Frequently Asked Questions

Why sell at VectorStock™?

Almost everyone can take a stock photo?! But not everyone can create a vector illustration - VectorStock™ is a site dedicated to Vector graphics, designed for Vector Artists and designers. Users can quickly search our vector collection, avoiding the hassle of sifting through millions of photos in search of the vector graphic they need. We employ simple easy to use features to help you manage and edit your own images with our easy to use portfolio interface. Uploading has never been easier! Our site is custom designed for vector Artists – with vector specific features unique to VectorStock™. We use a simple and direct payment process via PayPal and MoneyBookers to make Artist payouts or convert some of your earnings into download credits and download files right away! Be part of the original Vector-Only stock site!

How do I become a VectorStock™ Artist?

Once signed up, you need to submit a jpeg preview of your vector designs for vetting by VectorStock™ inspectors. We then review your work to see if it is suitable for VectorStock™ - you will be emailed once your application sample has been checked. This can take up to 72 hours.

Uploading vectors correctly [IMPORTANT]

Firstly before you can upload, you will need to sign up. Just submit a jpeg of some of your work and if it is suitable for sale on VectorStock™ you will be granted upload access.

1. Keep it clean and organized! Messy vectors are not accepted —who wants to work with a tangled mess of Vectors ?! Keep designers coming back for more by taking those extra few moments to do the house keeping on that file.

2. Make sure your design falls within the confines of the artboard and always check outside the artboard area for any stray points or paths. You should also organize your illustration elements on layers for ease of editing.

Your vector file should have all filled paths closed for better compatibility. Your files should have all stray points and loose ends cleaned up. In Adobe Illustrator use Object > Path > Clean Up to remove these unwanted elements or use this Specialized selection tool > SelectMenu that allows you to search for open paths, stray points, text objects and many useful elements.

3. Convert your type to outlines. Creating outlines of your type converts each letter to its own vector shape. You cannot edit the type as a font once it is converted to outlines. In Adobe Illustrator select all the type objects. Type > create outlines.

4. Reduce your artwork size: Always resize your artwork to the artboard dimensions 380x400 will produce max size and perfect proportion images for the file preview. Always disable the preview generated by Illustrator: Saving the file with a rasterized preview will only increase the file size. When you save your file, choose “None” for the preview section under the EPS options dialog box. Remove unused symbols, graphic styles, brushes, and swatches this will drop your file size. Flatten transparencies at High Resolution NOTE: Only do this if you are NOT going to supply the native CS file in the upload. Object > Flatten Transparency. Make sure you DO NOT rasterize your artwork as it will no longer be a true vector, and will not be accepted.

5. Save your vector image/illustration/icon(s) as an .EPS VERSION 8 (Encapsulated Postscript) file. Your EPS file must be saved as an EPS VERSION 8. If you use transparency in Adobe CS, you may include the CS file and can indicate this when uploading.

Using Illustrator 10: Choose File > Save As… Choose “Illustrator EPS” from the drop down menu. Under compatibility, Choose “Version 8.0.”

Using Illustrator CS: Choose File > Export. Choose “Illustrator Legacy.” Save your work as an Illustrator 8 file.

Using Illustrator CS2: Choose File > Save As… At the top of the dialog box, choose “Illustrator 8 EPS” under “Version.

Using Illustrator CS2: Chose File > Save As... At the top of the dialog box, choose “Illustrator 8 EPS” under “Version.

6. Open the EPS file in Adobe Photoshop or the like and create a preview 380x400 pixels wide (this is the max size). Depending on your file orientation there maybe some blank space around the sides or bottom. Save your file as an RGB JPEG at full quality. The maximum preview size is 380x400 pixels, so if your illustration is almost square you will fill the maximum preview window.

6.1. (THIS FEATURE IS COMING SOON) You may also create a detail sample or close up section of your illustration at 380 x 400 pixels high. This is optional and is often used when a file contains lots of detail, which may not be visible from your main preview. This will give potential downloader’s a better indication of the detail your file may contain. This will be available as a pop up button next to you main preview.

