I talked about where to find stunning photos for your marketing material, but illustrations can add a nice touch to your publications and can help explain concepts better than photos. There are different types of illustrations that you can use, for example, cartoon-like drawings, vector images or even icons. I'll give you some ideas of where to find some, but first, I want to explain what a vector image is.
Understanding vector images
A vector image is different from a photo because it is computer generated and can be scaled to large sizes without loosing resolution. If you are not sure to understand the difference with vector images and raster images, read this post that I previously published on my blog.
Vector files are usually saved under the .eps or .ai format. To open these files you need a vector software like Adobe Illustrator, but I am going to give you a little trick to use them even if all you have is Microsoft tools, by just using Powerpoint.
Create a new Powerpoint presentation and in a new slide import the .eps file that you saved on your computer. Rick-click on the image and select Ungroup, it will transform the image as Microsoft objet that you will be able to use, recolor, resize or even modify. From there you can copy-paste the image where you need, or right-click again and save it as a picture.
Finding free illustrations on the web
There are various ways of finding them on internet:
1. From tutorials The web is full of tutorials designed to teach people how to create vector images. Of course you are not interested by the tutorial, but the good thing to know is that in most cases the finished work is included in the tutorial, so you can just download it. You might just want to be careful and check that you are allowed to use the artwork.
2. Searching for “Free Vectors”
Simply search for your subject and include the words “free vector” in google. You will find lots of websites offering vectors images for free. Again, check the rights before using the items.
3. Some websites I recommend
Here are my favorites:
- Vecteezy
- Open Clipart
- IconArchive This one is mainly for icons so the images might be smaller, but it’s still a great resource.
Working with a professional illustrator
In my previous post, I talked about organising a photo shoot to create a customised photo collection of your choice. Today I’ll explore a similar path but this time for drawings and illustrations.
If you need illustrations, whether they are technical drawings, icons or hand made sketches, don’t be scared to work with an illustrator to create your very own illustration.
You can find illustrators in your local area if you prefer to meet them in person, but you can also rely on the web to give you access to thousands of very talented illustrators, willing to work for you at very competitive prices.
Use freelancing websites like Freelancer or Elance or Odesk to find your illustrator. Or post a contest on a crowdsourcing website like DesignCrowd or 99 Designs.
You can get get very nice illustrations for as little as 200$. Try it and you’ll be surprised!
Question: Have you ever worked with an illustrator?
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