When creating banners for a blog, website or online shop, not all artists are experts at PhotoShop or Graphic Design. Here are some ways to help with that process.
Option 1: Do It Yourself: There are free photo editing software programs available. Some even come installed on a computer. Or you can pay for a single download on something like Canva is that is easier for you. Adobe also has a monthly subscription.
The images: I would suggest using your art as the art in the banner. But if there is need for other art, try a stock photo site, like iStock to purchase art for this purpose. Purchasing art, or making sure you have the right to use the images, is important. As artists, we more than most should respect the copyright of another’s work.
If you are using a cloud based software like Canva – they have some images you can use for free, and others you can use for a fee (or they are free if you have a monthly or yearly subscription).
The cool thing about Canva is that it already has templates for the banners you would most commonly need – this means that you aren’t trying to constantly rework your banner to fit the dimensions. And if you have a monthly or yearly subscription – you can use the resize tool to resize what you created. (However this isn’t as magical as it sounds, as I always have to then reposition things to make it look right.)
Option 2: Hire Someone: This doesn’t have to be as expensive as you think. I found a wonderful woman through Facebook who created my Etsy banners and avatars for one of my shops. It was much better for me to get a professional graphically designed banner quickly. Then for me to try and create it myself with less professional look.
Option 2.2 Outsource Through A Known Site: This is a second version of hiring someone to help. But it requires hiring someone who is generally out of the US/Canada area. Use a website such as Fiverr. These type of sites have overseas help for less than US prices. Fiver began with the idea that you can get work done, starting at just $5 an hour. (The price has now increased to $10-20 for most work.)
Because English is not the first language of most of those on these sites, one needs to be incredibly clear with instructions and expectations. As everything is done via email, over communication is the key. You will also need a PayPal account or credit card in order to pay your contractor.
Do not think of this as taking advantage of someone – because in some places in the world $5 or $10 USD for an hour of work is considered a very good living. And so you are actually spreading the wealth and opportunity when you use a service like this.
However I will say that when I pay a graphic designer in the US, with a known body of work, for a custom made avatar v.s. someone on Fiver for the same – the logo that I spent more money on, looks much better and meets my expectations more. So just know that going in.
You can also ask your friends if they have someone who can help. Sometimes they have a friend who is great at graphic design, or maybe your child or grandchild has a talent in these things. So get creative – if this isn’t your cup of tea. Ask around and maybe in the process you can bring a little cash to someone in your local community.
