Where to find contextual image templates for your brand identity presentations
When it comes to client presentations, contextual imagery is key. The use of digital mock-ups allows your clients to visualize how their new brand identity will tie-in with the products they produce, the premises they occupy, the vehicles they drive, the clothes they wear.
Here are three resources for downloading contextual image templates.
PrestoVisual
The new kid on the block, PrestoVisual was launched in 2010. I asked the site owner what prompted the development.
“I guess it’s obvious that everyone uses the internet these days to source images for projects. The last few years has seen the rise of stock photography sites that cater for almost any situation — up to a point. I think that as budgets and deadlines have become tighter the stock image site has come into its own. My experience in the packaging design industry has shown me that there’s a fairly continuous need for imagery based on every-day objects, especially in the drinks sector. I’ve sold nearly 1,000 wine bottle renders on istockphoto over the past three years, which showed me there was a demand for these kind of images, and I thought ‘why not do my own site?’
“I had the dream of creating a virtual supermarket full of blank pack visuals that designers could call upon as and when projects demanded. I’ve launched the site with nearly 600 visuals — all created in my spare time, and I intend to keep adding more images when time allows.”
LiveSurface
The LiveSurface image template library was created by designer and entrepreneur Joshua Distler.
Flickr
It’s much more difficult to find the “right” image on Flickr, and you’ll need to be sure the photographer grants permission for use, but if you have the time, searching through the Flickr archives is another option.
I recommend using the advanced image search, and checking the box to find all photos tagged with the “creative commons” license.
Where do you find your contextual image templates?
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29 appreciated comments on “Where to find contextual image templates for your brand identity presentations”
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Very useful Dave, thanks. I was just on Live Surface for the first time today.
There’s a few other blank images here – http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/40-high-resolution-blank-template-free-stock-photos/
and here http://creativebits.org/toolbox/clear_images_for_identity_design that your readers might find useful too.
@David
That site looks absolutely fantastic. wow, the built in masking and layer adjustments look like it’ll make things so much more realistic. I’ve bookmarked it for future reference (for when I’m earning money from my design)
@Jennifer
Although slightly less impressive than the files provided on the live surface site, I am incredibly thankful for those links. They shall serve me well while I’m working on non-commercial stuff (like for friends etc)
What I have done in the past, was go to zazzle.co.uk (or .com) and they provide a preview of your finished product when you’re making something custom. I’ve left the design blank, and downloaded the image. not great quality, and I can’t use the image for anything but it’s done the job I needed
Hi Jennifer. I’m sure others will find use from your links. Thanks for leaving those.
Unfortunately Prestovisual only shows dummy text when I go to the page with a german browser. Not very professional.
Let’s hope they have the site running soon.
Hi Patrick, Sorry to hear about your problems with the site. It’s only been up 3 weeks and so bound to be subject to some issues. I’m looking into your particular problem to see if there’s a fix.
Regards, Peter
Hi again, I have made some amends to the website, hopefully it will display English text on your German browser now! I haven’t scripted for all languages unfortunately, maybe in the near future…
Peter
Topical post David, I’ll be checking out Presto and Live for a current project.
In the past (life before istockphoto et al) I used http://www.sxc.hu and that still has some useful free imagery, and a friendly community.
Another often overlooked resource is the commons…see here for some of their latest acquisitions http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:NewFiles
Cheers,
Neil.
This makes the job a lot easier. In fact, I get people asking for graphics of their house, offices on the basis of the maps they provide me.
I think this is the best way in making out what the ‘end product’ would be like and the best way in deciding on this.
Hey guys,
Thanks for the very useful links. I normally use http://www.sxc.hu but finding it increasingly difficult to find exactly what I’m looking for. These should help!
Cheers,
Ciaran
I discovered LiveSurface recently as well. Their stuff seems top notch and seems like the only place that has quality magazine mock-ups.
For quality t-shirt or poster mock-ups I’d suggest:
http://arsenal.gomedia.us/templates.html
David, awesome, I actually never new something like this was available (eg. live surface). Thanks so much for the useful resource. I am sure to get some use from it.
Very cool. Just checked out PrestoVisual, didn’t know it existed. A useful resource and time saver, thanks David.
Thank you so much! Just in time! :)
Very impressive. I have noticed that clients aren’t as visual as designers are when it comes to branding material. Will make sure to use these sources to push my favorite design concepts when presenting to clients.
David, did you use that image when presenting the Henri Ehrhart logo?
Hi Peter, congrats on PrestoVisual. There is definitely a need for a stock library like this one. I have bookmarked it. Thanks David for sharing.
Looks like an interesting resource. I’ll have to revisit it when I have more time. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve known about LiveSurface for a while just not tried it yet, does look good.
Thanks for the links David!
A major difference to note: from what I could see, it seems like the images on PrestoVisuals are generally more marker/Photoshop rendered looking pure views where LiveSurface images seem more more true-to-life photographic. Also LiveSurface images are pre-masked, have 3d surfaces and layers (background, shadows and highlights) to boot (sorry, I’m a longtime fan!!).
Daniel, the images on PrestoVisual are all rendered in Cinema 4D (apart from the Fruit and Vegetables, which were professionally shot) , then refined in Photoshop. The PSD files come fully layered with highlight and shadow layers where possible.
The main difference with is that my images are ostensibly for the packaging industry, whereas LiveSurface is more print / graphic based. It’s a great site, but not a direct competitor!
Peter
Flickr can be a great resource and the advanced search feature is key. Even still you might have to spend some time weeding through irrelevant photos.
Wow david, this sure is usefull! I had some clients asking about these kind of sites, so I will definately also give them your site and prestovisual. I just check it resently, but it looks promising.
Your posts are very informative, keep on the good work.
Hi Mark, no, I didn’t use the Henri Ehrhart image in my client presentation. I created it a few days back for the purpose of this blog post.
Thanks for the comments, everyone, to PG for the Go Media t-shirt mockup link, and to Peter for responding to queries about PrestoVisual.
Thanks so much for the great links, David. And I love the new site, as well! Very clean with a few punches of color…well done!
Great resource! When I think of the amount of time I’ve spent over the years photoshopping images of things to achieve the sort of template image these guys are putting out makes me wish it had happened sooner!
Scott: LiveSurface has been around for years. It did happen sooner ;-)
Hi David,
Impressed with the Henri Ehrhart image in your post – looks like you just took a happy snap of the bottle. :)
Marnie B
Thanks very much, Marnie. I’ve been crafting a few more shots on my tester design portfolio, too (soon to be linked through my blog’s portfolio buttons).
They look fantastic. The white Tunelinks pencil is stunning.
I like your portfolio, David Airey.