There are a number of resources online for finding free stock photography, vectors, custom shapes for Photoshop, and all kinds of other useful items for designers. However, sometimes the quality you need will not be there with free items, and you may also spend more time searching for something free than it’s worth. There are certainly times when it’s appropriate to pay for quality work.
With that in mind, I thought it would be appropriate to put together a small collection of the best sources for buying premium vectors. If you know of other good sources that have been excluded from the list, please leave a comment.
Go Media’s Arsenal
The vector packs from Go Media are probably the most popular vector packs you can buy. When buying from Go Media you know you will be getting quality vectors.
Designious
Designious is another source of high quality vectors with a wide selection from which to choose. You can buy individual vector packs, or get a big discount by purchasing the Giga Vector Pack.
Vector Stock
Vector Stock is a marketplace that specializes in vectors and illustrations. Designers can sell their work through Vector Stock, and anyone can buy individual pieces for as little as $1.
Flava FX
Flava FX has well over 100 vector packs available for purchase, and 20 value packs that include multiple individual packs at a reduced price.
iStockphoto
iStockphoto is the leading marketplace of stock photos and vector illustrations. They have a huge selection of quality items with prices starting at $1, and they also have subscription-based plans.
StockXpert
StockXpert is another leading choice for both stock photography and vectors. The selection and prices are similar to iStockphoto. They also sell individual items or subscriptions.
Cutcaster
Cutcaster is another marketplace for stock photos and illustrations. The selection in general is not quite as good as iStockphoto or StockXpert.
Big Stock Photo
Big Stock Photo has a very large selection of photos and vectors, and prices start as low as $1.
Shutterstock
Shutterstock is a subscription-based marketplace. For $249 you can download up to 25 images per day (or 750 per month).
I Heart Vector
I Heart Vector has number of vector packs, as well as individual vectors, for sale. Individual vectors start at $1.99 and packs start at $4.99.
Chadlonius.com
Chadlonius is a graphic design blog that sells some individual vectors as well as sets of vectors.
Designfruit
Designfruit is a graphic design blog that also sells dome premium items, including vectors.
October 5th, 2008
This is amazing. I never was very good with illustrator and this will probably give me a boost in a lot of areas, at least a starting point for some of the things I’ve been trying to create.
Thanks
October 5th, 2008
Nice roundup, bookmarked. Thanks!
October 6th, 2008
You missed 123rf.com. I use them regularly for quality stock and sometimes vectors and the pricing is superb.
Great List!
October 6th, 2008
“iStockphoto is the leading marketplace of stock photos and vector illustrations. They have a huge selection of quality items with prices starting at $1m”
Really? 1 million dollars?!
October 6th, 2008
Ben,
Thanks for pointing that out. Not sure how I did that, but it’s fixed.
October 6th, 2008
[...] at Vandelay Design for this great resource. In their post on Sunday, they put together a list of 12 of the Best Sources of Premium Vectors. The list features Vector packs from Go Media, Designous, VectorStock and several other great [...]
October 6th, 2008
Thanks!
October 7th, 2008
Thank you for mentioning us. We are very happy to be on your list along so many other great vector resources.
October 7th, 2008
I have big trust for Gomedia now, but I’ll check out the others too! I knew just few of them, nice
October 8th, 2008
Ya me too I ‘ll check out others too.
October 8th, 2008
You missed 123rf.com. I use them regularly for quality stock and sometimes vectors and the pricing is superb.
October 9th, 2008
very good summary, more than I thought that there is on the market.
October 12th, 2008
[...] photography sites and stock vector sites provide marketplaces for designers to passively sell their own work. Most of these sites will only [...]
October 17th, 2008
Ive bookmarked, great little round up! I always love to see how other have worked their vectors and leanr how to improve myself! thanks
October 26th, 2008
[...] Vários vetores [...]
November 2nd, 2008
[...] Visit Source [...]
November 25th, 2008
Theres also http://www.vectorjungle.com/. A lot of cool vectors and all of them are free for personal and commercial use.
December 8th, 2008
really thanks
December 15th, 2008
Just another one I’ve stumbled across recently and bought from:
http://www.laconicdesign.net/stockpile
Their vector packs are super-unique, check em out…The prices are crazy low.
This blog list is awesome for designers!!!
January 19th, 2009
I use shutterstock through work, although they have lots of content I find they’re not the best on the market and some of their content is rather bad.
March 6th, 2009
[...] 12 of the Best Sources of Premium Vectors | Vandelay Design Blog Great premium vectors!! (tags: design resources illustrator vectors vector images stock) [...]
March 7th, 2009
[...] 12 Best Premium Vector Packs: Yes Vectors! They are all the rage. And if you want the best of the best, go here. [...]