7. Place your EPS into a folder and ZIP the folder. You may add other file types i.e. native illustrator CS files if you have used Adobe Illustrators Gradient Mesh features/transparency and want to make the file available in your original format so a buyer can edit your Gradient Mesh/ transparency once downloaded. NOTE: once a file is saved as EPS VERSION 8 Gradient Mesh and transparency features from new versions will be lost or flattened – Please check your file once saved back to EPS VERSION 8. You must indicate file features i.e. Gradient Mesh / CS file included in the file details page once uploaded. NOTE: Gradient Mesh can only be edited in Adobe Illustrator.

8. Key words must be accurate; key word spamming will result in the file being removed.
You may enter a maximum of 20 key words; this includes the title of the file. The more accurate the key words the more chance users will file your file and download it.

Approval times

Each vector upload and Artist application is checked individually by one of our graphic design gurus to make sure it meets the VectorStock™ guidelines. Every image goes through this process it can take a few days. The request is usually processed within the week. Once you are an approved Artist our graphic design gurus check all your images before going live, files my remain pending for up to 5-7 days before they are checked - but most of the time they are activated within 48 hours. If you are a new Artist and you have recently uploaded files, please be patient. Your image(s) are in the queue, and will be processed in turn. There’s no need to upload again, or send us an email. Our system will let you know if there is a problem with your upload. You can view your pending file in > My portfolio

Basic rules for uploads

1. Images must be vector only EPS files V8. (No bitmap images or effects)

2. You must own the full copyright to any content you upload. This means YOU MUST BE THE ARTIST that created the content.

3. All trademarks must be removed. Including brands and entities with copyright or trademarked elements. All signatures must be removed. Copyright is checked with each file.

4. Files must be labelled and named correctly. Files that are keyword spammed will be removed.

5. Images with clearly visible people require prior consent from the person before submission.

6. Your account profile must have your full, real first and last names, and valid paypal or moneybookers email address.

IMPORTANT: Anyone uploading vectors or parts of vectors they did not create will be banned for life, this also applies for users creating accounts with fake names or details.

 

Uploading

Uploading files is simple! Once an approved Artist you will have an upload button when logged in. Uploading is a 2 step process, first attach your RGB 380 wide X 400 high pix jpg preview, then attach your EPS file, it must be in a folder and zipped before you upload it. Hit upload - the file will begin transfering, once saved step 2 will load. If your EPS file is called Red Apple.ZIP the system will auto load the name Red Apple into the name and description field - if your preview file contains IPTC/XMP Metadata we will extract the Document Title, Description & Keywords, you can edit these as you wish once loaded. Make sure to add as many key words (30 max) + up to 2 categories for each file.

A fully automated FTP option is available for Artist with 100+ files to upload - EPS files are all we require for this option, please email robot@VectorStock.com for an account login.

Speed up key wording

Unfortunately EPS version 8 vector files do not support IPTC metadata – which is a shame as Vector EPS version 8 is the industry standard format for vector graphics as far as compatibility goes. There is a work around - Adding key words can be slow, but setting up your jpeg previews with IPTC / XMP metadata titles, key words and description is easy with applications like Adobe Bridge. You can quickly add base or custom key word sets to your jpeg previews. Once added uploading is fast, we extract the metadata and your titles, key words and description are done! Easy as that.

What type of images/illustration should I upload?

If you browse the current collection by most downloaded this will give you a good indication of what people are downloading. Here at VectorStock™ we love creativity, you will find unique images here. Our file inspectors understand modern artistic illustration and we strive to represent a wide variety of vector styles.

DON'T UPLOAD: Straight live traced photos & traces of images you do not own. Poorly traced objects. Un-converted fonts. Filled open paths. Files with objects outside the art board or files with your signature or Website references. Files with massive amounts of transparency or excessive bit-map illustrator effects. Path quality is essential.

