We’re sorry, but we did not find this file suitable as stock. With the rapid growth of the iStock collection, we give valuable consideration to each file but unfortunately cannot accept all submissions.

This is called the "Subpar" rejection. Perhaps you're familiar with it. It means there's a certain something lacking from your illustration that is holding it back from the collection. But what does that mean, "not suitable"? What isn't suitable about it? What the h*ck is subpar around these parts? To help demonstrate some of the common causes for subpar rejections we sent our vector inspectors away with some homework. Each inspector created 2 illustrations of the same subject, one demonstrating common subpar issues. There’s just something about a subpar vector that’s easier to show than to explain. The second illustration then corrects the problems of the subpar version, making it suitable not just for stock, but for iStock.

Most of the time, subpar has nothing to do with your concept or subject matter: it has to do with how well you pull it off. Every little decision, even the ones no one notices, will impact your final illustration. So kick back and relax, and see if you can spot what makes the “good” vectors better than their subpar counterparts.

It's All About The Details (Bortonia)

Once upon a time vector files had a teeny tiny 270 pixel preview thumbnail, with no zoom feature. Happily those days are long gone and all new vector uploads boast the same zoomable preview image as their photo counterparts. Unfortunately this also means that your vectors are going to be scrutinized closer than ever before. That’s why it’s important to take a close look at your illustration before you submit.

Are the curves in your shape curvy, or choppy? Do your shapes meet up cleanly at the edges, or are there small gaps where you rushed while drawing? Sometimes a file will look fine from the preview but once it’s opened into vector editing software it suddenly won’t be as pretty. And yes, customers do notice rushed details.

Example 1 looks pretty nice from the thumbnail (what an adorable dog!), but zoom in a little and you’ll see all sorts of problems. The fur is rumpled like someone didn’t read the ‘dry clean only’ tag, and shapes are crossing over themselves left and right. Crossed shapes, while not a technical issue per say, tend to scream “rushed!” and “I haven’t learned to use the pen tool properly yet”! Fur shouldn’t look this gloppy, bedraggled and messy!

Example 2 is much, much cleaner up close. The fur is smooth and each hair ends in a tidy point. The eyes are perfectly round now and it’s easier to see the dog’s cute little mustache, since all the sloppiness of the first Example has been cleaned up. You might want to pass on petting the first dog, it looks like it may have fleas. Puppy number 2 is ready for adoption.

It's Still About The Details (Colonel)

Now please don’t think that tidy details are only important when you’re drawing something realistic. Attention to detail is important no matter what you’re drawing, even if it’s something as common as a seamless pattern.

From a distance, Example 1 doesn't look too different from the example next to it. But when we get up nice and close it’s just plain sloppy work that not even a mother could love. It’s as though a time limit was set for the completion of this illustration. The lines aren't smooth and in places the paths are crossing right over themselves. Everything looks rushed and sloppy. Look at the bud: the spaces between the emerging petals should be uniform but here they’re all over the place. Lack of care has killed this poor plant. It almost looks like a bad autotrace.

Example 2 isn’t too different from the other one right? Well wait 'til you get up close. The first pattern looked like the artist had several beers under their belt, while Example 2 was clearly created by a master craftsman. This file has smooth curves, uniform spaces between appropriate elements and sharp, clearly defined leaves. The shapes of the outer and inner curves are reciprocal. Paths aren't crossing over themselves. Good job... now you can have that drink.