I've been trying to upload vector files to Fotolia for the last couple of weeks and out of around 30-40 vector files only around 15-20% were suitable for upload. Why? Because Fotolia uses the SVG (scalable vector graphics) format for vector uploads. Since SVG files don't support (as they should) gradient meshes made in Adobe Illustrator (the most popular vector illustration software suite in the world), I can't upload them up there.
On top of that they have a file size limit of 1MB for SVG files and that means that many vectors with an extreme number of path points (complex vectors) just can't be uploaded. I was squeezing my head off trying to figure out a way to reduce the file size, but than I just gave up. It's impossible to upload to Fotolia vector illustrations with higher number of paths and this also applies to illustrations that have a higher count of gradients. Meshes, as I said, aren't supported at all.
Is anyone else a little frustrated with this situation? It's their choice and I don't blame them, but it's a shame not to be able to upload vectors to a site with a presumably good sales ratings (even if I personally have never experienced it on my own skin).
p.s.: As a sidenote: I'm not even close to being an experienced illustrator, so I'm not even thinking of stepping in the shoes of professional designers that make extra-complex vector creations. I don't know how they upload to Fotolia (if they upload at all, that is).
I'm posting this thread in hope of being wrong and someone coming by and explaining a way to make the vector files suitable for the SVG format AND keeping them under 1MB. Thanks!
