Ups and downs on microstocks
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In everyday life there are often ups and downs, white and black streaks. Just like any other market, microstock sales can drop and grow in certain periods. Having worked on microstocks for some time, there are surely noticeable patterns of such fluctuations and the sales trends of particular microstocks.
Those who have been with microstocks almost from the very beginning likely know nearly all about this. In today’s article, based on practical experience, here is a brief list of axioms for a microstock contributor that can encourage and calm when a period of falling sales has hit and a creative slump follows.
Portfolio diversification and volume
In the long run, diversifying a portfolio on stocks and growing its volume will certainly help keep sales steady at some minimum level.
On microstocks there are contributors whose portfolios inspire genuine admiration and even provide sparks for personal inspiration.
By the way, time can be an ally. It is fine if a portfolio is small at first -the main thing is that it exists.
Simply focus on what comes best and over time the desired result will be achieved.
Be proud of the work created!
Seasonal waves of market demand
Seasonal demand can change microstock sales. For example, in the US and Europe it is summer. There is enough demand for blue skies.
On the other hand, in New Zealand and Australia it is winter. Yet in December, when winter photos are in demand in the US and Europe, in the southern hemisphere there is higher demand for flowers.
The larger and more diverse the body of work in the portfolio, the more stock photo sales can be generated in any season of the year.
Advertising, design, and lead times
This section is included as a reminder, drawing on experience at an advertising agency and in a marketing department. Most marketing plans and ad budgets are developed and approved well before the new fiscal year.
So agencies have a sense of upcoming needs, and some images will be purchased in advance. Therefore, at times there may be noticeable spikes in image sales, followed by a gradual decline.
Usually, design and layout decisions are made by creative teams. No matter how beautiful a work looks, if it does not fit the layout and concept of a specific project, it will not be purchased.
For example, a vertical image does not suit horizontal layouts. Try creating different variants of an image for different layout styles so a designer clearly has something to choose and buy from the portfolio.
Different media set different deadlines for approving layouts. For a monthly print magazine, for instance, the layout must be ready a month before going on sale -two weeks at the latest.
That is why having compelling images in layout‑friendly styles is so important for designers across publications.
Holidays are coming
It is well observed by microstock contributors that sales dip on holidays and weekends. Take a break too!
Relax, go out somewhere, have some fun!
Break the vicious cycle
This advice applies to both photography and illustration and to personal life. If it turns out that the same thing is done repeatedly -say, photographing tomatoes -do something different instead of tomatoes.
How about kitchen utensils?
If the commute home follows the same route every day, try finding another way. If taking the bus, get off two stops earlier and walk.
Reorganize the mind, shake up thoughts, because when working in a closed loop brain cells switch to autopilot, which naturally does not foster creative breakthroughs.
Switch gears during slumps
If a “slow period” has set in and sales are down, try switching to forum discussions, comment on interesting articles on other blogs, or write something for a blog or online journal.
It may be possible to write something engaging for readers. Such social activity can help revive creative thinking and spark new ideas.
In general, positive thinking yields a positive effect.
Experiment
“Slow periods” are used for experiments and learning new post‑processing techniques.
At times the results were failures, but the goal from the start was to try something new.
To avoid numerous rejections during review, usually one new experimental photo was uploaded to stocks to check whether it would be accepted.
If not, then a pause followed, everything was carefully reconsidered, and something else was tried.
A sense of humor
They say laughter is the best medicine. So do not lose a sense of humor even when things are going downhill.
For a bit of fun, check the spam folder in email or on the blog. Such nonsense turns up and is offered that it would never be needed.
That is it -this reminder was once written for personal use. Now it is being shared.
Hopefully, it helps to recharge and not get lost during slumps.
Think positively!
To health!
Original article author: Haslinda
Link to the original article: blog.dreamstime.com/2011/06/09/surviving-ups-and-downs-of-microstock-_art35392