DO UPLOAD: High quality traced silhouettes of images you own. Original icons, logos and symbols. Unique objects and design elements. High quality illustrated people, plants, buildings and everyday objects. Analogue, Grunge or urban style graphics, modern high tech designs. Corporate design elements. Fashion illustrations. Sports, Groups & Team silhouettes. Seamless pattern designs and wallpapers.

How much money can I make?

The starting payout on VectorStock™ is 25% for each file per download. 30% if supplying images for exclusivity. An Artist who has a download on 10 credit vector will earn $USD 2.50 (or $3.00 for an exclusive file) per download. Once you move up in status your rate will increse as below:

PAYOUT MATRIX:

NOTE: (for exclusive files add an extra 5%) i.e Platnium pay-out you earn 50% per download.

Rookie status

1 – 499 downloads 25% + 0% = 25%

Bronze status

500 - 2,499 downloads 25% + 5% = 30%

Silver status

2,500 - 9,999 downloads 25% +10% = 35%

Gold status

10,000 - 24,999 downloads 25% +15% = 40%

Platinum status

25,000 – 100,000 downloads 25% +20% = 45%

 

I got rejected, what now?

If your application gets rejected with the infamous "sorry, we’re not looking for images like this currently" reason, please check our top sellers to see what our customers are buying. Here at VectorStock™ we represent some of the worlds top designers and illustrators the quality standards are very high. We require only the best, most creative and totally innovative vector images. Please do not submit the same already rejected file again unless it has been requested for re-submission or rejected for technical reasons and the technical issues have been addressed. Trace quality is a mojor reason for rejection - kep it tight and detailed!

How is a vector priced?

Vectors are priced in 4 price brackets. Trace, path quality and subject matter may also affect the pricing of your work. 

1 CREDIT vectors (25 credits under Extended License)

Back & white Icon sets, ornaments and graphics, traced images or silhouettes/shapes, simple backgrounds or graphic design elements. Single or small groups of objects.

3 CREDIT vectors (50 credits under Extended License)

Multiple color Icon sets, ornaments and graphic sets, cartoons, complex silhouette groups, backgrounds or detailed design element sets or renders. Large groups of objects.

5 CREDIT vectors (75 credits under Extended License)

Multiple detailed Icon sets, ornaments and complex graphic sets. Highly detailed cartoons, illustrations, silhouettes, backgrounds or complex design element sets. Unique and creative compositions and subjects.

10 CREDIT vectors (100 credits under Extended License)

Original highly skilled and detailed illustrations, cartoons and graphics. Professional top quality graphics.

 

 

What subjects are copyright?

Illustrations of the below subjects are prohibited from being submitted as content. When an illustration is based on a copyright subject it may still be usable if the finished illustration far enough removed from the original source and that the source is no longer obvious in the final work. This is NOT the definitive list of copyright subjects there may be many more copyright subjects; this list is a guideline only.

Logos & Trademarks: Logos, trademarks, company names, product names, product branding or trademarked and patented designs

Product Designs: Most modern toys, many brand name watches, brand name computers and gaming consoles, mp3 players such as Apple’s Ipod™ etc, and other illustrations distinctly resembling known licenced products.

Transport: Some brands of transport and some major motor company vehicles designs or copyrighted.

Artwork: Paintings, sculptures, any object in a museum, any object in an art gallery, including public sculpture, some architecture, cartoon characters.

Documents: Modern maps, documents where names are mentioned, computer screens (interfaces and icons you did not create originally are copyrighted).

Copied Illustrations: Traced illustrations based on photography you are not the author of, fashion editorials or images that you do not own the original copyright for.

Government & Military Property: Agency insignia, military decorations, Presidential seals, some currency.

Trademarked Buildings, Monuments & Landmarks: The intellectual property laws of this category can sometimes be confusing. It is best to research the structure before uploading it. For instance, illustrations of the Eiffel Tower are legal for resale.

 

Artist (seller) membership & content license agreement

A. VectorStock™ is the owner and operator of a certain website accessible through the World Wide Web at the following ULR: http:/www.VectorStock™.com

B. Artist is the supplier of Content (see Content License Agreement [3]) of certain original works to be downloaded via VectorStock™ and made a part hereof (the “Content”).

