Using online photo libraries.
Design - using online photo libraries. Image - retro cameras, Unsplash
Where to find images online.
I miss in-person photoshoots. Always good fun to direct and meet creative people in person.
But the way of the world now is that lots of image libraries are online. Unless you are getting personal or specific images created for you - the chances are you will be heading online to a free image library.
Images are a great way to inject life into your website, also use them for your newsletter, company brochure, and your company’s branded social media posts or blog.
I have to search through image library sites as part of the services I offer to clients. The options are endless and not only limited to Unsplash.
Where to find online image libraries
Low on budget? Need free images.
Writing a blog? Need to illustrate a feature? Need a free image?
Please be aware that free images do not mean they are 100% free. Check the licence and usage rights. You may have certain restrictions - so do check.
Here are a few to get going with :
Unsplash www.unsplash.com
Pexels www.pexels.com
Pixabay pixabay.com
Nappy - diverse images - nappy.co
Burst - Images from Shopify
Gratisography - often whimsical images - https://gratisography.com/
Canva - Canva.com
A person wearing a TV costume. Gratisography
File formats
Images for print
Check the watermark is removed and download the high-resolution files as jpegs, Tiffs or PSD files. At 300dpi. Made to CMYK for the printing press. This is a printing term that stands for C - Cyan, M - Magenta, Y - Yellow and K - Black.
Yes K for Black when the term originated it was explained that people might misread the letter B for blue so K was added.
Images for websites
Once images are downloaded the size will need optimising (smaller file size – RGB). If you don’t have Photoshop. There is an online time-saving tool that can help.
tinypng.com drop your image into the site and will download a good file size for the web. Max image size to load is 5MB
Here is a useful guide in selecting your file formats for various outputs:
If you would like more tips and useful resources, my newsletter Font Love Friday and Other Designery Things is out on the last Friday of the month. For more tips on images, fonts and freelancing you can sign up here.
Hi! Thanks for reading!
I’m Angela Lyons and I am the founder and graphic designer at Lyons Creative.
I specialise in both print and digital design, I aim to help businesses enhance their visual appeal by creating compelling and distinct designs. I also help freelancers and share my experiences of freelance life.
If you are interested in learning more about my services and how I can assist your business, please feel free to contact me via direct message, and we can discuss your design needs further. Hit the button below!
