What is a stock image? How do I use them? What’s the difference between clipart and stock images? Stick around, and I’ll give you a quick overview on stock images — what they are, how to use them, and where to find them.
Clipart versus Stock Image
Clipart is a type of ready-to-use media that can be utilized in many different ways: presentations, documents, websites and so on. They are typically simple and not very realistic. Clipart is also usually free to download and use. You are probably familiar with the gallery of clipart images included with such software as Microsoft Office. Finally, while some clipart may have photographic elements, they usually come in the form of basic digital artwork.
Meanwhile, stock images are also pre-made media but with one significant difference. They are usually more realistic and of better quality than clipart. Stock images are often used in advertising, marketing, and other commercial applications where a higher resolution is necessary. Additionally, stock images may consist of either photographs or artwork. Sometimes, you can also purchase the raw files for the artwork, such as vector-based EPS, which allows you to customize the image (if you have the software to open the file!). While clipart is usually free, most stock images come at a price. This is usually a one-time expense or comes as a monthly subscription-based service (such as Shutterstock or Dreamstime). Copyright licenses are also a feature of this type of media purchase.
In summary, the main difference between clipart and stock images is the level of realism, quality and cost. Clipart is typically more simple and less realistic, while stock images are more realistic and high-quality. As an overview, stock images are a great way to add visual interest and professional polish to your website, blog, or marketing materials. But with so many stock image websites and literal millions of images to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
So next, let’s talk about…
How to Select the Right Stock Images
Here are a few tips on how to use stock images effectively. It’s not always as easy as it sounds. Let’s dig in.
- Choose the right media for your personal content. When choosing stock images, it’s important to select ones that are relevant to your content and target audience. For example, if you’re writing a blog post about baking, you’ll want to use images of ingredients, food, and cookware.
- Use high-quality images. Stock images can be a great way to save time and money, but it’s important to use high-quality images that will look professional and polished. Avoid using blurry or pixelated images (as you might find for free), and make sure the images are relevant to your content.
- Use images that are copyright-free. When using stock images, it’s important to make sure that you have the right to use them. Many stock image websites offer royalty-free images, which means you can use them for a one-time fee. However, there are also some stock image websites that require you to pay a monthly subscription fee.
- Credit the photographer or artist. When using stock images, it’s always a good idea to credit the creator. This is not only the right thing to do, but it can also help you build relationships with other content creators.
- Use images in a creative way. Stock images don’t have to be boring! There are lots of ways to use them creatively to enhance your content. For example, you can use them to create collages, school or work projects, or even on your YouTube channel.
By following these tips, you can use stock images to add value to your content and create engaging and visually appealing materials. I hope this article was a helpful overview on stock images, how they compare to clipart, and where to use them.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the perfect stock image, consider visiting my own collection! I add new stock images every month. This catalog of stock images has hundreds of images already available. Unlike subscription-based services, you won’t pay a recurring fee. You are not limited to so many credits or downloads each month. Furthermore, my prices are some of the cheapest paid stock images you’ll find anywhere online. While subscription-based websites sell credit packs with individual images costing around $2.99, the regular price on my website is always $0.99 per image. Or cheaper, during a sale!