C. Artist represents and warrants that the Content is to be used only as specified in the Content License Agreement and the exclusive copyright owner remains with the original Artist.

D. Artist grants a license, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

1. INTRODUCTION

Welcome to VectorStock™.com. The following contract spells out what you can expect from VectorStock™.com, and what we expect from you. We intend this to be the legal equivalent of your signature on a written contract, and equally binding. Only by clicking “I agree to the VectorStock™ terms, conditions & license agreement” will you be able to download or upload (if you have an upload account) VectorStock™.com. This agreement is in addition to the Terms of Use applicable to the Site and that all persons providing content to or downloading content from the Site have previously entered into.

2. ACCESS & SERVICES

Your access to the various services available on this site depends on your status as either a Member or Artist. You may change or discontinue your account at any time. We reserve the right to modify, suspend or terminate access to the service on our site at any time for any reason without notice or refund, including the right to require you to change your login identification code or password. We also reserve the right to delete all program and data files associated with your account and/or other information you have on our system.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and agreements set forth herein, the parties, each intending to be legally bound hereby, do promise and agree as follows:

3. GRANT OF LICENSE (Content License Agreement)

1.1 Artist hereby grants to VectorStock™ a non-exclusive, worldwide license to utilize the Content for sale and promotion on VectorStock™.com. Once Artwork is accepted as content the Content will be available for downloading, to be used ONLY as described in the Content License Agreement by the end user. VectorStock™ shall be permitted to make graphical depictions of the Art, in suitable graphics file format for placement on the Website. Such graphical depictions may be displayed on VectorStock™.com to help promote the Artist work for sale.

1.2 VectorStock™ shall not be permitted to modify the Content except for conversion of the Content into graphic format suitable for inclusion on the VectorStock™.com.

4. PAYOUTS TO ARTIST

4.1 VectorStock™ agrees to payout an allocation of the fees collected from each file downloaded by the end-user in accordance with the payment schedule set forth in 4.2. All parties acknowledge that the payment schedule is subject to change from time to time. If at any time the payment schedule is not acceptable to the supplier, you may refrain from providing additional content or terminate this agreement in accordance with its terms.

4.2 The artist will receive an allocation of 25% (30% if the file is exclusive to VectorStock™) of the fees collected from the download price multiplied by the frequency downloads at the time of a payout request. I.e. – An exclusive file downloaded 200 times at 1 credit per download = $USD 60.00 fees owing to the Artist. Artist revenue payouts shall be processed within 14 days of a payment request. Payments are processed via a secure PayPal server. You must have a Paypal account to be able receive your payout. Records of all downloads will be displayed in Artist home page.

4.3 Fees collected must add to a minimum of US$100 before a payout request can be made. Fees owing will be retained until they exceed this level. In all cases, payout of fees to the Artist will be net of: (i) applicable relevant taxes or other withholdings required by applicable tax law; (ii) legal and other reasonable fees incurred in enforcing this or any other VectorStock™ agreement on this site.

5 TERM AND TERMINATION

5.1 The term of this license shall be perpetual, unless terminated pursuant to the terms hereof.

5.2 This Agreement is effective until it is terminated. You can terminate this Agreement by removing the content from VectorStock™.com. The Agreement also terminates without notice from VectorStock™™ if at any time you fail to comply with any of its terms.

5.3 VectorStock™ shall have the right to terminate this Agreement, with or without cause, upon giving five (5) days advanced notice to the Artist via email.

5.4 Upon any termination hereof, all rights licensed to VectorStock™ as provided herein shall terminate and VectorStock™ shall remove all Content from display on the Website and destroy all graphical depictions of the Art.

6. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

Artist makes the following representations and warranties to VectorStock™:

6.1 Artist is the sole and exclusive owner of the Content and the Content is not subject to any claims by any other party.

6.2 Artist has the full right, power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to grant the license to VectorStock™ as set forth herein.

