3 Ways to Make Your Design Stand Out by Combining Vector and Photography

Working with exceptional photography or vector art helps your image break through visual clutter. But sometimes combining the two is a doubly effective way to capture people’s attention. We’ll show you how opposites attract by creating interesting effects through juxtaposition.

These three tips from iStock by Getty Images will help your design stand out by taking it to another level.

Use Textures to Transform Photos for a Weathered/Aged Look

Vector textures can help you achieve different looks to photography by adding elements like grunge, noise, or halftone. Simply overlay a vector texture on top of your image and change the color of the texture to white.

Link to grunge image: http://istockphoto.7eer.net/c/1321139/258824/4205?sharedid=Jan_Blog&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.istockphoto.com%2Fvector%2Fgrunge-textured-frame-gm955998022-261017019
Link to photo: http://istockphoto.7eer.net/c/1321139/258824/4205?sharedid=Jan_Blog&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.istockphoto.com%2Fphoto%2Fcouple-with-dog-gm942616438-257602219

Layer Portraits with Illustrations

Combining patterns or illustrations with photos can create a conceptual look that adds a unique element to your design. By silhouetting a portion of the portrait or illustration and overlaying it, your message takes on a uniquely differentiated meaning, and will make a more impactful impression on your audience.

Link to doodle illustration: http://istockphoto.7eer.net/c/1321139/258824/4205?sharedid=Jan_Blog&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.istockphoto.com%2Fvector%2Fdoodle-design-elements-gm166081077-21308652
Link to model image: http://istockphoto.7eer.net/c/1321139/258824/4205?sharedid=Jan_Blog&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.istockphoto.com%2Fphoto%2Ffashionable-female-blond-model-dancing-having-fun-gm925356864-253938999

Overlay an Icon on Top of The Image to Create Negative Space

Layering simple iconography over imagery is a graphic technique that adds complexity to better communicate your concept and magnify viewer interest. Find a vector icon that portrays your idea. Make sure it’s monochromatic, or that you can simplify it enough to work with your image. Image selection should relate to your idea, and add color and texture to contrast with the flat icon. Once you play with placement of the icon on image and the negative space, you can adjust the opacity to let a little bit of the image show through for a multidimensional effect.

Link to heart illustration: http://istockphoto.7eer.net/c/1321139/258824/4205?sharedid=Jan_Blog&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.istockphoto.com%2Fvector%2Fspeech-bubble-heart-flat-gm932436990-255557339
Link to female image: http://istockphoto.7eer.net/c/1321139/258824/4205?sharedid=Jan_Blog&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.istockphoto.com%2Fphoto%2Fpretty-woman-texting-on-the-phone-gm917971216-252528235

Vector art lets you add a distinctive look to your imagery that wouldn’t be possible with photography alone. Use these tips to create a dazzling contrast that stops people in their tracks and save 10% on premium vector art at iStock. Use code ISTOCK10 on any credit pack.