Participant

Question

How to get my hand-drawn sketch + AI-enhanced artwork passed? Rejected for "Similar Content"

Forum|Forum|20 days ago
July 1, 2026
5 replies
130 views

Hello everyone,

I need some advice on how to get my artwork approved. I recently submitted my illustration, but it was rejected for "Similar Content".

Here is my workflow for this image: I started by completely drawing the original sketch by hand (hand-drawn linework)

and then used Generative AI tools to enhance, color, and add details to the final image.

Since the foundational structure comes directly from my own unique sketch, I am confused about why it's flagged as similar content and want to know how to fix this.

Nancy OShea

Community Expert

From where I sit, everything from the Bible, Quran, Vedas, Tripitaka, etc. are fictional characters with limited commercial value.

Also be mindful of Adobe’s policy about fictional names in AI prompts, titles & keywords. That could send up another reason for refusal.

https://helpx.adobe.com/stock/contributor/submit-your-content/submit-generative-ai-content/content-policy-artist-names-real-known-people-fictional-characters.html

Good luck.

Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert

NukSongponAuthor

Participant

I tested it by changing the title and keywords while keeping the same image. The result didn't pass due to a 'Quality issue' hahaha..

daniellei4510

Community Expert

The moderators certainly could have saved you some time if they had chosen this reason to begin with. Some basic cleanup is needed, while the hands and faces in particular could be improved.

Adobe Community Expert | If you aren't submitting your assets in sRGB, you probably didn't read the rules.

NukSongponAuthor

Participant

this is 100% zoom from my image ,but honestly I will skip this image to do another for now

Nancy OShea

Community Expert

What keywords are you using for this content?

Have you performed a Reverse Image Search in Adobe Stock?

https://stock.adobe.com/search-features

Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert

NukSongponAuthor

Participant

Thank you very much for your advice. I have tried the Reverse Image Search, and it doesn't really match my image.

Here are the keywords and title I am using for this content:

Title: Fierce biblical giant Goliath in golden armor sitting on a throne with shield bearer and soldiers, epic ancient battle scene background

Keywords: goliath, giant, philistine, warrior, soldier, david and goliath, bible story, old testament, 1 samuel, army, shield bearer, armor bearer, spearman, javelin thrower, ancient armor, helmet, bronze shield, spear, weapons, fierce, angry expression, imposing, historic, cinematic, dramatic lighting, smoky background, conflict, battle, power, graphic resource

daniellei4510

Community Expert

It’s hard to say. There are instances when similar content rejections simply defy all known logic. I’m still having backgrounds and wallpapers accepted, even though there are millions already available on Adobe Stock. Assets that I’m certain are unique get rejected as similar content; assets that I hesitate to submit since I’m certain they will be rejected for similar content get accepted. Granted, there are occasions when it rightfully rejects assets for similar content, but the algorithm also appears to err in both directions.

Adobe Community Expert | If you aren't submitting your assets in sRGB, you probably didn't read the rules.

daniellei4510

Community Expert

Another option. You’re submitting AI. The advantage to that over submitting photographs is that you’re allowed do-overs. The top image below was rejected for similar content. Its counterpart, re-envisioned as an illustration, was accepted. Don’t become married to your originals as a matter of principle. Experiment.

Adobe Community Expert | If you aren't submitting your assets in sRGB, you probably didn't read the rules.

Nancy OShea

Community Expert

Don’t become married to your originals as a matter of principle. Experiment.

==========

That’s excellent advice for every Contributor.

Some of the best work comes from do-overs.

Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert

daniellei4510

Community Expert

All we can suggest is that you search the forum for “similar content” to get a feel for how this has frustrated many contributors for nearly the past year. There is really not a lot you CAN do, with the possible exception of examining your keywords and removing or replacing any that you believe might already are being overused. We suspect keywords figure heavily in determining what is and is not viewed as similar content by the algorithm. If it is rejected a second time upon resubmission, it’s best to move on and submit new material, as repeated submissions can result in a spamming warning.

Adobe Community Expert | If you aren't submitting your assets in sRGB, you probably didn't read the rules.

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