Where do you get your backgrounds?

December 11, 2003 | Comments Closed

Summary: Hey, I’m a fellow Seattlitte web designer, and I like all your stuff. I’m wondering though, where do you get all your nice tiled backgrounds? Do you have a collection on CD or something, or do you make them yourself with Photoshop? When I search for “website backgrounds” all I can ever come up with are lame looking marble swatches that look so 1996.

From John Simons

Good question John and one I’ve heard quite a bit before. So you want to know where my backgrounds come from eh? I’m very tempted to keep it a secret, but I guess I can give you a little information.

The vast majority of background images I use come from the “real” world. I see textures everywhere and take pictures of them to use as my backgrounds. I’ve used book liners, wrapping paper, wall covering, gift bags, clothing and lots of other things.

Usually what I do is bring them into Photoshop and tweak them, but most come from some kind of pattern to begin with so it’s not too hard.

My advice is to keep your eyes open and keep a camera handy.

If you are in a pinch there are some places on the Web where you can find good backgrounds. Check over at squidfingers for a start. However, I think it’s much more fun to take something offline, make it yours and go with that.

Good luck!

Filed under: FAQs