Creating your own images for your business is essential.
Having access to free stock photo sites is life changing. Literally. The one above is from my favorite, Gratisography. He has a very eclectic sense of humor that I love.
When I started using these sites to create my own images in Canva (a free graphic design website), I kind of fell back in love with my business.
Before you start designing, let’s go over a couple guidelines on graphics:
Don’t be a Copy:
Don’t steal other people’s graphics. If you see something on Facebook or Instagram, you are not allowed to take it and post as your own. That is their content. They made it. You are also not allowed to cover up someone’s logo and make it look like your own. #ForRealThough Don’t be that guy. That’s like ultimate tool status. You can share any graphic you want, but never take someone else’s content.
Watermarking:
I get asked about watermarking a lot. What is it? Simply adding your information to a photo so no one else can use it. It could be your name, your website, your logo…something that identifies YOU as the creator of that graphic. Why should you do it? Because you worked hard on your design and they didn’t. You took the time out of your life, your family, your kids…and created something great in order to be a better business owner. They have zero rights to that graphic. So make sure you watermark it.
And…if someone does share it, it will have your website on it. Free marketing, right? Work smarter, not harder.
Free Stock Photo Sites:
Below, I have 5 of the top free stock photo sites for you. You go there, type in what you’re looking for (dog, yellow umbrella, red phone, cell phone, desk, anything you want). And you’re instantly connected to thousands of free stock photos you can download and edit as you please.
Designing Your Own Photos:
And then I hear you…saying… I don’t know how….(insert whining). Stop it! Neither did I. Just like anything else in life it takes an investment of your time. And you know what? You’re gonna SUCK at first. Just being honest here. But every single time you do one, you will get better. Every time you take 20 minutes to do them, you will learn something new.
Canva:
Canva is the BEST free graphic editing site out there. Hands down.
🔴 Try Canva for FREE: http://bit.ly/361K4nG
And we have a Canva Boot Camp to teach you how to use it. Join the Canva Boot Camp here: JOIN GROUP
Free Doesn’t Mean Good
Just because it’s free, doesn’t mean it’s a great pick. You have to be picky. You have to make sure the resolution of the photo is crystal clear. People don’t want to see grainy photos. So do your research and make sure it looks great on your graphic before you start designing around it and wasting time on something that looks terrible on your image size.
Below are my top 5 picks for free stock photo sites…tell us in the comments if you have a favorite. I’m always looking for new ones!
#1:
Pexels.com
#2
Unsplash
#3:
Pixabay
#4
Gratisography
#5
Reshot
Reshot is my new favorite. It’s just recently popped into the scene and their library is FRESH and there’s always some great finds in there.
Happy graphic day everyone!
Melissa Fietsam
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I love canva! I found it a year ago and use it for EVERYTHING. My blog, fun printables for the kids, material for church, and our homeschool co-op. I have no background in graphic design and find it really easy to navigate.
I have only been with 31 since August 2017 but I always love you posts! You are so inspiring and funny. Thank you for sharing. I hope one day to meet you and thank you in person. (((Hugs))) Fancy Nancy