I've compiled a selection of my go-to sites for excellent free resources. Whether for quick mock-ups, web designs, or blog posts, image and graphic material from various sources can enhance good design and evoke emotions. Especially when there's no budget for a photoshoot, free stock photos are often a real lifesaver.
The danger with such sources, however, is infringing copyright. One oversight can lead to significant problems. That's why I want to list a few of my favourite sources for royalty-free image and graphic material here, whose content is 100% cleared for commercial use.
Free Image Databases
UNSPLASH
This photo site recently added a (well-hidden) search function! (You need to click the magnifying glass on the far left.) Every ten days, ten new high-resolution photos are added. The great thing is that you don't have to register or even tweet. Be aware that the filter seems to default to "Featured". Under "All", you'll find even more images of equally high quality.
ISO REPUBLIC
ISO Republic is a genuine newcomer among providers of royalty-free image material. Here you'll find a colourful palette of free images, ranging from architecture to people and textures.
JAY MANTRI
Every Tuesday, Jay Mantri provides seven new atmospheric photos. Similar to Unsplash, the focus here is on landscapes and nature shots.
MAGDELEINE
This free photo site also features a search function by colour.
Free Graphic Resources
GRAPHIC BURGER
A classic! Here you'll find icons and easy-to-use templates in abundance. If you can't find inspiration for your next presentation here, you seriously need to go back to basics.
FONTELLO
This site offers the best repository of good icon fonts I know. Additionally, it has a feature to quickly and easily create your own icon font from SVGs! It hardly gets any better.
GOOGLE WEB FONTS
Yes, you'd think everyone knows this site, but I assure you that's unfortunately not the case! 😉 Downloading fonts can be a bit tricky. I've highlighted where the well-hidden button is so you can all grab Open Sans.
- Here it's still easy: Add to Collection
- Click the tiny download arrow in the top right corner
- A pop-up appears: Click the .zip file text link and you're done!
AWESOME SCREENSHOT
An ingenious browser extension that allows you to take screenshots of entire websites, not just the visible part of the screen. A loyal companion for years.
PSD COVERS
These Photoshop Actions allow you to create three-dimensional, realistic mock-ups for presentations from 2D work within seconds. I've described exactly how this works in a separate blog post.
Of course, there are many more, but these are my personal favourites. What are your favourite resources?
