Graphic dummies (like me), where do you get your graphics (particularly logos/icons)?

gonzoateafly

New member
In spite of wasting tons of hours trying to learn to make my own graphics, ultimately I just don't have the eye for it.

I'm really in want of a cheap (or better, free) source for custom graphics. I've been around the various open source graphic sites, but the stock graphics never fit the bill for whatever I'm trying to do. This is particularly true when it comes time to get a logo or icon for something I'm working on.

Does anyone have a good source for cheap (or on the long shot, free) professional looking graphic work?
At the moment, I'm in need of a logo, an pair of icons, and several game graphics (for an android app).
 

Genesis

Administrator
Staff member
Why not try out fiverr:
http://www.fiverr.com/

Fiverr is what it sounds like you only pay $5 dollars for a job. They have things like fixing small WordPress issues, creating a logo, or even fun things like making a song for you. You don't post your own jobs you browse through what people are offering and choose based on what they have.
 

GigaGreg

Moderator
Staff member
I use mostly royalty free images and stock photos, vector icons and such from all over the internet.
 

gonzoateafly

New member
iGdesigner said:
I use mostly royalty free images and stock photos, vector icons and such from all over the internet.

That's what I've been doing, but I rarely find exactly what I'm wanting like I could if someone was just putting it together for me.

Genesis said:
Why not try out fiverr:
http://www.fiverr.com/

Fiverr is what it sounds like you only pay $5 dollars for a job. They have things like fixing small WordPress issues, creating a logo, or even fun things like making a song for you. You don't post your own jobs you browse through what people are offering and choose based on what they have.

That's really cool! I've never heard of Fiverr, but I think that's perfect. Thanks!
 

GigaGreg

Moderator
Staff member
Thats my problem too. I don't havw money to buy exact thing so I have to keep searching.
 

Pauline

New member
I get them from Google. The Google takes one to the Websites, and usually one thing leads to another. I also like Deviantart.com. Plenty of original graphics come from there and one can easily ask permission to use the art from the source.
 

weilrich

New member
I have many artist friends who have DeviantArt accounts and it is one of the first places I look for talent. I have enough ability that I can create basic graphics, but for professional work I always hire a graphic artist (fortunately, I don't have to look very far because my daughter is incredibly talented but, because of that is also incredibly busy).

Remember when you commission an artist to provide a complete, detailed specification or your result may not be what you expect. Please do NOT ask an artist to redo a piece because your specification was inaccurate, incomplete, or because you changed your mind. Be prepared to pay for your own mistakes or you may quickly find that no-one in the graphics industry wants to work for you. Word does get around.
 

John M. Carr

New member
Honestly, the best place I've found for stock resources is DeviantArt. The choices there can be a bit eclectic, and they may not have exactly what you want all the time, but when they do... let's just say some of the best photographers and artists out there are on that site. I realize it wouldn't be for everyone, though, because you have to do some real digging at times to find the diamonds, but it is well worth the work. :smile:
 

Genesis

Administrator
Staff member
I also liked DeviantArt, until it became overpopulated with junk. I used to always access Deviantart first before I Googled for alternatives and am now doing it the other way round. Start with Google, and then once I land at DeviantArt work from what has come up at Google first and then get deeper in degrees from the Google point. DeviantArt needs to do something with its search tool or the way its art is set out. Just so much junk there as well. Takes longer and lots of effort to get to the better ones compared with in the beginning, around 2012/2013.
 

Garcon

New member
Narration: In this era of flat design, usage of text only logos is now widely spread. It looks even better when paired up with a background image or a photo.

In that case you could be proud of making your own logo :) Of course it doesn't suit every kind of website and purpose. Just be sure to find a nice commercial font ( fontsquirrel / google fonts )

For icon designs I've been using 'The Noun Project' a few times; somewhat an icon/small graphic marketplace and they're 2$ each. Or you pay 5 times that amount monthly for unlimited downloads and usage.

Not going broke anytime soon. It's actually 1.99
v
 

pan1

New member
I use google image to find graphic/vector that suitable for my project. Ah, when u use free graphic/image then its not like we can do whatever we want, you should check copyright status on every item. There is ethic and law using file (image, sound, video etc) which distributed on the net.
 

Gregoric

New member
You may subscribe to noupe.com or Smashing Magazine RSS channels. They post offers with high quality stuff that can be accessed for free usage, usually including commercial usage. I have already collected a pretty impressive collecion of amazing images, vectors and fonts.

I recommend you to check 'em out!
 

Snowflake

New member
I use deviantar must the time, and just found out this website yesterday: http://medialoot.com/ most of their stuff is paid, but they also have a few freebies. Just make sure you read their license notes to see how to credit them. :smile: