I posted here right answers for iStockphoto photographer Quiz and now I’m doing the same for vector illustrators. The quiz is quite easy, but for somebody who is not native English speaker, it can be a bit hard – so here are the right answers (remember – you should still read the Stock Illustration Training Manual, because there is a lot of important information, which will help you with acceptance on iStockphoto).

1. It is acceptable to leave stray objects and points in vector submissions.

   False

2. iStock accepts images traced from photographs, as long as the illustrator is the copyright holder (creator) **of the original photo

   True

3. Using found or purchased fonts and/or dingbats as primary aspects of an illustration is considered derivative.

   True

4. The required EPS file format for vector submission on iStock is (choose one):

   EPS (Adobe Illustrator 8.0) **

5. A vector based on a real person requires a model release.

   True

6. It is acceptable to protest a rejection or pricing decision in the iStock forums.

   False

7. It is acceptable to copy the composition of another artist’s work.

   False

8. iStock accepts multiple colored versions of the same illustration.

   True

9. It is acceptable to trace an image you did not create.

   False

10. iStock accepts auto-traced vector files.

    False

11. A simple sketch is acceptable, regardless of the overall quality.

    False

12. iStock is looking for illustrations of simple patterns, flowers, borders, backgrounds and flags.

    False

It is quite hard to be accepted on iStock – after you pass the quiz, you have to upload three sample vector illustrations, which must have good technical quality (no open paths, curves must be smooth, no bitmaps, effects… But also the content must be good – it means no simple silhouettes, abstract background, flowers…

If they refuse your images, you can try again after one week, two weeks, month, two months, half a year, one year… so be careful and check your illustrations properly before you submit them.

My samples

Here are my sample illustrations, that I submitted:

Not accepted

	Due to the high volume of submissions pertaining to this subject we kindly request you provide an alternative sample file for our consideration. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing your next submission. For more information on the files iStockphoto does and doesn’t need, please refer to our Illustration Training Manual
	We’re sorry but we feel that the details in your outlines could be sharper/cleaner. Please ensure you are checking your files very closely and tidying up any rough or uneven areas, and that the details are crisp and clear. We’re sorry, but we feel that the gradients in this illustration detract, rather than add to, the overall composition. Please restrict your gradient usage to only areas where gradients are necessary to show depth or realism.
	We’re sorry but this artwork is not what we are currently looking for in terms of composition, color usage, use of line and shape, concept, detail and/or file complexity. For more information on the files iStockphoto does and doesn’t need, please refer to our Illustration Training Manual.
	We’re sorry but this artwork is not what we are currently looking for in terms of composition, color usage, use of line and shape, concept, detail and/or file complexity. For more information on the files iStockphoto does and doesn’t need, please refer to our Illustration Training Manual.
	We’re sorry but this artwork is not what we are currently looking for in terms of composition, color usage, use of line and shape, concept, detail and/or file complexity. For more information on the files iStockphoto does and doesn’t need, please refer to our Illustration Training Manual.

Accepted

And what if they don’t accept your 3 sample files?

Then just try some another micro stock agency from the list (btw, the best ones are Shutterstock and Dreamstime) and try again on iStockphoto after a while.