Pictures for Blogs

When I first started writing articles I used to search Google for images. I used the advanced search for images and then selected "Labelled for commercial reuse". As soon as I did this the choice was very limited but I always managed to find something to fit what I was writing about. Most of the pictures were from Flickr. I joined Flickr and would always send a message to the owner of the picture I used along with a link to my hub asking for permission to use their art with my post. Those who did reply were only too happy to give their permission and responded very warmly. As long as I gave the artist credit and included a link back to them the artists were very happy to associate their work with my writing. The only problem with this was that not everyone replied and sometimes the permission came after a long wait.

Below is an example of a picture from Flickr I used with my hub "Cutting the Ties That Bind" to explain a visualization exercise I use with my clients to cut the ties that bind us to people and things that prevent our emotional and spiritual development.

I then started using images form Microsoft Office . The images are free and there are literally thousands to choose from. Though I found it very convenient using these images I felt something was lacking. There is simply no substitute for good quality art which matches and enhances the written word. The image can often convey more efficiently a message without words and so cut to the chase. I appreciate it when I see the trouble a writer goes to to choose an image to fit an article because it really does make a difference.

One day I decided to ask a hubber where she got her beautiful pictures. She told me she got them from a website called deviantart and from that day onwards I never looked back. When I visited the website to check it out I thought I had died and gone to heaven. I spent hours browsing through the most beautiful images which are there in abundance in what seems like an infinite choice.

The first thing I did was become a member and I even submitted some of my own art. I then set about introducing myself to the creators of the art that I was attracted to. I sent each of them them one of my hubs to give them an idea of the kind of thing I tend to write about and asked them if they would be interested in associating their art work with my writing.

Every one of them was so courteous to me and not only did they say how honoured they would be for me to use their art they also gave me some very positive feedback on what I had written. These were people who took pride in their work and appreciated being me making the effort to contact them and asking their permission.

After writing a post I always still send the link, to the artists whose work I use, and just to make sure they are happy with the way their art is used and credited.

At first I chose five artists in particular to befriend and I gave each of them a 1 month premium membership as a gesture of my appreciation for being given permission to use their amazing work with my writing. This was the equivalent of giving each of them 396 points which gives them benefits only open to premium members. Each cost $4.95. It was not the amount of money but the thought I wished to convey and each artist understood this and sent me a very warm message of appreciation.

You get back what you give out and I have always stuck by my principle to do unto others as you would like them do unto you.

Below are pictures from some of my favourite artists from deviantart whose work I regularly use.

This picture by AlexGroseth I used in my hub "Hearts and Mind on Fire with Enthusiasm" explaining how to use meditation to regain the power to direct attention deliberately and to use thought to create what you want and not what others want for you.

I used this picture by Ricky4 to explain in my hub "The Artist Within" how we use our thoughts and feelings to create our reality. We are not helpless victims of life but rather the creators of our lives. 

I used this picture by AshenSorrow in my hub "What Does Your Dream Mean?" in which I talk about the very important part our dream world plays in each of our lives.

I used this picture by Parablev also in my hub "What Does Your Dream Mean?" because I felt it brilliantly describes how most of us spend our lives ... trapped in the capsule of our thinking minds rarely leaving our comfort zones. 

I used this picture by KHcode in my hub "All Criticism is Self Criticism" to highlight the power of love to create happiness in our lives.

Ask and you shall receive and there is more than enough of everything for everyone in this world.