5,000 Illustrations Challenge

09-14-11

I did some research and stumbled across two other microstock accounts that I've had for a long time with only a handful of illustrations from ages ago. They each had a balance that added up to about $40. Not much, but hey - it was $40 that I didn't know I had. So I am adding BigStock and Crestock to my list of agencies to upload to. I spent a lot of time uploading my recent portfolio to each and I still have some work to do. Keywording and uploading is a PAIN in case you didn't know.

I also drew up an Excel spreadsheet to take a look at my portfolios at each site. Shutterstock has the most as they are really the easiest microstock agency to deal with in my opinion. I didn't do a great job at iStockPhoto to begin with and, as such, my approval rating only allows me to upload 18 illustrations a week. My goal is now 35 illustrations a week to stay on track with my ultimate goal.

So far this week I have completed ten illustrations. That leaves me 25 more for the week. I have been slacking a tad, so this isn't completely unreasonable. So... wish me luck! I'll keep everyone posted!

PS. Eight of the ten are currently in review, but should be accepted shortly.

I've always considered myself a talented person, but I've never taken my talent to the next level. The best work seems to come from practice and consistency. How will I ever become a better illustrator if I don't illustrate on a regular basis? This seems like the best way to challenge myself to greatness.

Yes, 5,000 is a lot. It is beyond me to imagine a portfolio of 5,000 anything. I have over 20,000 photographs on my various hard drives - maybe more. But a photograph is easy. Illustrations take imagination and time.

Well, I can't fully disclose the meaning of this date in it's entirety. But I will say that life will be dramatically different by this date. For one thing, I will have finished my degree and I might be in grad school if I decide to go that route. Maybe I will have finished grad school - who knows? My son will be four years old. My daughter will be about to become a teenager. A lot can happen in 3 years, 4 months, and 19.36 days.

One thing that I know for sure is that by finishing this challenge I will have completed something amazing alongside some monumental milestones. Having completed 5,000 illustrations, I will be ready to explore the next chapter of life with my wonderful little family.