Hello, I have a small problem...lol
I am new and have been using my own photography images for my cards.
My supply of usable photos are running low and they limit me as to what cards I can make.  Where do you get all you graphics from, if thats all right for me to ask, as I am amazed at the different graphics on everyones cards.  Is there a secret to finding or using graphics.
Thanks in advance
Ange

I use my own photos .... but I'm also shooting every week ...

I actually have a broken ankle and CANT get out! Its really no laughing matter, I am wondering where you get your clipart grapics from

Quote from Angela_146485 on Feb 20^th, 2011, 3:03pm:

 
Hallo Angela, I'm sorry to hear about your ankle and hope you are getting better soon.
 
The Clip Art graphics we use are our own design. You have to be very careful about using just any clip art or illustrations even if they come with your program (i.e. Photoshop or Illustrator) as they are copyrighted and are only to be used for personal use and not for commercial use. I'm sure you know that already, but just want to save you loads of hassle in case you thought it was ok to use them.  
 
Even if you buy illustrations and such from places like Shutterstock and others, you would have to have an extended license to use them on your cards. I know this does not actually give you a good positive answer but I've found if you are good at drawing and not good with photoshop or illustrator, just draw a few nice images (clip art) and scan them onto your computer. At times, simple drawings are most popular. Just look at some of the cards, they are hand drawn and absolutely beautiful.  
 
Hope that helps and you get better real soon.
 
Take care
 
Celia

Quote from Angela_146485 on Feb 20^th, 2011, 3:03pm:

 
Sorry Angela, I was not laughing AT YOU, I was laughing at the thought I COULD never run out as I sit here and look at 3 huge tubs of photographs from before my digital switch in the 90's and keep thinking I really need to scan those  
 
You have to look very, very hard out there at download sites, but you can find some public domain pieces that if you are really good at Photoshop you can use as pieces to create other interesting pieces.  Just be sure to read each item's license and be sure to use the image in a new piece creatively rather than just put the photograph on a card as is...and keep a link to anything you choose to use because if you use the work of another, add the link to the Reviewer's Notes box so they can quickly verify you have the right to use the work.  That will make the review time much faster.
 
Again, I'm so sorry if you thought I was laughing at you, I assure you I was not.  Oh and take a photo of that broken ankle of yours and see if you can make a great get well card, there is a category for that too  

Hi Angela,
I am so sorry about your broken ankle.  
 
It is a problem sometimes to find the graphic you want. However like everybody else has stated you have to be very careful and not get into a copyright dilema.
 
One of the things I do for my backgrounds is to use the photo shop filters to create a different look. You can also create snowmen and women and snow by using Photoshop and the  different shapes...take a look at my snow people. Use you photos in different ways to create different scenes and details.  
 
Make your own brushes by using  one of your photos and photoshop to make the brush of your choice.Then make a design from that brush for a background.
 
But if you are like me,you DO have tons of photos...   so I use those of flowers,places, I have traveled,butterflies,birds, and anything I think I can use for a successful card. Look through stores and you can come up with lots of ideas of your own without copying someone.
 
 
Happy cardmaking,
Bettie