What decision do you make as graphic designer as far as selecting images?

Question:I know that as a professional graphic designer, you will either create your own images or buy existing images. So my question is: when should you use existing images? and when do you decide to draw your own?? What factors affect your decision?

Also, if you decide to use existing image, how do you find the images that look exactly the same as those in your mind??

It's been confusing me for a long time. I hope you guys out there can help me! Thank you!

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I know that as a professional graphic designer, you will either create your own images or buy existing images. So my question is: when should you use existing images? and when do you decide to draw your own?? What factors affect your decision?

Also, if you decide to use existing image, how do you find the images that look exactly the same as those in your mind??

It's been confusing me for a long time. I hope you guys out there can help me! Thank you!

It is ALWAYS dependent on the client's budget. My own illustrations go for nearly $100 an hour, while simple design layouts go for as little as $50 to $60 an hour. If I have clip art or stock photo images available, I can save my clients several hundred dollars in my labor. And, believe me, while I would rather get paid my premium rate for a project, I would still rather get paid something than let a client go.

Some clients are willing to strike a happy medium by paying me to research the EXACT stock photo image, especially if it is of a subject that I cannot capture with my own camera equipment. (inaccesible subject matter or, something, technically beyond my photographic skills)

Remember, that as a pro, it is not what I have in my mind, but what the client has on his mind.

I do advise them that, like most design work, they get what they paid for. Still, at all the payment levels, I give the best if which I am capable, whatever the dollar value of my invoices.

I purchase a lot of photos through istockphoto.com They are inexpensive, and you can search through gazillions of photos. I use existing photos for foundation shots... what they offer. Then punch it up with new images and a cool font. It's all part of the design decisions and what works. It just takes some time to figure out your style.