{"id":4679,"date":"2019-01-09T14:35:03","date_gmt":"2019-01-09T19:35:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sinalite.com\/printersuccess\/?p=4679"},"modified":"2025-05-28T11:31:09","modified_gmt":"2025-05-28T15:31:09","slug":"36-best-practices-for-using-stock-images","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sinalite.com\/printersuccess\/36-best-practices-for-using-stock-images\/","title":{"rendered":"36 Best Practices for Using Stock Images – The Ultimate List for Graphic Designers"},"content":{"rendered":"

Many graphic designers have a love-hate relationship with stock images. Much as they\u2019d like to be able to create images from scratch all the time, sometimes it\u2019s just not feasible with the resources, budget and time constraints that they\u2019re forced to work with. Using stock images helps graphic designers overcome these problems to produce the end results that their clients need. We\u2019ve compiled the best practices of using stock images into the ultimate list to help graphic designers on each step of the way.<\/span><\/p>\n

Graphic Designer Tips for Using Stock Images<\/span><\/h2>\n

Before You Start Looking for Stock Images<\/span><\/h3>\n
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  1. Ask yourself whether you really need it. If you\u2019re able to accomplish the same goal without using a stock image, do that instead.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Know the goal you\u2019re trying to achieve.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Be familiar with the brand you\u2019re designing for.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Know the audience.<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Be aware of any content that\u2019s going with the stock image.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Tips for Finding Stock Images<\/span><\/h3>\n
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    1. Be careful about using free stock photo websites.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
    2. Learn to use search engines and filters effectively by getting familiar with the advanced search functions.<\/span><\/li>\n
    3. Be specific in your search queries. Use long-tail keywords (search queries that are 3-4 words long or an entire phrase) and be descriptive.<\/span><\/li>\n
    4. After you\u2019ve found a few images that you like, check out their related keywords list for more ideas.<\/span><\/li>\n
    5. Don\u2019t go with the first image you find.<\/span><\/li>\n
    6. Gather the thumbnails for images that you think you may want to use. Once you have a collection of potential candidates, you can narrow them down.<\/span><\/li>\n
    7. See if the same image is available on another stock photo site. You may find a better deal.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Best Practices to Avoid Legal Issues<\/span><\/h3>\n
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      1. Be careful how you use licensed stock when you design for clients. One of our SinaLite<\/a> graphic designers recommends taking your own photos to build your own library over time so that you can rely less on stock images.<\/span><\/li>\n
      2. Know which type of stock image you\u2019re using.<\/span>\n