Icons: where to purchase for distribution

[flipdoubt]

I work for a small software developer that doesn't have its own art department. We would like to use some distinctive icons in our software, for both the ubiquitous functions (scan, undo, redo) and for functions unique to our software (User Maintenance, Folder Maintenance). But where can I purchase icons that can be incorporated into privately licensed software?

This is one site (http://www.pixture.com/icons.html) that I stumbled upon, but I don't have any real methodology for finding others that make their distribution agreements so up front. Anybody have a clue?

Thanks.

[Paladin]

If all you want is a couple of simple icons I have bored artists (in the Graphics Forum) on my site that would likely do them for you -- www.dslretorts.com

[EHG]

just click here it is zdnet downloads on icon programs, libraries and utilities

most are freeware or shareware.

zdnet downloads icons, viewers, libraries and util

Microangelo is probably the best all around icon program out there you can gather, view, edit, create etc icons with it - IT USE TO BE freeware, now its apparently shareware at $60 but you can dl a 30 day trial version from zdnet on this page

microangelo 5.1 icon program

actually from the vast librairies of free icons available and with an icon editor program it would not be too difficult to create something unique for inclusion in your programs.

almost forgot well actually i did thats why i'm editing this :

go to this page and many librairies of icons and I recommend you download icon land it is a bit over 1mb zip file - it is freeware and the you may use the icons as you like - they are broken down into about dozen categories or so however they are in icl (icon library format) with microangelo it is very simple to view any category in the library and by double clicking on an icon you can bring it into the editor and customize it rather simple. anywho:

http://download-tipp.de/Desktop/Cursor_und_Icons/

[tribby]

There are tons of graphic artists waiting for something to do at http://www.webhostingtalk.com/ .. try posting in the "job offers" forum.

[jkeller]

I've always loved The Iconfactory. But tribby's right about freelancers always looking for work.

Your best deal is to hire someone by the product that you're producing, not by the icon. Let them price it out, and then they will be responsible for any icons that come up or change during its development. This comes from someone who's on the provider side, and I can tell you that we prefer to understand the scope of the project. Of course, it depends on who you get; but you'll be better off when something unexpected comes up (and it always does).

[flipdoubt]

Thanks guys. This is awesome.