Creating microstock art is, as Mr. Gump would say, "like a box of chocolate, you never know what you’re gonna get". Translating this philosophy to the microstock market means that I never know where my designs end up being used. The rule is not having a clue whatsoever to an image’s final destination and even worse, not knowing if their use abides by the license terms they were purchased under. But this can of worms is a better fit for a different post under the "All Business" category.
Back on track, I remember the very first time I bumped into one of my images in commercial use. It was a couple of years ago, just another
boring day when I took the subway and sitting across from me was this gentleman flipping through some newspaper, nothing out of the ordinary, until he raised his arms revealing this huge heart in the back page, causing me an inner “wow” and a grin. It was “Heart”, one of my first images, a solid seller with close to a thousand licenses under its belt.
Sometimes a client or a fan sends me a note, a picture or a link to some product or web site using my images (which I am always thankful for so keep them coming!) but after a while in this market, one eventually starts seeing one’s images around ever so often.
One of the most memorable of such cases took place in late 2008 while browsing online when I came across a web page for the then recently released home fragrance diffuser from Urban Outfitters whose
advertising campaign and packaginghad been fully built on my “Japanese Theater III” graphic set. I still remember the inner wow and these are all mine feeling… I guess it was partly because I have always been a fan of “Anthropologie”, the store, and knowing Urban Outfitters was branch of the first was a bonus.
As usual, things change and sometimes bumping into my stuff on the streets or online is not always a pleasant experience, but that comes with the territory, I guess.
Anyway, I selected a few images for your viewing pleasure. Click on them for an enlarged version. In the meantime, keep sending me information about places, products and projects you found my images on. I very much appreciate it.
2 Comments
You site looks fabulous! I actually found a notebook recently (at Target I think) with one of your patterns on it and the minute I saw it I said “Hey- I recognize that pattern!” Lovely work- it always stands out!
Thanks for the props! That’s nice of you letting me know about the notebook. I’ll try to dig a picture somewhere, any help will be appreciated. :)
By the way, I just “befriended” you on Flickr and hope to finding your blog address soon…
Best,