WEBVTT Kind: captions Language: en 00:00:01.930 --> 00:00:03.389 Images. 00:00:03.389 --> 00:00:07.310 No matter what the subject, we're naturally drawn to them. 00:00:07.310 --> 00:00:14.060 From beautiful, high-definition photos… to carefully crafted illustrations—even 00:00:14.060 --> 00:00:18.320 simple examples, like logos and icons. 00:00:18.320 --> 00:00:20.940 Images are more than just decoration. 00:00:20.940 --> 00:00:24.810 In design, they're the hook that draws the viewer in. 00:00:24.810 --> 00:00:29.420 Compelling visuals can help you connect with the audience—and make a strong impression—before 00:00:29.420 --> 00:00:32.840 they've even read a single word. 00:00:32.840 --> 00:00:36.610 You don't have to be an artist to use images in your work. 00:00:36.610 --> 00:00:42.220 All it takes is a little creativity and a willingness to think outside the box. 00:00:42.220 --> 00:00:46.320 With the right resources, you can learn to set your designs apart. 00:00:46.320 --> 00:00:52.640 First: Finding high-quality images for any type of project. 00:00:52.640 --> 00:00:56.899 Maybe you're handy with a camera or have some graphic design experience—that's great! 00:00:56.899 --> 00:00:59.290 If not… don't panic. 00:00:59.290 --> 00:01:04.780 There are countless sources online that offer images for exactly this purpose. 00:01:04.780 --> 00:01:12.610 The truth is, most people (including professionals) rely on free or low-cost images called stock. 00:01:12.610 --> 00:01:18.030 Stock is perfect when you need something specific—for example, a photo of a tiny dog in a teacup—and 00:01:18.030 --> 00:01:23.810 you don't have the time or resources to make it yourself. 00:01:23.810 --> 00:01:28.460 Most stock image sites let you browse or search their offerings. 00:01:28.460 --> 00:01:32.740 Look for results that are relevant to your project, but also unique in some way. 00:01:32.740 --> 00:01:39.330 As viewers, people are naturally drawn to images that feel authentic; for example, distinct 00:01:39.330 --> 00:01:43.890 but believable photos… and graphics that tell a story. 00:01:43.890 --> 00:01:49.110 The best images are somewhat open-ended—they set the tone for your project but leave room 00:01:49.110 --> 00:01:52.579 for interpretation. 00:01:52.579 --> 00:01:55.500 Some stock images are just too generic to be effective. 00:01:55.500 --> 00:02:00.090 For instance, how many times have you seen a business presentation with something like 00:02:00.090 --> 00:02:01.090 this? 00:02:01.090 --> 00:02:07.189 For a more modern, professional design, avoid images that lack context or are too literal 00:02:07.189 --> 00:02:08.450 in meaning. 00:02:08.450 --> 00:02:13.230 Instead, look for imagery that's connected to your work, but in a more subtle, relatable 00:02:13.230 --> 00:02:14.230 way. 00:02:14.230 --> 00:02:18.400 Of course, it's not just about content. 00:02:18.400 --> 00:02:22.739 There's also a technical side to images, which can have a big impact on your work. 00:02:22.739 --> 00:02:28.550 It doesn't matter if the photo you've chosen is absolutely perfect in every other way—if 00:02:28.550 --> 00:02:33.849 it's blurry or pixelated, it could give the wrong impression. 00:02:33.849 --> 00:02:38.900 Look for high-quality images that are sharp, clear, and free of distortion. 00:02:38.900 --> 00:02:42.329 In general, bigger is better, because it gives you more to work with. 00:02:42.329 --> 00:02:47.599 A large, high-resolution image can always be cropped or sized down, depending on the 00:02:47.599 --> 00:02:49.909 needs of the project. 00:02:49.909 --> 00:02:52.870 Unfortunately, it doesn't work the other way around. 00:02:52.870 --> 00:02:58.430 If you enlarge a smaller image, it immediately loses quality. 00:02:58.430 --> 00:03:02.489 That's because most images are in something called raster format. 00:03:02.489 --> 00:03:07.670 They're made up of thousands, sometimes even millions of tiny little pixels. 00:03:07.670 --> 00:03:12.969 When you view a raster image at its original size or smaller, the pixels are invisible—they're 00:03:12.969 --> 00:03:14.420 just too small to see. 00:03:14.420 --> 00:03:21.930 But if you zoom in or enlarge it… the results aren't pretty. 00:03:21.930 --> 00:03:24.760 Vector graphics are quite different from raster. 00:03:24.760 --> 00:03:29.449 You can make them any size, big or small, without losing any quality. 00:03:29.449 --> 00:03:33.629 That's because they're made of something more complex than pixels—they're rendered using 00:03:33.629 --> 00:03:36.370 a special form of geometry. 00:03:36.370 --> 00:03:40.510 You're not likely to find vector graphics outside of professional design settings, but 00:03:40.510 --> 00:03:44.279 it's good to know what they are. 00:03:44.279 --> 00:03:49.329 Few stock images are perfect as-is, even if they're technically high quality. 00:03:49.329 --> 00:03:53.780 Maybe the image is the wrong size or the colors could use some work. 00:03:53.780 --> 00:03:59.220 Fortunately, even basic programs let you make simple adjustments nowadays. 00:03:59.220 --> 00:04:05.019 Look for these options the next time you need to fix or enhance an image. 00:04:05.019 --> 00:04:10.040 Cropping can be used to change the size, shape, or focus of an image, making it useful in 00:04:10.040 --> 00:04:12.489 many different situations. 00:04:12.489 --> 00:04:16.980 Try this feature if your graphic is the wrong dimensions, or if it includes something you'd 00:04:16.980 --> 00:04:21.329 rather cut out. 00:04:21.329 --> 00:04:26.860 Cosmetic adjustments let you enhance certain image qualities, like brightness… contrast… 00:04:26.860 --> 00:04:28.960 saturation… and color. 00:04:28.960 --> 00:04:34.620 If your favorite program offers filters or presets, you can change your image dramatically 00:04:34.620 --> 00:04:40.400 with very little time and effort. 00:04:40.400 --> 00:04:44.650 Resizing an image will ensure it's the perfect fit for your project. 00:04:44.650 --> 00:04:48.919 Just remember: you can't make images bigger than their original size without affecting 00:04:48.919 --> 00:04:50.860 their quality. 00:04:50.860 --> 00:04:54.900 If the image you're working with simply isn't big enough, it's best to choose something 00:04:54.900 --> 00:04:56.040 else. 00:04:56.040 --> 00:05:02.730 Alternatively, find a creative way to work with the image size you have. 00:05:02.730 --> 00:05:07.000 Adding photos, graphics, and other visuals to your work is a great way to make it more 00:05:07.000 --> 00:05:08.570 engaging. 00:05:08.570 --> 00:05:13.599 Even a simple background image can transform your design into something special. 00:05:13.599 --> 00:05:18.620 Just remember what you've learned about image quality—both technical and conceptual—and 00:05:18.620 --> 00:05:21.990 your work is sure to stand out for the right reasons. 00:05:21.990 --> 00:05:27.979 We hope you enjoyed learning the basics of images. 00:05:27.979 --> 00:05:33.249 Check out the rest of our design topics, including typography, color, and composition.