Vintage yellow robot: finding or selling stock images

September 29, 2007

vintage yellow robot I’ve noticed over the months that a number of visitors have come to this site as a result of a Google Image search for “vintage robot” or “vintage toy robot.” I’ve used the robot image in one place or another on Sparkling Dawg for well over a year, most recently in the “Search Engine Optimization” post. I also use it on my spam tips site: ctrl-zweb.com.

Here’s where I found this image: iStockphoto.com. If I’m not using one of my stock photographs, or creating a new illustration, I often use iStockphoto to save time and client expense. It’s free to join, and then you pay whatever amount you want in credits. Each image download is a certain amount of credits. Most of my downloads are for Web use, so they are low-resolution and just 1 credit. A high-resolution vector illustration can be 5 credits. With bulk credits, downloaded images only cost from a little over a dollar for web sizes to about 6 dollars for vector illustrations. In addition to photos and illustrations, you can get Flash animations and video. iStockphoto’s catalog is pretty large, the images are always high-quality, and downloads are straightforward and reliable. You can also download a watermarked low-res comp to see if the image will work in your project before you buy it. Compared to other services, I find iStockphoto to be a much more affordable alternative for good quality images. Their Web site is attractive and easy to use, too.

iStockphoto will also sell your work, but I can’t vouch for how favorably they compare to other services for commissions. I do know their standards are high, and judging by the extent of their catalog, lots of folks are selling through them.

If you want to find the source of the vintage robot above, his catalog number is #403291. A search at iStockphoto for “vintage robot” will include him and many other excellent alternatives.

Posted by Lynn | Filed Under Images/Image Handling |