Free High Resolution Images
Free High Resolution Images - It is possible to get free design
resources for your postcard printing. From a professional template, to
all the other design elements you would require.
Many of these resources are available free with no strings attached over
the internet. Let me tell you precisely the different places and
aspects where you can get these free resources. We will go into each
type of free resource that you might want so that you can pick what you
need.
1. Free desktop publishing applications - One of the first things that
one needs to create color postcards is of course a design or desktop
publishing application. Now, in this part, I recommend that you go for
something that is paid since they are all a lot better. However, you can
use some free ones out there if you are really starved for cash. Here
are two of the best and most popular that you can use.
a. OpenOffice - If you need a whole suite of software that is similar to
Microsoft Office, then OpenOffice.org is for you. Its Writer
application and Draw application can be used.
b. Scribus - Something akin to InDesign and QuarkXPress, Scribus is one
of the best FREE desktop publishing applications out there. With the
proper settings, you can use this to design easily.
2. Free image manipulation programs - Since color postcards need very
precise images, you will probably be hunting free image manipulation
programs when you can. While the best are still the paid ones here, two
great looking image programs can easily fit the bill for free image
editing.
a. GIMP - Gimp is one of the most popular open source design
applications and most consider it the free version of Photoshop. While
there is a learning curve here, gimp still remains to be the best for
most people looking for high functionality in a free image-editing
package.
b. Inkscape - Inkscape is one of the best alternatives to Gimp when it
comes to graphic design. While it can handle mainly vectors and shapes
just like Illustrator, Inkscape should also be handy for most
photographs, albeit with limited filters.
3. Free high-resolution images - While there are TONS of free images on
the Internet, most are in low resolution. That is why most people are
actually gunning for free high-resolution images whenever possible in
their design. There are sites out there that can help you find what you
need. The best one I would recommend is Morguefile.com as it always
delivers high quality free images with just a quick search.
4. Free font styles - Fonts are an essential part of creating a good
theme. Luckily for us, there are tons of free font resources out there
ripe for the picking. While some of these font databases share similar
fonts, most are updated regularly so you can pick some really great and
fresh new font styles typically in the process.
a. Dafont.com - Good collection of categorized fonts
b. Urbanfonts.com - Great creative collection of free fonts
c. 1001fonts.com - Massive amounts of fonts free for download
5. Free postcard templates - If you are looking for postcard templates,
the best way to do so and get them free is to look for postcard printing
companies online. These firms will have several types of color postcard
templates available free. Some of course will require you to order from
them, or register for a newsletter, but most will just provide them
with no strings attached. Just use a search engine to get the most
number of postcard printing companies that you can access in your area.
6. Free formatting advice - If you need some formatting or design
advice, free, the best way to go about it is to go look at design
forums. These design forums are typically thick with professionals and
newbies, asking each other questions. Here are some of the forums that
you should look at.
a. Graphic Design Forums
b. Estetica-Design-Forum
c. Your Design Forums
d. HowDesign Forums
Try to enjoy these free design resources. There are plenty of options so browse and see what is best!