How to Make Custom Images Without Hiring a Designer

The posts on this blog usually run about 2,000 words. Be honest—would you read it all if it were just a massive wall of text? Some of you would (and we appreciate that), but we’d never fault anyone for skimming or bouncing. It’s hard to stay engaged without visual breaks.

That’s exactly why articles with images get 94% more total views than those without.

And that’s just the average. If you use visuals effectively, the impact on your traffic can be even greater.

It’s a win-win: You get more engagement and pageviews, and your readers get content that’s more enjoyable and easier to digest.

Even though social media and blog content aren’t exactly the same, social media proves the point—great visuals matter.

Words are powerful, but no matter how good your writing is, it only goes so far when it comes to holding attention and communicating quickly.

Images, on the other hand, are processed by the brain up to 60,000 times faster than text. They make an instant impression.

Bottom line: Every blog post should include visuals. They create a better experience, help explain your ideas faster, and increase time on site—all signals that help your content perform better in Google search results.

There’s just one problem: images can be expensive. While large brands can hire professional designers, most small businesses and creators don’t have that kind of budget.

So if you want high-quality custom images and can’t afford a designer, you’ll need to create them yourself.

That intimidates a lot of bloggers—but it doesn’t have to. This guide will walk you through how to easily make professional-looking images on your own, without needing expensive software or tons of design experience.

5 Steps to Create Custom Images for Blog Posts

Here’s how to make your own polished images without hiring a designer or spending hours learning Photoshop:

1. Use free or low-cost image sources
2. Follow the “Secret Sauce” to design images like a pro
3. Learn the elements of good design
4. Create your first image using a template
5. Optimize pictures for file size and search engine traffic

Step 1 – Use Free or Low-Cost Image Sources

To create great custom images, you’ll often need base images—backgrounds, icons, or visual elements—to combine together.

Not sure what that means? Let’s look at an example.

Here’s an image from our Link Building For SEO Starter Guide:

This image is actually a combination of multiple visual elements:

1. The background photo
2. The person looking at the whiteboard
3. The graphics and text on the whiteboard (like the SEO chart)

When you design custom images, you’ll often combine several standalone elements into one cohesive visual.

But you can’t just grab any image off Google. Many images are copyrighted, and using them without permission can lead to legal trouble—even if you didn’t realize you were infringing.

To stay safe (and legal), you need to use sources that explicitly allow you to use their images. Luckily, there are plenty.

Public Domain Images (Free)

Public domain images are either old enough to be copyright-free or were released by their creators into the public domain intentionally. They’re 100% free to use without attribution.

That’s great news—but the downside is that the selection is smaller and the best images get reused often, so they’re not always unique.

Still, there are a few excellent public domain image search engines you can start with:

1. Pixabay: Completely free to use. Just skip the top row of sponsored (paid) images in search results. Quality varies, but you’ll find solid options for most topics.

2. Morguefile: Another solid free site. No attribution needed. A neat feature here is that it shows how many times each image has been downloaded—so you can avoid overly common ones.

3. Public Domain Pictures: Basic site, but a great source of high-res public domain photography.

You can also try tools like Free Photo Finder to search multiple free image sites at once and compare results.

Creative Commons Images (Free and Paid)

Creative Commons (CC) licenses let creators share their work with specific usage rules. Many high-quality images fall under CC licenses—but it’s critical to follow each license’s requirements.

These images often rival paid stock photography in quality, but you must understand the terms of each license to stay compliant.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common Creative Commons licenses:

1. CC0: Public domain. No attribution required. Use however you want.
2. CC BY: You can use and modify the image freely—just make sure to give credit to the creator.
3. CC BY-SA: Same as CC BY, but any edits must be shared under the same license.
4. CC BY-ND: Use and share as-is with attribution. You can’t modify the image.
5. CC BY-NC: “Non-commercial” only. Not allowed for business websites or monetized blogs.
6. CC BY-NC-SA / CC BY-NC-ND: Also non-commercial. Avoid these if you’re building a monetized blog.

So for most blog images, you’ll want to stick to:

• CC BY
• CC BY-SA
• CC BY-ND

How do you properly credit a Creative Commons image? Just follow the “TASL” format: Title, Author, Source, and License.

Here’s an example from Creative Commons’ attribution guide:

“Creative Commons 10th Birthday Celebration San Francisco” by tvol is licensed under CC BY 2.0

You can place the attribution right under the image or at the bottom of the post—just be consistent and clear.

To find Creative Commons images, use these trusted sources:

a) Flickr: Still one of the best sources for Creative Commons images. Use the license filter to show only those suitable for commercial use and modifications.

To speed up attribution, use ImageCodr. Just paste the Flickr URL and it generates the HTML code for you.

b) Openverse (CC Search): Search across multiple CC platforms at once. Filter by license, commercial use, and modification rights.

Openverse includes results from Wikimedia Commons too, saving you from navigating its clunky interface directly.

c) Google Images (Advanced Search): Use “Tools” ? “Usage Rights” ? “Creative Commons licenses.” Be careful though—double-check the license on the image’s host site. Google sometimes mislabels content.

