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Quality graphics and images can become a major expense for any marketing department. Here are two web sites for free resources: Stock Xchange and Icon Buffet.

Stock Xchange is an “open-source” stock photography house. All of the images are free to use without royalties. What’s the catch? You’ll need to honor the photographer’s restrictions; from as simple as letting them know where it is used to not being able to use the image on a commercial site. You are also encouraged to upload your own images for others to share. Think of it as a distributed image pool.

Icon Buffet takes distribution to a new realm. They design high-quality icon sets that you can purchase. However, they also get people like you to spread their name by giving away free icons. When you sign up, you are given a free set of icons that you can download and/or share with your friends. When they sign up, they also get a different set which they can share with you. Pretty soon, you’ll have your friends downloading new sets and trading them like free baseball cards.

While the icons you receive are very high quality, Icon Buffet gives away the “extra” parts that come with a theme. If you want the most useful pieces, you’ll need to purchase the full set. Still, you’re getting some great artwork for free or little money.

The next time marketing director asks for a budget increase, point them to these sites. You can’t beat the price!