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You're a small business person and are in need of some banners and/or other artwork to be created for your site. Maybe you're on a tight budget right now. And if you're like me, you don't want to create the artwork yourself. Why? Because the end product will look like it belongs on the refrigerator next to your four-year old's artwork from preschool -- and your four-year old's artwork will look better!
So, what do you do? Where do you turn? Alas, here are some places to turn for help for those on a budget.
FREE AND CHEAP BANNER CREATION SITES
If you really can't draw worth beans, try one of these sites. They'll help you create a banner from start to finish. Start with a design, add some text and voila - instant banner.
- Quick Banner - A completely self-service site, meaning you have control over the whole process. Some good quality free templates to choose from. Requires signing up for their free service to get the final banner. Also offers other banners sizes and formats for a reasonable fee.
- Ad Designer - Another completely self-service site also requiring free sign up to get the final banner. Although these banners have a small "Free Ad by AdDesigner.com" on the final banner.
- Flash Banner Now - Create Flash (animated) banners using their online wizard. Packages start at $9.95 and you can try it out before purchasing.
FREE BANNER STARTER GRAPHICS
There are a number of sites which allow you to take their free banner templates and then using your own graphics program, you can add your own text, URL and other information. Some sites require that you link back to their site as payment, so be sure to read the terms of each site. If you can't do the "designing" part, but can use a graphic program to add some text to an existing graphic, this may be the way to go.
- KateKreates - 40 quality banner templates to choose from. Does not appear that a reciprocal link is required.
- AAA Banners - Hundreds of banner templates to choose from. Requires link back to their site. Click on the Blank Banners link to view the free banner templates.
- A Better Banner - About 50 templates to choose from. Requires a link back to their site.
THE HUMAN TOUCH - FOR FREE?
Would you rather work with a graphic artist to design a special banner for you? Believe it or not, there are some graphic artists out there who will design a banner for your free of charge.
Why wouldn't they charge a fee? Good question. Some are looking to beef up their portfolio, some are looking to get some experience under their belts and some just enjoy the challenge. In exchange for their services, some ask for a link to their site, ask for a testimonial or request some other consideration, so be sure to read the terms closely.
- Banner Four Free - Will design a banner for you free of charge.
- GoodWebs - Will design a banner for you in exchange for a link back to their site.
- Banner4U.net - Offers one free GIF banner in hopes that you'll use them again for future projects. Offer found by clicking here.
- John's Banner Creations - Requires a link back to his site. Click on the Order Form link on the left side to get started and read the terms.
THE PRICE IS RIGHT
Why not turn the tables and be in the driver's seat? If you've got more than just a single banner to create, you can post your graphic needs and let freelance artists and/or companies bid on your project. You then choose who you want to complete your project.
- Creative Moonlighter - Nothing but freelance artists looking for work!
- BuyerZone - Submit your project needs and companies will send you price quotes. Free to use.
- eLance - You can browse the listings to see what other projects have been posted and what the bid amounts are running to give you an idea of what your project may cost. Then, you can post your project needs at the site and let the artists bid on your project.
- SmartHunt - Similar to eLance, but with fewer listings.
LAST NOT BUT NOT LEAST
Believe it or not, you can search eBay for graphic artists hungry for work. Search eBay using phrases like:
- graphic design
- banner design
- banner ad design
Many of the artists lists sample artwork in their eBay listings so you can get an idea of the quality of their work.
WHO SAYS YOU CAN'T GET NO SATISFACTION?
Between all of these places to look, you should be able to find something that you satisfies your artwork needs within a budget that won't break the bank -- but most importantly won't belong on your refrigerator door.
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