How would you like people to help you? If you're not good enough it's best to go away and practise until you are. Don't want to sound harsh but I see so many rejections being aired in the Critique forums on IS (and if you genuinely want a critique, post the images there and get genuine and helpful feedback) that are just poor quality and don't deserve to be even attempting the process. iStock has, in my opinion, the highest quality vectors of any stock site, with numerous top quality illustrators being exclusive there. The collection does not need watering down with sub-standard contributors.

You have to show people the images for us the be able to give an opinion.

I'd say not sophisticated enough for IS. Ok, but just nothing special. iStock is trying to position itself at the top end of the stock marketplace, rightly so in my opinion.
These just don't reach the right standard IMHO.

I would suggest that you try searching IS with search terms relevant for your images - and sort the result by downloads...  This will give you a very clear picture of what they want and what the  buyers want.  This search result should be comparable to your own portfolio - Then you can make your own judgement as to weather or not you can produce simular work....

I use this approach on any site when i'm not sure that a particular kind of images will be accepted. 

Hope this approach can help you...

/Flemming

I would suggest that you try searching IS with search terms relevant for your images - and sort the result by downloads...  This will give you a very clear picture of what they want and what the  buyers want.  This search result should be comparable to your own portfolio - Then you can make your own judgement as to weather or not you can produce simular work....

Actually I get the impression that's exactly what the OP has already been doing. I don't see any originality or personal style there at all, just regurgitations of well-worn themes. Mind you, that does seem to apply to the majority of 'vector artists' anyway.

What reasons for rejections are you getting?

Based on your SS portfolio, you have a good understanding of what sells well. However, for your application at istock, you will need to upload something different and unique, that stretches your artistic abilities. They have thousands of people who can produce silhouettes and florals and stickers. In order to convince them that they need to add you to the contributor base, they want to see that you are capable of doing something beyond that. AFTER you are accepted, however, you are free to upload more simple (and popular) themes.

For your application, you should upload three different types of drawings, and none should be similar to something on the best seller list.

I hope that helps!

My rejections are:
Due to the high volume of submissions pertaining to this subject we kindly request you provide an alternative sample file for our consideration. We........

So, as I said in my post, you will need to provide something other than what you see on the bestseller list. Once you are approved you can upload whatever you want, but first you gotta show them your chops.

Good luck!!

Hope I didn't sound too critical, but I think studying will definitely help your chances. You've got the basics, just need a little sharpening of your skills, good luck!

Sorry to be a bit off-topic but looking at your portfolios I am surprised (actually shocked) that other sites are accepting illustrations made up like potential company logos, actually saying so in the illustration. But checking their terms, the license prohibits use in a company logo - as it should be the case for non-exclusive royalty free image license, of course. It looks a lot like offering the customers something that he actually isn't allowed to use this way. So don't expect those images to be accepted at iStock at any time.

However, more back to your original question: Getting abstract feedback here is one thing, not sure if it's really helpful. I'd suggest you get into IS' Critique Request forum, read the sticky post at the top and post some of your sample images BEFORE uploading them for your next application cycle. I guess you will get much more IS-specific support in there.

Sorry to be a bit off-topic but looking at your portfolios I am surprised (actually shocked) that other sites are accepting illustrations made up like potential company logos, actually saying so in the illustration. But checking their terms, the license prohibits use in a company logo - as it should be the case for non-exclusive royalty free image license, of course. It looks a lot like offering the customers something that he actually isn't allowed to use this way. So don't expect those images to be accepted at iStock at any time.

That's a good one... I actually never thought about that..

Well, my opinion is completely worthless because I can't draw, but I checked out your portfolio on StockXpert and was pleasantly surprised. 

After hearing the comments in this thread I expected it would be pretty bad, but I think you have talent.  I liked a lot of your illustrations, particularly the various heart themes and flags.  I also really liked the one of the club dancer silhouettes against a pink splashy background. 

If this is what you are doing after only a couple of months then you certainly have the potential to be successful IMO. 

Over time, as you develop your own unique style you will see the acceptances and sales roll in, I am sure

It may sound harsh but I'd say there's little here that shows much illustration skill.

Given that, I will not even attempt being accepted in IS! Some of Sugaangel's work is as good or better than a lot that see accepted in IS everyday. If IS doesn't want that, I really don't understand them.

My illustrations are very simple and yet I sell them reasonably well, and I almost only have them as raster only (not in IS, of course). So not having vectors in IS is not the end of the world.

Regards,
Adelaide