I’ve been on Elements since day one in 2016, and before that, I worked on GraphicRiver.
I currently have around 800 approved print templates, and my work has often been selected by Envato for Google Ads (for certain keywords, the link would lead directly to my item or my profile).
Over the years, I’ve weathered quite a few changes: the shift of tax burdens to authors, the removal of bonuses, and even the Shutterstock acquisition.
But over the past year, not only have my downloads — and therefore my income — dropped dramatically, but nearly every new item I submit gets hard rejected. I usually upload 4–5 new designs every week.
I don’t understand why the review team keeps rejecting my work, especially considering my long-standing experience and reputation (I also sell successfully on Adobe Stock).
But this post isn’t about the review process — it’s about income.
Today, I received $200 for last month.
I live in Europe, and that amount covers maybe three days of basic living expenses.
I’ve decided to stop uploading new items. Some of them now “sell” for as little as $0.03.
I honestly don’t understand what happened to this market. What I do — print templates — still can’t be done by AI in three minutes.
After the summer break, I’ll begin looking for a new job.
What are your experiences? Are you happy with the platform — with the earnings, the review process, and how your new work is received?
Don’t worry. This is completely normal for subscription services. As elements are filled with new content, generative services continue to improve thanks to the work of authors - this trend will continue. There is nothing to be done, the authors of elements agreed to this approach.
I was on another platform and gets the same income, around 0.03 cent for 1 download. My average was for 4 months around 800 downloads a month. Makes €30 a month. So i deleted my whole account. it is not worth it.
Wait, what?? You mean, this whole subscription concept is not such a good idea for authors after all? They now earn less? Who would have thunk it?!
Should I laugh at you Elements people, or cry with you? In any case, many thanks to all the longsighted authors who put us all in a dead-end situation where only misery is to be found.
