Working faster without looking generic.
WHAT THEY PROVIDE
Speed A competent starting point Capability beyond your own skills
WHAT THEY COST
Resemblance to everyone else using them.
WHAT TO CHANGE ALWAYS
Colours, to your palette Typefaces, to yours Imagery, to yours Layout, at least partly
WHY THAT COMBINATION
It removes the recognisable signature while keeping the structure.
WHAT TO AVOID
Using a template unmodified Stock images that are obviously stock Popular images seen everywhere
HOW TO TELL IF AN IMAGE IS OVERUSED
Search for it before using it.
WHAT MAKES STOCK IMAGERY LOOK STOCK
Staged interactions Implausible settings Models who look like models Excessive polish
WHAT TO PREFER
Real photographs of your own business, wherever possible.
WHY
They are distinctive, and they build trust that stock cannot.
WHAT TO CHECK BEFORE USING ANY ASSET
The licence Whether it covers your intended use Whether attribution is required
WHAT TO RECORD
Where each asset came from, and under what terms.
WHY
You will need it when questioned, years later.
