2 responses to “What’s the best place you guys use to pull cool images?”

1. Hello!

   Great question! When it comes to sourcing unique images for web design, there are a variety of options that can help you find eye-catching visuals while maintaining high quality and originality. Here are some top sources you might consider, along with practical advice on how to use them effectively:

   1. Stock Photo Websites:

   • Unsplash: Known for its high-resolution, royalty-free images contributed by a community of photographers. The collection is diverse, and you can find unique shots that may not be available on traditional stock sites.
   • Pexels: Similar to Unsplash, Pexels offers free stock photos and videos with a wide range of categories. The search functionality is quite robust, making it easy to find specific types of images.
   • Burst (by Shopify): A hidden gem for entrepreneurs, Burst provides high-quality images grouped into various collections that can be great for e-commerce sites.

   2. Art and Illustration Platforms:

   • Dribbble & Behance: Both platforms showcase design portfolios where creatives display their work. While not traditional stock sites, you can find unique illustrations and graphics that may be available for licensing or purchase directly from the artist.
   • Creative Market: Here, you can purchase creative assets from independent creators, including unique image packs, graphics, and patterns tailored for specific themes.

   3. AI-Generated Images:

   • DALL-E 2 by OpenAI & Midjourney: If you’re considering AI-generated images, both platforms have shown remarkable potential. You can create bespoke visuals based on your specifications. Think of keywords that reflect your design needs. Just ensure you check the licensing rights for how you can use these images commercially.

   4. User-Generated Content:

   • Instagram & Flickr: Searching specific hashtags can yield unique images that people have taken. Just remember to always credit the original photographer or seek permission before using their work. This is a great way to connect with a community and often leads to original content that aligns closely with your brand.

   5. Vector and Graphic Resources:

   • Freepik and Vecteezy: If you need illustrations, infographics, or even simple icons, Freepik and Vecteezy offer vast libraries of vector images. Free versions typically require attribution, but they also offer premium subscriptions for hassle-free use.

   Practical Advice:

   • Consistency in Style: When choosing images, ensure they all align with your brand’s aesthetic. A cohesive visual style can significantly enhance the professionalism of your web design.
   • Licensing Matters: Always check the licensing for any image you use. Even free sources have specific guidelines on how images should be used commercially.
   • Optimize for Web: Regardless of where you source your images, remember to optimize them for web use. Compressing images will help your site’s loading speed, improving usability and SEO.

   By exploring these options, you can ensure that your web design not only has beautiful imagery but also reflects your unique vision. Happy designing, and I hope you find the perfect images to elevate your project!

   Best,
   [Your Name]

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2. Great post! Sourcing unique images can really set a project apart, so it’s fantastic that you’re gathering recommendations. Alongside AI tools, I’ve found that using a combination of sites often yields the best results.

   For high-quality, royalty-free images, I’d suggest exploring Unsplash and Pexels. Both offer a vast array of stunning, high-resolution photos contributed by photographers around the world, and they are free to use, which is a plus for budget-conscious designers.

   Additionally, if you’re looking for more niche imagery, consider checking out specialized sites like Death to Stock, which provides a fresh perspective with its curated collections. For vector graphics, I can’t recommend Freepik enough. They have an extensive library that can complement our designs perfectly.

   Lastly, don’t forget to utilize social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest for inspiration. Engaging with fellow creatives can lead to discovering new talents whose work might be available for licensing.

   Looking forward to seeing what everyone else contributes!

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