With the world steadily shifting exclusively to digital content, the bell for more content creators is ringing louder each day. With that increased demand, creativity and productivity is at an all-time premium. That’s why the good people here at THE BLOCK have compiled this list of free, quality resources that any creative can use in their next project, marketing website or social media post. Know some other resources we missed? Hit the comments section below or via our Instagram page.
Creative Resource Sites
The internet has no shortage of “creative libraries.” These sites contain thousands of graphic design templates, fonts, stock pictures, video templates and other creative assets—in some cases, absolutely free of charge. While there surely are more than can be contained in this article, members of THE BLOCK can definitely vouch for these:
RocketStock (rocketstock.com)
Operating on a “pay-per-download” basis, RocketStock is brimming with designer video elements and After Effects templates that they claim are “perfect for your next video project.” There are some freebies mixed in with paid content, but for any content creator looking to polish up their video presentations, you’re going to want to take a look here.
Motion Array (motionarray.com)
Similar to RocketStock, Motion Array is also chock full of designer video elements and templates. However, they take it a step further by also offering royalty free music, sound effects and original Adobe Premiere Pro plugins. Motion Array also differs by offering a monthly subscription model with unlimited downloads.
Envato Elements (elements.envato.com)
Perhaps the most popular of them all currently, is Envato Elements. In addition to the aforementioned templates and design elements, this one-stop shop takes it to a new level, from WordPress and html website templates to 3D mockups. The monthly subscription model and unlimited downloads make this an almost unbeatable value.
Raw Pixel (rawpixel.com)
For our strictly FREE people out there, Raw Pixel is pretty much just like the above mentioned sites, but completely free (there are some pay elements). While we all love free, keep in mind that “you get what you pay for.” This site offers nice options, but not to the level of some paid options offered elsewhere. Even if what Raw Pixel offers isn’t exactly what you need—that’s where being a creative really kicks in, right? Take what you got and make it better.
Creative Inspiration
No matter how good you are at your craft, it’s always helpful to see how others in your industry are creating. These sites can help you stay plugged in to what’s happening in the creative community and make sure you’re on your A-game.
Artsy Shark (artsyshark.com)
Artsyshark.com is dedicated to the business of art (i.e., how to get you paid). Here, you can find countless articles on marketing and sales, research different avenues to sell your art and even get some individual guidance. Every artist is different and of course art spans across an almost infinite number of disciplines, but there is sure to be a gem or two that you can uncover to help assist along your journey.
Communication Arts (commarts.com)
With the tag line “Exceptional design, advertising, illustration, photography, interactive and typography since 1959,” Communication Arts is here to let you know that they’re not playing about this design game. Add this digital publication to your favorites so that you’ll have a routine place to land for inspiration when approaching that next project.
DeviantART (deviantart.com)
Billed as “The largest online art gallery and community,” this is the site you visit when you want to see the absolute best in digital art and graphic design. While DeviantART may not apply to multiple disciplines like some of the other sites, it never hurts to be amongst the company of others who tend to use the right side of their brains. You never know what your imagination might run with!
Who Can Use (whocanuse.com)
Perhaps one of the least thought about elements of design is the effectiveness of your color scheme. Sometimes we choose our brand or project design based on our favorite colors or hometown sports teams or a mood board, but we hardly take time to consider how those colors are perceived by the outside world, most notably, potential customers. whocanuse.com is a completely free resource that gives an in-depth analysis of your chosen color scheme. You’ll be surprised at what information you can uncover.
Do you know of any more online creative resources (free or otherwise)? Comment below and share with the community!
