Why We Recommend Unsplash+, Death To Stock Photo, and Similar Platforms
It’s a tough time to be an artist. Large photo-sharing platforms make millions off creative work while paying artists next to nothing for repeated downloads of their own images. This doesn’t just hurt photographers—it also makes it harder for illustrators, designers, and other visual artists to secure commissions. When high-quality work is widely available for free or undervalued, it limits opportunities for artists to earn a living from their craft.
We at FMK Agency give a damn about these artists. We choose platforms that prioritize paying contributors and make sure the creatives we feature get the credit they deserve. Our approach isn’t just about using great visuals—it’s about respecting the people behind them.
Why This Benefits Everyone
Supporting artists means protecting the future of creativity. When companies rely on free content without compensating creators, they flood the internet with generic, uninspired visuals. When artists are undervalued, the work suffers—and so does the industry.
We work with platforms that pay artists and invest in original commissions, helping sustain an ecosystem where creative professionals can keep making meaningful, high-quality work. That’s not just good for artists—it’s good for anyone who values originality and real human expression.
Where We Source Our Art—And Why
At FMK Agency, we are committed to delivering exceptional creative work for our clients while actively supporting the artistic community. Our use of platforms like Unsplash+, Death To The Stock Photo, and similar paid creative resources is guided by the following principles:
Supporting Artists and Ethical Platforms
We prioritize paid platforms that compensate artists, ensuring that our work contributes to a sustainable creative ecosystem.By choosing Unsplash+, Death To The Stock Photo, and similar services, we support creators who rely on these platforms to monetize their work.
Elevating Creative Work
We integrate high-quality, professionally curated visuals into our work to enhance, not replace, the unique value of in-house creative projects.Our approach ensures that stock imagery is used thoughtfully and intentionally, always in a way that respects the artist’s original vision.
Respecting the Art and the Artist
Stock photography and licensed visuals are never treated as disposable assets—we carefully select imagery that fits within the context of our campaigns.We uphold creative integrity by using images in ways that honor the original artistic intent and avoid misrepresentation.
Commitment to Not Undercutting Unsplash Artists
We recognize the contributions of independent artists who share their work for free on Unsplash. While we occasionally use the platform’s free library when appropriate, we prioritize Unsplash+ and other paid services to ensure our use aligns with ethical compensation models.
Additionally, we balance our use of stock resources with direct collaboration. We actively engage photographers, illustrators, and designers for commissioned work, investing in original content and diversifying our creative pipeline.
Best Practices for Crediting Artists in Blog Posts
Even when attribution isn’t required, FMK Agency believes in celebrating and elevating artists by crediting their work.
Clear Attribution
Whenever possible, we include the artist’s name and a direct link to their portfolio or profile (e.g., on Unsplash+ or their personal website).Example: Photo by [Artist Name](Artist Portfolio Link) via Unsplash+.
Highlighting Artist Contributions
In longer blog content or visual-heavy articles, we feature a Photo Credits section at the end to acknowledge all contributing artists.
Showcasing Artists on Social Media
On social platforms, we tag or mention the artist (when possible) to help increase their exposure and ensure proper recognition.
Using Images in Context
We ensure that stock images are used in ways that align with the artist’s original intent and are not distorted or misrepresented.
Closing Thoughts
FMK Agency isn’t just a marketing company—we’re a collective of artists, authors, designers, and musicians. We live the creative struggle firsthand, and we know what it means to have our work undervalued, overlooked, or taken for granted, and we stand with the artists who power the creative industry.
We understand the need for fair compensation, recognition, and sustainable opportunities, and we’re committed to making choices that uphold those values.
FMK Agency is dedicated to creating work with integrity—honoring the artists we feature, choosing platforms that support them, and advocating for a system that values creative labor. This isn’t just a business decision; it’s in our DNA.