Using stock illustration, like stock photography, is a common way to help creative professionals visually communicate a concept. There is an abundance of stock illustrations available for purchase online through several stock art agencies, many of which sell both stock photography and stock illustration. Buying stock art is a convenient option for those looking for an image without having to sacrifice quality or time and while staying on budget.
Stock illustration falls into two main categories: royalty free and rights managed. The decision to purchase royalty free or rights managed depends on the buyer’s requirements. For instance, royalty free illustration usage allows for an image to be used multiple times and for numerous projects for one flat fee. This is because pricing of a royalty free illustration is determined by the size of the illustration and not its specific use. Illustration sizes vary from low resolution, which is suitable for web, to high or vector resolution, which is suitable for printed material. Royalty free illustration can be used with few usage restrictions and for many projects including annual reports, brochures, newsletters, magazines, newspapers, books, and web sites, etc.
Rights managed illustration may be preferable for those who are opting for more exclusivity of image use.
