trying it, SS might not be such a bad place to do business. Good luck!

I´ve been down that same path. I dropped my crown on march, and still figuring it out. Even though I guess some months my income would have been higher if I stayed exclusive, there´s no way to actually know.
What I can say for sure: it is a great ride, I´ve learned more about microstock this year than the previous four, and money-wise, you´ll probably have to be patient. And if it doesn´t work, you can always come back crawling.
I´ve just read you are at 36c in shutterstock... go for it!