Simple Icons (Free and Paid)

Icons are great for visual storytelling—whether you’re adding context, simplifying ideas, or improving aesthetics. And when you need icons, there’s one standout choice:

The Noun Project: Just search your keyword, and you’ll find thousands of icons to choose from. They’re available in SVG and PNG formats.

You can use any icon for free with attribution. Or, pay $2.99 per icon (or grab a monthly subscription) to skip attribution entirely.

Stock Images (Free and Paid)

Stock images are professional, polished, and widely used by marketers and brands. These should make up the bulk of your blog visuals if you want high-quality content without DIY effort.

Free stock images are a great starting point. Just know that the best free images are used frequently—so don’t expect exclusivity.

Here are the best free stock image platforms as of 2025:

• StockSnap.io: Huge collection. No attribution needed.
• Unsplash: One of the most popular sites. Gorgeous images and generous licenses.
• Gratisography: Quirky, unique images added weekly. Always free.
• Death to Stock: Stylish photos with an editorial edge. Paid plans available.

If you have a budget, royalty-free stock images give you full rights and usage freedom without ongoing licensing headaches.

Avoid “rights-managed” images. They’re limited in use, expire after a certain time, and require repurchasing for reuse.

Instead, go for royalty-free. Pay once, use forever, no attribution needed. Prices typically range from $0.20 to $5 per image, depending on the site and plan.

Top royalty-free image marketplaces include:

• Bigstock
• iStock
• Depositphotos

Just enter a keyword, browse the results, and purchase the images you like. Easy.

Hire a “Cheap” Designer on Freelance Sites

If DIY image creation still feels overwhelming—or if you simply don’t have the time—you can hire an affordable designer online.

Freelance platforms connect you with talented designers around the world, many of whom offer custom graphics for a fraction of the price of traditional design agencies.

Here are some reputable freelance marketplaces to explore:

• Upwork
• Freelancer
• Guru

While you may face a bit of a language barrier depending on who you hire, clear instructions and sample references usually go a long way in getting quality results.

But if you’re still up for doing it yourself, the next steps will show you how to design like a pro.

Step 2 – Follow the “Secret Sauce” to Design Images Like a Pro

Years ago, creating quality visuals meant learning Photoshop or Illustrator—both expensive and intimidating. Fortunately, that’s no longer necessary.

Now, tools like Canva make it simple for anyone to create professional images in minutes, no design experience needed.

Canva offers an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, free templates, and a library of icons, shapes, and fonts that let you build graphics fast.

Here’s how to use Canva to create stunning blog images:

i) Choose Your Canvas Size. After signing up for a free account, start a new design by selecting a preset size or entering custom dimensions (e.g., 700px wide to fit most blogs).

Pro tip: Once you set a canvas size, you can’t change it mid-project. Start big—you can always crop later.

ii) Use the Sidebar to Add Visual Elements. The Canva sidebar gives you access to photos, icons, shapes, text, templates, and more. Just drag and drop elements onto your canvas.

Some elements are premium (marked with a price), but there are plenty of free options to choose from. You can also upload your own images.

Each tab in the sidebar serves a different purpose:

• Layouts: Drag-and-drop design templates
• Text: Add headers, body text, or styled type
• Bkground: Choose from solid, gradient, or pattern backgrounds
• Uploads: Add your own images or logos

Once an element is on your canvas, you can resize, move, align, recolor, and rotate it with simple tools. Canva makes it feel effortless.

iii) Try a More Advanced Tool If You Need To. Canva is great for beginners, but if you want more control or already have design skills, consider tools like:

• GIMP: Free, powerful Photoshop alternative
• Pixlr: Browser-based editor with advanced features
• Photoshop: Industry standard, if you already have it
• Illustrator: Best for vector images and logos

We’ll stick with Canva for this guide, but the principles you’re learning will apply across most tools.

Step 3 – Learn the Elements of Good Design

You don’t need to be a professional designer to make beautiful, functional images. But understanding the basics of design will dramatically improve your results.

i) Choose the Right Font. Fonts fall into two categories: serif and sans-serif. Serif fonts (like Times New Roman) are often used in print. Sans-serif fonts (like Arial or Helvetica) are typically easier to read on screens.

In most cases, you’ll want to stick to sans-serif fonts for blog images. And don’t go overboard—use no more than two different fonts per graphic.

Popular web fonts include:

• Myriad Pro
• League Gothic
• Cabin
• Bebas Neue
• Helvetica
• Futura
• PT Serif (for contrast, if you must use a serif)

Use a tool like Wordmark.it to preview what your chosen phrase will look like in different fonts from your system.

ii) Choose a Color Scheme. The best blog images use consistent, simple color palettes. Try to stick with 2-3 complementary colors per image.

Here are four basic types of color schemes to try:

1. Monologous: One base color in multiple shades
2. Analogous: Colors next to each other on the color wheel
3. Complementary: Opposite colors that create contrast
4. Triadic: Three evenly spaced colors on the wheel

Try color tools like Paletton or Material Design to create pro-level color combos that work together visually.

iii) Match Style With Message. The overall style of your image—colors, fonts, icons, and layout—should reflect your brand and the content of your post.

