Stock Imagery in Design

  In the September 2014 edition of Signs of the Times, Dan Wilson, Roland DGA’s creative director, provides some insightful tips for using stock imagery in his article, “Designing with Stock Imagery”.  Excerpts from Wilson’s “do’s and don’ts” include:

• Don’t use cliché images. This is subjective, but if the same image could work in a bank, dentist or restaurant design, chances are it is generic and less relevant to your message.
• Don’t use free online photos and illustrations.  If it’s free, it may be illegally distributed or available to anyone, which results in an unoriginal design.
• Don’t use search-engine images because they‘re not legal for your commercial use. 
• Use unique images that relate to your design message.  Also, consider the use of multiple stock images, to create an original result.  In addition, incorporate text that complements the visual elements to make the message relevant and impactful.

  Wilson cites several other important considerations, including a reminder to check the image quality at the planned, finished size.  For the complete article: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/STMG/sott_201409/#/20

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