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Hi all I am interested in learning illustrations and vector art.
Any advice on how to get started?

Spend 4 years at art school.
Unless you are exceptionally talented you will get nowhere otherwise (see all the 2nd rate vector artists clogging up all the sites and getting next to no sales)

Late to this thread. But I don't understand where this response comes from. In the UK there are thousands of designers who went through Art School for four years and have never found employment (I happen to sit about fifty feet away from one and all he does is chase invoice payment) - so this does not entirely equate.  Also, some of the top designers in the UK have no formal "art" education yet somehow manage to make a serious wedge of money. If someone has ambition and focus, I say go for it.


Yes there is a lot of crap - yet crap sells surprisingly well....and art school graduates are buying it.

You'll see I'm a newbie. Before I decided RF was an opportunity I spent hours trawling the microstock sites - and one of the first things you notice is all the isolated/white background stuff. My reaction was "oooh I could do that." Then you start to realise how many times it's been done in a gazillion different ways. Apples,phones,pencils even hula dancers.

So, whilst I haven't written studio objects off (I also have a notebook full of thumbnail sketches), I have decided to build my stock from the outside world. It's worked for me in RM and fine art (to a small degree - but steadily improving) and it seems to work very well in Micro if you get it right.

I suppose my message is not to get hooked on one thing this late in the game. A lot of it has been sewn up this past seven years and for me versatility and originality is the way to break through.

Brainstorm ideas until you have to go and lie down to recover.

Good luck.

I just wanted to add that despite my bitter and frustrated response on here (and laughing at the clip), I try to always be polite to potential clients. Even if their offer is totally ridiculous or they try to insult me. I just think it is not professional and a complete waste of time to argue with potential clients. I just try to answer all their questions in a cordial way, even if I don't think I'm going to end up doing the job. Hey, you never know, so you might as well be nice.

Agreed. I was polite, gave them my price and a commercial reason for doing so,wished them luck in their endeavours. If they come back it's because they see value in my work and are not in the business of accumulating a free database of images.

Liked the dude clip. And in reply to another post - yes dude I am a novice, ergo (it's in the dictionary) I seek and generally recieve professional advice in this forum - and I'm very grateful for it. Sweet.

Yep - I really should learn from my recent experience with a brief (lawyer). He had a clock and a calculator within easy reach and he used them all the time, every time.

 

A New York based web magazine has asked me to contribute some of my work to their website and "possible" publication in a hard copy magazine they expect to launch around November. I'm chuffed at the invitation and to me it presents an opportunity for some free marketing. The quality of photography on their site is generally high and they seem to be genuine.

However, I'm in two minds about giving away images. They are a start-up so I'm guessing cash is going into the launch. They say they plan to start paying contributors if the magazine picks up additional sponsorship.

Has anyone come across this in the business? Am I missing an opportunity if I pass on this.

Kind Regards.

As a newbie and when I was first enquiring, I would like to have been given the harsh facts as well as the positives. A lot of the bloggers put a rosy glow on the business along the lines of "I shot this in my kitchen with a reflector made from tin foil and a standard desk lamp" - I suppose it ramps up their visit counter and encourages more sponsorship for them.

Some of the big boys and girls are more upfront about the hard work, adaptability, skill levels and self learning required. But it took me some digging to find out the drop-out rate (more than 75% I reckon) or to get any idea of the numbers of people who take months if not years to reach their first payout.

Its only due to the generosity and kindness of some members of this site that I have any idea if this is a viable business. I still believe it is but now have a more balanced view of what it takes to earn some lolly. So the harsh facts if you please - in a kind way.

True story: when Michael Caine was a delivery driver he dropped off some boxes at EMI Film Studios, took a look at all the flash cars outside and when he recognised a minor actor, grabbed him by the arm and said. "How do you get into this bleeding acting lark then?.


Cheers

Thanks David.

Regarding Madelaide's original post. It's a very forward-thinking suggestion - "freebies" are a proven business model. I base that on a working life spent selling everything from Computers to people (as a recruitment consultant - not a pimp).

There is a cost outlay but anything that links back to your product/service is a good thing in my book. I once read an article by a UK photographer who generated a lot of interest in his Fine Art photography by donating free images to small businesses;cafes,garages,doctor's surgeries etc across several counties.

It's not sustainable as a full-time practice but does uplift sales and with hard work and luck you can use that spike in activity as a springboard.

Cheers,Ed

Phil - your time and effort is much appreciated. Very useful and very kind of you. I need to buy Ninja I reckon.

Magnum - I will try and upload a 100% crop tomorrow - it's past midnight here and I'm knackered.

Michaelo - I appreciate your honest opinion.

Perseu - Again, thanks for your advice, I had a feeling the wall behind the vines would give me a problem. I tried to move the leaves to cover it up but no go, didn't have any gaffer tape in my bag - your solution is much appreciated.

"He who dares wins"

Thanks, Ed

I'm in London and we get royally shafted on price for Cameras and accessories compared to the US and Canada -  so I'm not going to get the same bargain on these sets. I'll definitely have a look at these though. Much obliged for the advice.

Unfortunately this isn't just about whether you might be a terrorist or not. There is a level of paranoia in the UK (mostly generated by the press) about the taking of any pictures that contain children in public places, no matter how innocent your intentions.

Photos have appeared on websites frequented by the deviants of our society and naturally the authorities are on the lookout for this activity.

Best to produce your ID or ask for permission to make photographs. It's sad but is not likely to go away tomorrow so we have to adapt.

Etien. Your advice is much appreciated. I am a beginner as far as digital is concerned