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