How to Successfully Upload AI Art to Shutterstock (and Make Money From It)

Employment Resources
Written By Harry Negron

If you've been diving into side hustles and exploring passive income like I have, you've probably come across Shutterstock as a potential income stream. But here's the thing—Shutterstock doesn't allow AI-generated art. At least not officially. However, I've found a way around their restrictions, and this little hack has turned into a solid side income. It's not my biggest moneymaker (As of today, I bring in around $20k a month across my passive income streams), but Shutterstock plays its part, and those small wins stack up over time.

This guide will show you step-by-step how to create, edit, and upload AI art to Shutterstock so you can start making money too. I'll break it down simply, so even if you're a beginner, you'll be able to follow along. By the end, you'll have your images up and earning—without tripping Shutterstock's AI detection.

Let's get started!

Section 1: Creating Your Image With MidJourney

The first step is creating a stunning AI-generated image. For this, we'll use MidJourney since it’s one of the best tools for generating high-quality art.

Step 1.1: Get MidJourney Ready

  • Make sure you have access to MidJourney through Discord. If you don’t, sign up for a subscription via their website.

  • Join their Discord server and familiarize yourself with the /imagine command.

Step 1.2: Use High-Quality Prompts

  • To get good results, you'll need strong, detailed prompts. I recommend using GPT to help you generate prompts tailored for MidJourney.

  • Focus on simple patterns and designs since these are easier to edit later. Think things like:

    • "Seamless floral patterns in pastel colors"

    • "Minimalist geometric shapes with subtle gradients"

Pro Tip: Avoid overly complex prompts, as they can leave obvious AI artifacts that need extra editing.

Step 1.3: Generate the Image

  • Run your prompts in MidJourney and choose the version you like the most.

  • Upscale the image using MidJourney’s built-in tools for maximum resolution.

Save the final image—this will be your base file.

Section 2: Editing Out AI Artifacts in GIMP

Now that you have your image, the next step is to clean it up. AI art often contains small errors or artifacts that scream, "This was made by a computer." We'll fix these using GIMP, a free and powerful image editor.

Step 2.1: Download and Install GIMP

  • If you don’t already have GIMP, download it from gimp.org.

  • Install and open it up.

Step 2.2: Remove Artifacts

  1. Open Your Image in GIMP: Go to File > Open and load the MidJourney image.

  2. Use the Heal/Repair Tool:

    • Select the Heal Tool (shortcut: H) to blend in irregularities seamlessly.

    • Zoom in and carefully paint over any obvious distortions, like smudges, weird shapes, or unfinished details.

  3. Brush Over Imperfections:

    • Use the Paintbrush Tool (shortcut: P) with soft edges to smooth out areas that look too harsh or digital.

    • Keep your brush opacity low for natural results.

Step 2.3: Save Your Cleaned Image

  • Go to File > Export As and save the updated version.

  • Keep it as a high-quality PNG for now.

Section 3: Convert to SVG and Remove EXIF Data With PixelMint

Before uploading, you'll need to optimize your image. Shutterstock can flag AI art through EXIF data (hidden metadata) and image formats.

Step 3.1: Upload to PixelMint

Step 3.2: Make Adjustments

  • Increase Resolution: Ensure the image is resized to at least 4K resolution. This guarantees Shutterstock accepts it (minimum file size is ~4MB).

  • Convert to SVG: PixelMint will convert your PNG to an optimized SVG file.

  • Remove EXIF Data: PixelMint strips all hidden metadata that could reveal the AI origins.

Step 3.3: Download the Final File

  • Save the optimized image to your computer for the next step.

Section 4: Add Simple Effects to Bypass Detection

The next trick is to throw off Shutterstock's AI detection with minor, random effects. GIMP will help again.

Step 4.1: Open the Image in GIMP

  • Load your optimized SVG file into GIMP.

Step 4.2: Apply Subtle Effects

  • Go to Filters > Distort and choose light, minimal effects like:

    • Ripple: Adds slight wave patterns.

    • Wind: A subtle breeze effect.

    • Emboss: Creates texture without overdoing it.

  • Adjust the effect sliders so changes are barely noticeable to the human eye.

Step 4.3: Export the Final Image

  • Go to File > Export As and save the image as a high-quality JPG.

  • Make sure the file size is still at least 4MB (the higher, the better).

Section 5: Upload to Shutterstock With the Right Keywords

Now it's time to upload your polished image to Shutterstock and set it up for success.

Step 5.1: Log in to Your Shutterstock Contributor Account

  • If you don’t have one yet, create an account at submit.shutterstock.com.

Step 5.2: Upload Your Image

  • Go to Upload Content and upload your final JPG image.

  • Check for any warnings (you shouldn’t get any if you followed these steps).

Step 5.3: Generate Image Descriptions and Keywords

  • Use GPT to generate a good description and relevant keywords for your image. For example:

    • Image Description: "A seamless geometric pattern in pastel shades with clean, modern design."

    • Keywords: "geometric pattern, pastel design, abstract art, seamless background, digital art."

Step 5.4: Repeat the Process

  • Don’t upload too many images at once. Aim for a few each day to avoid raising red flags.

  • Over time, you’ll build a strong portfolio.

If you’re more of a visual learner, I’ve got you covered. Watch the full video guide below, where I walk you through every step in real-time.

[Video Coming Soon]

Trust me, it’s much easier when you can see it all come together.

And that's it! You now know how to get your AI art onto Shutterstock without triggering their detection systems. This little side hustle might seem small, but it adds up—and who knows? One of your images could take off and become a bestseller.

Happy uploading, and good luck stacking that passive income!

Harry Negron
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