A consistent visual style helps reinforce your brand identity. Your readers should be able to recognize your content by its look and feel alone—even before they see your name.

Ask yourself: does the image fit the message? Does it match the tone of the post? Does it look like it belongs on your blog?

Here’s an example from Quick Sprout. This image isn’t teaching anything directly, but it evokes a feeling of success and motivation, which matched the message of the blog post:

In contrast, this next image delivers a quick educational value at a glance—it was created to support a post about SEO traffic growth:

Even something as simple as a motivational quote can go wrong if the font or colors don’t match the tone. For example:

Same message, but one looks credible—and the other looks like a joke. Always match visual design with emotional tone.

Step 4 – Create Your First Image Using a Template

Let’s get hands-on. Here are three simple designs you can start using in Canva right away. These are reusable, fast to make, and easy to customize for your brand.

For this walkthrough, we found a high-quality background image from StockSnap.io. You can follow along with your own image.

Design #1: Start With a Canva Template

Step 1: Pick a pre-made Canva layout (we chose a social media image).

Step 2: Choose a layout marked as Free from the sidebar.

Step 3: Upload your stock image via the “Uploads” tab and drag it onto the canvas. Click “Back” to layer it behind the text.

Step 4: Edit the text. Click on the existing text box and type in your headline or message.

Step 5: Adjust contrast or brightness for better text visibility. Or simply change the text color for contrast.

And here’s the final version, done in less than five minutes:

Not bad, right?

Design #2: Custom Image With Text Wrapper

Create a new design with custom dimensions—700px wide works well for most blogs.

Upload your image, drag it onto the canvas, and stretch it to fit. Then add a shape (like a rectangle) from the “Shapes” section in the sidebar.

Use the “Text” tab to overlay your message inside the shape. Pick a matching font color for readability.

Optional: Click the background image ? “Transparency” ? lower it slightly to let the text pop more.

And here’s your second finished design:

Design #3: Icon + Message (No Background Image)

Create another blank canvas. Use the “Bkground” tab to pick a solid or light pattern background.

Now, add an icon from the “Search” tab (e.g., a chart or lightbulb). Resize and recolor it to match your palette.

Add a headline and optional subheading from the “Text” tab. Position everything for balance—and you’re done.

That’s it—three quick ways to create high-quality visuals for your blog. Keep practicing and you’ll be surprised how polished your content will look in no time.

Step 5 – Optimize Pictures for File Size and Search Engine Traffic

Now that you know how to create custom visuals, it’s time to make sure they load fast and help your SEO—because great design means nothing if your page is slow or invisible in Google.

i) Compress File Size. Page speed matters for both SEO and user experience. A slow-loading blog post will frustrate readers and hurt your rankings.

Even a one-second delay in load time can reduce conversions by 7% and decrease pageviews by 11%.

Large image files are a major culprit behind slow sites. But there’s a simple fix: compress your images.

If you’re using WordPress, install a plugin like Smush or Kraken to automatically compress every image you upload—no extra work required.

If you prefer compressing images before uploading, use a web tool. Here are three great options:

• Kraken (free trial)
• TinyPNG (free and easy)
• EWWW Image Optimizer (affordable and powerful)

Just upload your image, download the compressed version, and you’re good to go.

ii) SEO Your Images. Image SEO is simple, but often overlooked. Optimized images can boost your post’s visibility in image search and help Google understand your content.

There are three things to optimize:

• File name: Include a relevant keyword (e.g., “seo-infographic.png” instead of “IMG1234.png”).
• Title: Use descriptive, keyword-rich titles when uploading.
• Alt text: Helps screen readers and search engines understand what the image is about. Make it short, clear, and relevant.

If you’re uploading via WordPress, these fields are all available in the media upload panel. Or, you can add them manually in HTML:

<img src="seo-graphic.png" alt="SEO traffic growth chart" title="SEO Growth Strategy">

iii) Mix Up Your Visuals. Don’t rely on just one type of image. Variety keeps readers engaged and supports your content in different ways.

Try to include a mix of screenshots, illustrations, charts, infographics, product mockups, and icons. For ideas, see our guide to image types.

As a general rule, aim for one image every 300–400 words to break up the text and make the content more scannable.

iv) Resize Images for Social Media. Want to repurpose your blog images for social? Resize them first to fit each platform’s preferred dimensions.

Use this updated image size guide for platforms like Facebook, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram, and Pinterest:

You can crop and resize using built-in image editors—or use tools like:

• PicResize: Simple cropping and resizing with preset dimensions
• LunaPic: Similar to PicResize, with extra features
• Web Resizer: Fast and free online image optimization tool

Conclusion

Don’t think of images as optional—they’re critical to making your blog posts more helpful, more shareable, and more effective overall.

Using the tips from this guide, you can create your own high-quality visuals without needing expensive software or professional designers. Your posts will look better, perform better, and rank higher.

And if your first few images aren’t perfect, that’s fine. You’ll improve quickly with practice—and even average images are better than none.

Get started today. The sooner you create custom, optimized visuals, the faster you’ll see results in engagement, rankings, and conversions.