For graphic designers who are looking for some variety rather than just client work, stock photography sites can provide an opportunity. In this post we’ll take a look at some of the leading stock photo sites that also sell illustrations from graphic artists. There are even a few sites on the list that specializes in graphic art rather than stock photography.
iStockphoto
iStockphoto is probably the largest and most popular place to buy images and photos online. As a seller you can create an account and apply to be a contributor. Once you’re approved you’ll be able to upload your work and earn a base commission of 20% on anything sold, and exclusive providers earn up to 40%. iStockphoto offers buyers the option to pay for files individually or to become a subscriber, so there is a little bit more to the commission structure of the sellers than just a simple percentage. For more details, see their page with details on the program.
Vector Stock
Vector Stock is a good option for graphic designers because the focus of the site is vectors, not photos. To sell your work you can sign up for an account. Once you’re logged in you’ll have the option to request contributor status. If you visit their FAQ you’ll find some more information on selling your work. The payout is 25%, or 30% if you supply images for Vector Stock exclusively. You can potentially earn up to 50% with their accelerated payment structure for artists who have had a high number of downloads.
Graphic Leftovers
Graphic Leftovers is a new site with the purpose of allowing designers the opportunity to sell their unused work. If you are used to doing client work, the stuff that the client doesn’t want can be sold at Graphic Leftovers. They have icons, illustrations, and even some website templates for sale. Regardless of how much you sell, you’ll earn 52% commission. You can get more details about selling your work at Graphic Leftovers.
Stockxpert
Stockxpert is similar to iStockphoto in terms of the photos and images that are available, although the selection is a bit less than iStockphoto. At Stockxpert you can earn 50% commission and you can view your stats and earnings in real time. Get more information about selling with Stockxpert.
Crestock
Crestock is another popular option for buying and selling stock photography and images. Their site does not offer details on payment structure or commissions (at least not that I could find), although there is an option to apply to become a seller.
Shutterstock
Shutterstock only sells photos and images by subscription, not on an individual basis. As a seller, you’ll get paid $0.25 every time one of your images is downloaded. Once you’ve hit $500 in earnings your commission will increase to $0.30 per download. You can sign up to be a seller from their website.
BigStockPhoto
BigStockPhoto sells images individually, and you can earn $0.50 to $3 per download (or more on special license downloads). In order to be accepted into the program you’ll have to pass a test. You can get more information and sign up from their website.
Fotolia
Fotolia sells photos and images individually as well as through subscriptions. As a seller, you can earn up to 80% commission, with an average of 52%. You can sell your work with exclusive licenses and name your price. Get more information at their website.
Photospin
Photospin sells images by subscription. Their website allows you to inquire about becoming a seller, but there is no information about commissions or details.
Dreamstime
Dreamstime sells images individually. The base commission is 50% per download, but it can go as high as 80%. You’ll earn a high commission for exclusivity plus there are different levels according to how many of your files have been purchased. The more you sell, the more you make.
ShutterPoint
ShuttPoint is a much different option. With their service you will pay for the disk space that your images take up ($19 - $49 per year) but you’ll earn 70-85%. You can get more information at their website.
What’s Your Experience?
Have you ever sold your work on any of these sites?
20 comments from readers
1 Mothership Jun 16, 2008 at 12:16 am
Also excellent places to buy images
Thank you!
2 Mike Jun 16, 2008 at 2:12 am
Hi,
I think it depends most on what kind of graphic you have. Also a good place to sell your photos is http://www.picture-paradise.com
3 Sketchee Jun 16, 2008 at 2:23 am
I’ve never really thought about selling designs, even though I have used other people’s design elements (istock) in my layouts in a pinch. I’ll have to take a look at these more closely. Do you sell your stuff?
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5 Jenna Jun 16, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Wonderful links — I didn’t know such places even existed! : ]
Thanks!
6 Jeremy Tuber Jun 16, 2008 at 1:22 pm
This can be a great little revenue stream for designers. While most of us won’t make a huge amount of money, it’s a nice little bonus - the only thing I’d add is to make sure you don’t upload artwork that you’ve designed for a specific client, i.e. a logo or custom photography.
The chances of the client finding out that you sold some of their artwork are slim, but if it got back to them it would not be cool.
7 Vandelay Design Jun 16, 2008 at 6:43 pm
Jeremy,
Yes, I agree that it is unlikely to be a large amount of income, but a little bit each month doesn’t hurt. I agree with your statement about client work, although Graphic Leftovers does specialize in selling work that you’ve done that was not used by a client. In that case of course you would want to make it so the client was not identifiable. Looking at the items for sale there they are pretty comparable to what’s at the other sites listed here.
8 Liz Jun 20, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Has anyone here done this? If so, what’s your experience been like? I am looking out for some sources of passive income. Recently started throwing designs up on Merch sites like Cafe Press and Zazzle - just to see what happens.
9 Vandelay Design Jun 20, 2008 at 6:07 pm
Liz,
I haven’t personally given this a shot yet. I’ve been meaning to create some textures/backgrounds to try to sell on those sites (that was part of the reason for the research behind the post), but other things are taking priority of my time right now. Hopefully some others will chime in here.
10 The Best of the Blogosphere: June 21, 2008 | Super Blogging Jun 21, 2008 at 5:06 am
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11 Jeremy Tuber Jun 21, 2008 at 10:28 pm
Wow, I didn’t know about Graphic Leftovers - nice comment! Freelance logo designers that have been in the business for a while probably have loads of concepts that they could sell. Great information!
12 Vandelay Design Jun 21, 2008 at 10:30 pm
Jeremy,
I believe Graphic Leftovers is new.
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14 Suresh Pathmanathan Jun 23, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Very useful links. Thanks
15 Mitch Jun 23, 2008 at 6:05 pm
I’ve been selling at many of these microstock sites for about 3 years, and i’ve made close to $8000 - enough to buy new equipment and computers etc. So yes it can be done. I have some additional resources about microstock and photography on my site too - please come say hi
And Vandelay, you should make those links to istock etc referral links so you can make some additional money if people sign up thru your links.
Good post!
16 Joan Reeves Jun 26, 2008 at 9:37 am
Great post! Since I’m really getting into photography and digital illustration, it’s nice to know about ways to monetize that area.
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20 Fort Lauderdale Auto Accident Lawyer Aug 19, 2008 at 3:28 pm
these are some great sites. I’m going to check these out tonight. I’ve always been into photography.