3D character holding a picture in one hand and a laptop in the other
3D character holding a picture in one hand and a laptop in the other
3D character holding a picture in one hand and a laptop in the other

7 Tips for Working with Images in Design

Jul 7, 2025

·

2 min read

Images can make or break a design. They can capture attention, set the tone, and tell a story faster than words ever could. But only when used right. Here are 7 tips for working with images in design—so your visuals do more than just look good.

1. Don’t avoid screen edges

Margins are great, but sometimes they are not required for photos. Sometimes, extending your images to the screen’s edge creates a bolder, more immersive experience.

Don’t avoid screen edges

2. Prioritize quality photos

Never settle for images that are less than optimal.

Great places to look for quality photos are:

Quality photos augment the design

3. Avoid sterile stock photos

Skip the cheesy business handshake. Your users can spot inauthentic imagery a mile away. Choose visuals that feel real, human, and relevant to your product or brand voice.

Go for authentic photos

4. Embrace similarities

When working with images in design, consistency is key. Stick to a cohesive visual style—whether that’s moody lighting, pastel tones, or minimal compositions. A unified image library makes your design feel intentional.

Always go for a cohesive vibe

5. Ensure good contrast

Text over images? Always test for contrast. If users can’t read it, it doesn’t work—no matter how nice the image looks. Accessibility should never be sacrificed for aesthetics.

Good contrast is a must

6. Match photo and audience

Matching with the audience results in higher conversion rates. Choose visuals that reflect their world, aspirations, and identity.

Matching the image with the audience is very important

7. Don’t forget to crop

Cropping isn’t just about trimming—it’s about storytelling. Focus on key subjects, remove clutter, and make sure your image fits across different devices and aspect ratios.

Cropped images give an extremely impacful vibe

Final Thought

Images aren't just decoration—they’re communication. So next time you're working with images in design, you should treat them like design elements, not fillers. With the right photos and smart decisions, your visuals can do heavy lifting for brand, usability, and emotion.

1. Don’t avoid screen edges

Margins are great, but sometimes they are not required for photos. Sometimes, extending your images to the screen’s edge creates a bolder, more immersive experience.

Don’t avoid screen edges

2. Prioritize quality photos

Never settle for images that are less than optimal.

Great places to look for quality photos are:

Quality photos augment the design

3. Avoid sterile stock photos

Skip the cheesy business handshake. Your users can spot inauthentic imagery a mile away. Choose visuals that feel real, human, and relevant to your product or brand voice.

Go for authentic photos

4. Embrace similarities

When working with images in design, consistency is key. Stick to a cohesive visual style—whether that’s moody lighting, pastel tones, or minimal compositions. A unified image library makes your design feel intentional.

Always go for a cohesive vibe

5. Ensure good contrast

Text over images? Always test for contrast. If users can’t read it, it doesn’t work—no matter how nice the image looks. Accessibility should never be sacrificed for aesthetics.

Good contrast is a must

6. Match photo and audience

Matching with the audience results in higher conversion rates. Choose visuals that reflect their world, aspirations, and identity.

Matching the image with the audience is very important

7. Don’t forget to crop

Cropping isn’t just about trimming—it’s about storytelling. Focus on key subjects, remove clutter, and make sure your image fits across different devices and aspect ratios.

Cropped images give an extremely impacful vibe

Final Thought

Images aren't just decoration—they’re communication. So next time you're working with images in design, you should treat them like design elements, not fillers. With the right photos and smart decisions, your visuals can do heavy lifting for brand, usability, and emotion.

If you aren't following us on Instagram already, you're seriously missing out! Become a part of our ever-growing community and learn something new from the field of product design every. single. day.

Happy designing! 🥳

andrija & supercharge design team

If you aren't following us on Instagram already, you're seriously missing out! Become a part of our ever-growing community and learn something new from the field of product design every. single. day.

Happy designing! 🥳

andrija & supercharge design team

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