UI Design

Funny photos and random stock designers love to use

Jay Perlman
August 15, 2024
Funny photos and random stock designers love to use

A short list of the funniest and most random stock photo categories that creatives and designers love to use. Get ready to laugh and be shocked.

Stock photos are the unsung heroes in marketing, design, and content creation. They help us communicate ideas, evoke emotions, and tell stories visually. Whether it's a picture of a cute cat or a quirky office scene, these images can add a special touch to any project.

However, there is a strange side to funny stock photos that many creatives may not be aware of.

Some of the most popular stock photo categories might not seem odd or even slightly offensive to some creators. Still, most popular free stock image sites have large dedicated sections to these categories, which produce thousands of downloads.

In this article, we'll examine the fascinating world of stock photos—the good, the bad, and the downright peculiar. We will discuss various types of stock images and what makes these silly photos so popular.

But first, what are stock photos?

Stock photos are a crucial resource for designers. They provide ready-made, high-quality images that can enhance any project, from marketing materials to web design, without needing a custom photoshoot.

These images cover a wide range of subjects, offering versatility and convenience. They save time and add a professional touch to your work, making them an indispensable tool in any designer's toolkit.

Cute cats, brick walls, and other weird stock photos

With stock photos, there's a wide range of diversity in quality and style. Let's take a closer look at the different facets of this visual landscape.

1. Cute Wallpapers

People love cute wallpaper on their computer or cellphone screen. Cute wallpapers can transform a dull desktop into a cheerful haven. From adorable puppies to whimsical patterns, these images bring a smile whenever you open your laptop.

Cute puppy swimming in a pool.

Cute wallpapers are perfect for creatives who need a burst of inspiration or just want to add a bit of charm to their workspace. That is why cute wallpapers are one of the most heavily searched stock photos.

2. Coffee aka Cofee

Ah, coffee—the lifeblood of every designer. Stock photos of coffee are a staple, depicting everything from a perfectly brewed espresso to a cozy coffee shop ambiance. These images are like a warm hug for your projects, adding that caffeinated touch of comfort.

An arm holding a to-go cup of cofee  against a red wall

But why in the world are designers and creatives searching for cofee images (yes, cofee with one 'f')? It is so popular that hundreds of Unsplash cofee images drive thousands of daily downloads on these stock images.

In any case, cofee stock images are all over the internet and featured in tens of thousands of designs.

3. Cute cats

Cute cat photos are the royalty of the internet, and for good reason. These furry friends make any stock photo instantly more appealing. From playful kittens to majestic felines, cute cats add a special touch that's hard to resist.

Cute cat sleeping on a pillow.

Using cute cats in your design projects can instantly boost engagement. After all, who can ignore those big eyes and fluffy tails that make cute cat images so appealing? Knowing how much people love them, it makes sense why there are literally thousands of stock images of cute cats.

Plus, don't think that these images are just for boosting enagement on social. Creatives of all skill levels love using cat images for a variety of projects, both professional and personal.

4. Weird photos

Weird photos or weird stock images are those bizarre images that make you do a double-take. They range from the oddly intriguing to the just plain strange. But weird photos can have unique charm and add an unexpected twist to your designs.

Two bald men in pink blazers dining at a table in a green room.

Weird photos are great for grabbing attention and sparking curiosity. Whether it's a man in a dinosaur costume or an avocado with googly eyes, these quirky images break the monotony and make people stop and think.

5. Brick wall photos

Brick walls might sound boring, but these stock photos are surprisingly versatile. From rustic charm to urban chic, a brick wall background can set the perfect tone for various projects. It's like the Swiss Army knife of backgrounds.

Purple brick wall stock photo.

Using a brick wall in your designs adds texture and can make a design look authentic. Whether you're going for a cozy coffee shop vibe or an edgy street art look, a good brick wall photo can be the backdrop that ties everything together.

6. Big butt photos

Maybe you noticed maybe you didn't, but big butt images are everywhere. They're bold, they're confident, and they make a statement. When used appropriately, these images celebrate body positivity and can add a cheeky (pun intended) element to your projects.

Bird's eye stock photo of a woman with a big butt swimming in a pool.

Using a big butt stock images can inject humor and a modern, inclusive vibe into your designs. It's a way to embrace diversity and make your visuals stand out, one curve at a time.

7. Cute Monkey Photos

Cute monkeys are the hidden gems of the internet, bringing a playful charm to any stock photo. A cute monkey can turn a dull project into a delightful one, making your audience smile with those expressive faces and playful antics.

Cute monkey holding a banana with an orange background.

Plus, who can ignore a tiny monkey reaching out or swinging from a branch? Cute monkey pictures bring a unique and fun element to your visuals, making them more memorable.

8. Creepy pictures

Creepy pictures are the stuff of nightmares—and the perfect choice for Halloween campaigns or horror-themed projects. These images evoke a sense of unease and curiosity, making them great for grabbing attention.

Redheaded woman in a yellow dress looking creepy.

Using creepy pictures can add an eerie, mysterious vibe to your designs. Whether it's a haunted house or a shadowy figure, these photos play with emotions and keep your audience on the edge of their seats.

Use inclusive design principles with funny stock photos

When using funny stock photos, it's essential for creatives to focus on inclusive design principles. Inclusive design ensures that your work resonates with a diverse audience, making everyone feel seen and valued.

Funny stock photos are a great way to engage your audience, but you should always be thoughtful when you use them. Humor can sometimes be subjective and even accidentally offensive if not handled carefully. By including inclusive design principles, you'll be creating designs that are respectful and relatable to everyone.

Focusing on creating inclusive design can greatly enhance the overall user experience. When people see themselves reflected in your work, it builds a stronger connection and trust with your brand. It shows that you understand and appreciate their experiences, making your content more impactful and memorable.

The best project for funny stock photos

Here are some projects where funny stock photos can be super useful:

  • Blog Posts: Add a dash of humor to your articles. Funny royalty free images can break up text and keep readers engaged. They add visual interest and make your posts more shareable.
  • Social Media: Capture attention and increase engagement with funny images. Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook thrive on visual content that makes people laugh.
  • Presentations: Lighten up those slides with some humor. A well-placed funny photo can keep your audience awake and make your key points more memorable.
  • Email Campaigns: Add a humorous touch to your newsletters or promotional emails. Funny images can make your content more relatable and less salesy.
  • Marketing Materials: From brochures to ads, a funny stock photo can make your materials stand out. It shows your brand’s playful side and connects with your audience on a personal level.
  • Web Design: Use funny photos on landing pages or 404 error pages. They add personality to your site and improve the user experience.
  • Internal Communications: Boost team morale with funny images in your internal newsletters, presentations, or Slack messages.

When searching for these gems, don’t forget to check out various stock photography websites. They offer a plethora of royalty free images that can fit any project you’re working on

Don't be afraid to be silly with your stock photos

Funny stock photos break the ice and connect with people on a human level. They show that you don’t take yourself too seriously and that you understand your audience’s sense of humor. So next time you’re working on a project, don’t be afraid to add a little quirkiness with a funny stock photo. It might just be the spark that makes your work shine!

For creatives looking to enhance their projects even more, make sure to check out these creative tips that you can apply to your designs today.

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Top stock photo sites: Adobe Stock, Lummi, and more

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