With more than 40 million photos, illustrations, and vectors in the Shutterstock collection, you’ll never run out of fresh options for your design projects. However, there are some go-to designer tools that have so many different uses that you’ll want to make sure you always have them on hand for quick and easy access.
To make things even easier, we put together a specially curated lightbox of Design Essentials, featuring handpicked selections in each of six categories: Icon Sets, Textures, Banners, Seamless Patterns, Infographic Elements, and Typography. Download the ones you like most, and next time you need these assets, you’ll already have them ready to go.
Why you need them: While language can be limiting, icons are universal. Use them to communicate any idea to any audience and be sure your message is clear. There are endless applications for a good icon set, from website design, mobile apps, and emails to posters, infographics, and packaging.
Why you need them: Sometimes designs and graphics need a bit more depth. Other times, you might want a worn-out vintage feel or distressed look. Adding textures is the perfect solution for all of these situations, and is great for halftoning, enhancing flat artwork, and providing elements of real-world contrast.
Why you need them: Make it bigger, say it louder, or just show it off — banners, buttons, and badges call attention to your most valuable information in a playful way. Whether you’re working on banner ads, promotional campaigns, or packaging design, you can’t go wrong with something that’s both eye-catching and time-tested.
Why you need them: Seamless patterns are the gifts that keep on giving — and giving and giving. There’s no need to worry about filling a page when you can use a pattern that goes on forever. They make for fantastic backgrounds, fabric prints, book covers, and just about anything else you can wrap them (or your head) around.
Why you need them: Icons are great for simplicity, but when it comes to visualizing data, you can’t do better than infographics for clarifying the complex. Infographic templates and elements are the best starting point to get your information flowing, whether it’s for branded content, presentations, or editorial engagement.
Why you need them: Fonts with flair are great companions to any standard typeface, and by keeping some compelling typography sets in your arsenal, you can cut and paste to please any visual palate. From invitations and logos to signage and display design, these letter (and numeral) sets have got your number.
Check out our Design Essentials lightbox for more go-to picks »
For even more essential options, explore the full Shutterstock collection in any of these categories: Icon Sets, Textures, Banners, Seamless Patterns, Infographic Elements, Typography.
