My friend Bobbi wrote to me: “I’m frustrated with this photo stock website, which was my image source. I seem to recall you suggested several sites—some free—for graphic images, but I can’t find them. Do you remember what they were? I really need a new source.”
Many online resources
I replied, “Here you go!” and gave her this list:
- raw pixel.com
- commons.wikimedia.org
- pexels.com
- unsplash.com
- google images — use the tool: creative common license
- search for public domain clipart (or) photos (or) images
- stock.adobe.com –> (you need an Adobe account to use their FREE images)
- iconduck.com (icons)
- This article with competitors
Bookmark these sites
I’m always on the lookout for new image sites, whether they are free or paid. I bookmark these sites for future reference. I realize that I haven’t cleaned out my bookmarks in a long time. I’m sure some sites are gone, and I will get this message: Error 404, not found. Recently there was a 3D book mockup site that went dark. The owner decided to close it. I’m sad because his site was a great resource!
Searching
I have a paid subscription to GettyImages, so I can search and download images that are in my plan. If Getty doesn’t have what I need, I search other websites for the right photo. My first method is to check economical royalty-free sites, such as iStock.com or Shutterstock.com.
Sometimes, it takes a long time to find the right image for a client’s project. Here are two examples of hard-to-find images. One of my clients requested an African American physician and a Caucasian patient. Another client needed an injured frog (cartoon or clip art) for a kid’s magazine project. Finding that one took some time.
Other tools
After exhausting GettyImages, I turn to Google Images. I use their Usage Rights tool and check either “All,” “Creative Commons licenses,” or “Commercial and other licenses.”
Another feature on Google Images is the “drag an image here or upload a file.” Same with TinEye.com—a reverse image search engine. “Find where images appear online” and it can help you find specific missing photos. Most stock image websites also have this tool.
Bobbi was very happy to get the resource list. In her usual low-key way, she responded, “Wow! These are amazing! Thank you so much! I will check them out immediately!” She is not alone in needing captivating, appropriate images to use on her website or blog. The right graphic can make all the difference in how long viewers stay at your site and in getting your message across with art as well as words.
