I am frequently asked… What type of image are stock agency’s looking for? This can be a very difficult question because it is nearly impossible to predict what an art-buyer’s needs will be in the future and what type of image is most needed by each individual agency. However, I do come across a glaring need occasionally that would make for a great assignment to any artist looking to create new images to offer as stock.

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to create current images of Trades People.

If you take a minute to search any of the major sites for Plumber, Electrician, Carpenter, Etc… You will see that even Corbis and Getty Images have few current images to offer. Many agencies will have at least a few images to offer but many images are old or simply poor quality. It seems that most stock agencies need to update their files. For those looking to create new images I have compiled a list (I know it’s not comprehensive – that’s what Google is for).  I would suggest you spend a few minutes searching for one or two of the trades listed below on your favorite stock websites to see what is currently offered. Then create a list of what images you can create that will stand-out in these collections. If you can fill a need with a good image – you stand a good chance of generating a fair amount of revenue with that image.

List of Trades

1. Auto Mechanic
2. Boilermakers
3. Bricklayers & Stonemasons
4. Building Inspector
5. Burglar Alarm Technician
6. Bus Driver
7. Carpenters
8. Carpet, floor, and tile installers and finishers
9. Cement masons, concrete finishers, segmental pavers, and terrazzo workers
10. Certified Court Reporter
11. Construction and building inspectors
12. Construction equipment operators
13. Construction laborers
14. Cosmetology
15. Drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers
16. Electricians
17. Elevator installers and repairers
18. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
    
19. Factory Worker (General)
20. Flight Attendant
21. Floor & Carpet Layers
22. Funeral Service Worker
23. General Contractor
24. Hazardous materials removal workers
25. Highway Maintenance Workers
26. Insulation workers
27. Land Surveyor
28. Landscape Worker
29. Machinist
30. Massage Therapist
31. Painter
32. Painters and paperhangers
33. Pilot (Airline)
34. Plumber
35. Plumbers & Pipefitters
36. Roofer
37. Roofers
38. Security Guard
39. Sheet Metal Workers
40. Structural and reinforcing iron and metal workers
41. Tile Setters
42. Waiter/Waitress
43. Welder