6.3 Artist is the owner of the copyright in and to the Content and to the best of the Artists knowledge and belief, the Content does not infringe upon the copyrights or other proprietary rights of any other party.

7. PROPRIETARY RIGHTS

7.1 VectorStock™ acknowledges and agrees that the Artist maintains all exclusive rights in and to all proprietary rights relative to the Art, including but not limited to the copyright and all moral rights and other rights that may exist under any state or federal law, subject only to the right of VectorStock™ to use the Content within the scope of this Agreement.

7.2 Artist agrees to indemnify, hold harmless and defend VectorStock™ and any of its employees, directors and shareholders from and against any and all claims that the Content infringes upon the proprietary rights of any other party.

8. CONTENT

VectorStock™ from time to time cannot and may not review all communications or Content uploaded to the site and is not responsible for the content of such communications or content. Notwithstanding the foregoing, VectorStock™ reserves the right to delete, move or edit any communication or content that it may determine, in its sole discretion, violates or may violate this Member License Agreement or is otherwise unacceptable. You shall remain solely responsible for all communications made or content uploaded under your member name. VectorStock™ shall have the right but not the obligation to correct any errors or omissions in any Art, as it may determine in its sole discretion. You acknowledge that any screening of Content undertaken by VectorStock™ to determine accepted Content for sale is done as a courtesy only.

If you believe that your original work has been copied in a way that constitutes copyright infringement, or your intellectual property rights have been otherwise violated, please provide VectorStock™ with the file details and you information for investigation.

VectorStock™ acts as an exchange/agency of content between those who provide content to the site and those who wish to use such content. VectorStock™™ grants no rights and makes no warranties regarding the use of names, people, trademarks, patented or copyrighted designs or works of Content or architecture or other forms of intellectual property represented in any content. While we have made reasonable efforts to correctly categorize and keyword the content, we do not warrant the accuracy of such information.

9. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

9.1 All notice herein shall be sent via email, to the parties at their respective mail addresses as set forth on the Artists Membership page. Either party may change its address for purposes of this Agreement by giving notice to the other party as set forth herein.

9.2 This Agreement shall be governed by and any dispute or interpretation hereof shall be under the laws of New Zealand. The parties agree that any legal action relative hereto shall be brought in the courts in New Zealand and each of the parties consent to jurisdiction of such courts.

9.3 This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors, assigns, executors, estates, and administrators. VectorStock™ may not assign this license.

9.4 The waiver of an instance of breach or default by either party shall not act as a modification of this Agreement nor shall it foreclose such party from claiming subsequent breaches or default based upon the same or different set of circumstances.

9.5 This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties relative to the subject matter hereof and supersedes and replaces all prior agreements and understandings between the parties.

9.6 This Agreement may only be modified by agreement from time to time. The Artist will be notified via email on doing so.

On confirmation of Membership via email at VectorStock™.com the parties have fully executed this Agreement on the date of sign up, with full knowledge of its content and significance and intending to be legally bound by the terms hereof. NOTE: VectorStock will from time to time send you emails regarding major site upgrades and important site related issues that affect your directly (this is NOT a regular email newsletter) - you can choose not to receive these emails by clicking the unsubscribe link in the message

 

What is VectorStock™?

VectorStock™ is a specialized stock agency – specifically developed to represent the best Vector only images, graphics, icons & illustrations all available for download royalty-free at amazingly low prices. Files are available as zipped EPS archives, once unzipped you will ned vector editing software like Adobe Illustrator. We aim to have the best Vectors for the best price. We ONLY represent Vector files, no bitmap images (i.e. Digital Photography) Top graphic designers and illustrators from around the world contribute to our constantly growing library of Vectors.

Recognition

VectorStock™ recognition and acknowledgments:

James Cooper @ Cosine.co.nz - Web developement director
Rowan Flack @ Adhesion.co.nz - Interface / Analytics
Dave @ sparksinteractive.co.nz - CSS globalization
Mark James @ famfamfam.com - Semiotics
Stephen Green - Mandate / Creative