With regards to royalty free images and clip art, I have been the artist as well as the designer.
I can definitely vouch for the fact that the designer's job is more challenging. The designer has to implement illustrations and ideas that he or she may not have entire control over.
Having performed both roles, I've discovered some simple methods in accomodating the project... These methods will aid the designer:
* For the most part, opt for clip art that come in a collection.
This is a key point... and practically the most significant rule and approach to save time. Find the artists that produce series and collections of complimenting illustrations. They are really the types who recognize your needs best. You'll be able to plan full projects through what they've created for you .
* Function First. Don't wander from the objective
Try not to become too attached the art. Don't forget the target. Occasionally you want to seek out an excuse to work with a really neat looking stock illustration, even though it isn't going to fit. Disregard that tendancy.
* Develop a collection for multiple graphic design projects.
Help save yourself time and money. Some suppliers really don't care when you use the graphic numerous times, and some will lynch you for it. Study the fine print. I thought of the client in this regard when creating my own site of downloadable illustrations.
* Seek a number of suppliers of graphics.
Did you realize illustrators that put up to royalty free microstock web sites usually have great material refused for reasons typically somewhat silly and baseless? At times a particular illustrator could have much more work available on another website. avoid the tendancy get too set with only one royalty free download agency!
* Human beings love human beings more than things.
For your design, consider the viewers have to be engaged. Typically, persons are a lot more fascinated with humans and personifications as part of your design than nicely arranged impersonal things and shapes. Consider this! A lot of artists have made cute but professional series of characters that appear to suit just about any design!
* Do get to know the illustrator!
Nothing has been more helpful to me than knowing what graphic designers call for. It saves me a lot of random guessing... and it saves the designer lots of time. Artists always appreciate it when you have selected their work from among other options.
* Set up a consistant portfolio.
A few of us microstock artists have taken years to make a coordinated portfolio so you can make your selections within just minutes. If you do the same for your websites and designs, you will discover your target market become simple to please simply because they know what your style is, and usually want very little more.
* SIMPLE!.
By far the most important guideline: Continually stick with simplicity. Especially in our times. Your consumers will really like you for it!
I have built a living around the above principles, and no doubt you will be ready to use them likewise! They will for you as well.
Author Resource:
By Leo Blanchette, Illustrator. For more illustrations and royalty free illustration collections, www.ClipArtIllustration.com . See the Orange Man and AO-Maru. Fun, professional, effective!