Why I Built This
Hi, I'm Tom Spetter. I created PicMunk because I love solving problems through design and code. While others might unwind with a video game, I find my flow state in web development challenges. Each technical hurdle feels like a puzzle waiting to be solved.
PicMunk started as a tool to create placeholder images, which is precisely where "Pic" in PicMunk comes from. I developed it out of a desire to build something fun and valuable, as I wanted a better way to generate custom images for coding projects. Over time, I realized there were other challenges in my design work. After more than 30 years in the field, I'd seen many clients get confused by Lorem Ipsum text, a type of placeholder text that looks like Latin. They often asked what it meant or thought it was real content. This inspired me to transform PicMunk into a versatile toolkit that not only generates images but also includes smart placeholder text.
Additionally, PicMunk was influenced by my strong belief in protecting privacy. A colleague frequently discusses how much personal information we share online without realizing it. These ongoing conversations shaped my vision for PicMunk, motivating me to create a platform that prioritizes user privacy.
Privacy By Design
I deliberately chose not to implement Google Analytics, Google AdWords, or any tracking scripts. When you use PicMunk, your activity isn't being logged or sold to third parties.
The tools work entirely in your browser—once the page loads, you can disconnect from the internet and continue using every feature.
Your images aren't uploaded to my servers, your text isn't stored in my databases. Everything happens locally, which means instant results and complete privacy.
Why It's Free
PicMunk's core features are free because essential creative tools should be accessible to everyone. I'm planning to add premium features like advanced export options, custom palettes, and integration tools, but these will always enhance your workflow rather than restrict what you can do today. Everything you see today stays free, forever.
As a member of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, I believe in community and sharing knowledge. PicMunk reflects these values by creating tools that respect privacy and remain accessible, contributing to a web that serves people rather than exploiting them.