Image Sources Just For You!

Since one of the mediums I work in a lot happens to be photography, I never have a shortage of image files to work with in my art studio. However, a lot of artists who paint do not dabble in photography and struggle with finding images that are 'kosher' to use without infringing on copyright. Well, yes, then there are some who never concern themselves about that at all and as a photographer, I find that disregard to be along the lines of piracy!

But, there is a way to get  your hands on images and use them legally. The nice folks at ArtSpark explains how:

"In a world where text is everywhere, visual representation of ideas, process and data is more important than ever to capture (and hold!) the attention of your intended audience.

Two of ArtSpark’s favorite treasure troves for visual images, including photographs, illustrations and icons, are FREE (although attribution is required for one and suggested for the other).

1) Flickr.com images with a Creative Common license.

You can access Flickr.com Creative Commons images easily by doing an “advanced search” and scrolling down to the Creative Commons area.  The attribution license “lets others distribute, remix, tweak, and build upon your work, even commercially, as long as they credit you for the original creation. This is the most accommodating of licenses offered. Recommended for maximum dissemination and use of licensed materials.”  I have found great images and illustrations (also drawings) on Flickr.com this way, and even developed a couple of relationships with fellow creatives.  (NOTE:  you can search and access/download content without having a Flickr.com account.)"

You can read the rest of the article here.