Life beyond Google image search!

Step away from that search engine! Keep your hands where I can see them. 

So many design projects begin with the ubiquitous six letters that spell a silly name; Google. A quick switch to 'images' and you're on your way to mining the internet for material for your design.

I am here to tell you there is another way. However, before I reveal the source, brace yourselves. I have met people who have never. used. this resource. 

We are talking about the library. 

OK, now I've lost you, haven't I. You're all running away and the thought of entering the library makes you want to set yourself on fire. Please don't, first of all, and second of all, let me tell you a secret about working designers; they have image libraries, with real books, on real shelves, collecting very real dust at times. But those books are worth their weight in super mega ultra platinum diamonds when it comes to searching for images. 

Here is an example. I recently found myself lingering in the dim aisles of the third floor and found these enormous topographic maps:

 

 

These maps were sitting nicely folded in a topographic study of Alaska that had not been checked out since January of 1972. The maps themselves were over sixty years old! The level of detail and size resulted in some of the largest scans I have ever made. This would be nearly impossible with a found image on the internet. 

There are thousands of images to be mined in the library. The bonus is that there are scanners in the lab on the first floor! You don't even have to check out the books to gather your images. 

The level of your custom work will reflect not the restrictions of search engines, but your design. What a freedom! Once you graduate and are wealthy and famous you can systematically purchase your own image library. A great place to start is Powell's books, 4th floor, in the graphic design section. They have GORGEOUS books made entirely of copyright-free illustrations and engravings. 

Let's leave Google image-based designs for the desktop publishing crowd. You are a designer! You want people to gasp at your work and ask "Where did you find that image!?"

>>> So check out the Branford Pryce Millar Library, your work will reflect your diligence! 

Comments

[nicolelavelle]

aaron! you're so right! the oversized books section on the second (third?) floor is my favorite. huge, huge maps. super outdated but beautiful.

[Sarah]

I love libraries so much! If I ever become rich and old I am leaving all my money to Multnomah County libraries. Thanks for this awesome post Aaron! Beautiful maps you found - and I bet they are 300+ dpi, none of that lame 72 dpi!

[Christy Lee Zilka]

Thank you Aaron. Sometimes I need to read things like this to get me out of my apartment.

[Beth Olson]

DUDE! It seriously never occured to me that there are books with copywrite-free images. Half.com, here I come!

[Sage]

Don't forget about the Anne and James F. Crumpacker Family Library AKA: The Portland Art Museum's library. It's just down the park blocks on the second floor of the Mark Building and JAM-PACKED with magnificent art books and helpful librarians. Plus, it has those green lamps and high backed chairs so you feel super important while you read.
Open Sunday – Thursday Noon to 5:00 p.m.
Free black&white copies, $1 for color