Business CardsI like the idea of eventually having a logo, but don't have the time to commit to something that I'll have to look at everytime I hand out my business cards to someone. I settled for "handsome" cards from an online company that was fairly inexpensive. If I don't like them, or want to add something to them I just place another $10-25 order. They arrive in time for whatever event I'm working at and they look so much better than those perforated business cards. I know some people like to print their own, but the perforations give me the heebie geebies. There's something nice about a nice straight edge that is uniform. Remember to consider the source though, I really love paper, card stock is my favorite. Texture is nice, but adds to the cost unless you're the type of person that makes a decision one time and sticks to it for longer than I do. I feel like business cards only give out my current contact information. I also will never get calendars printed on the back, again, what a waste of ink as the year comes to a close and I like the option of writing something on the back as well. I think the title of your company should give enough information that you don't have to list what types of work you do. A picture is good if it's clear but increases the cost. Some online companies let you upload an image and proof it before you purchase it to make sure that you approve of the design. Our stone business has a logo that Nick designed, that was uploaded to our business cards. One day I'd like to have glossy white cards with the logo in raised ink. Our letterhead does not include the logo though. My metal cards are pretty simple with a two tone background. I wanted something that would be easy to read text on as well as not be the standard color that most cards are in your wallet. I hope this is helpful. Elizabeth M. Meadows Mother, Metal Sculptor in that order. "Gotta love a gal with an anvil." -Buffy Summers (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

Thanks for the idea Lynda, I've posted our cards too!

For our blacksmithing business we went with a fairly straightforward design just having a tag line under the business name & a double horned anvil image, wanted to steer away from the generic cartoon anvil shape.   These are printed on woven card with a raised texture on the ink. The Papyrus font looks hackneyed to me now and I have changed it on our printed paper but have a ton of cards left and will leave it for now on those.

I have been through a number of different designs for my jewelry biz card and haven't had them 'properly' printed yet - and I hate the perforated edges too so I hand cut mine on the thickest card I can find.  I have featured something to do with the mokume patterning each time - I mean how many jewelers do you come across at shows!  I felt there had to be something to remind the person of what was in my booth.  Ink saturation was also a consideration as they are done on our printer.  I have a fold-over version which is the same on the front but has more info & a different pic inside and care info on the back.  I put both out in the booth so people can pick up either. Here's pics of both. mrfdlmj 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I really get into designing things like this and find myself over doing it but I think you do have to keep them reasonably simple as well as visually interesting, too much flash is distracting. 

 

Lynda

 

Metcalfe Roush Forge & Design www.metcalferoush.com

Lynda Metcalfe Jewelry www.lyndametcalfe.com

 

business cardI am just in the middle of making new cards myself. I finally got tired of trying to cut a straight line when I am in a hurry. I am going with postcard press (online), as their cards are on a beautiful thick and glossy stock. One side is shiny, the other, matte (but more frosted mat, not flat). Graphic design is not my strong point, so I will be just using my old front design, and then on the back will be a photo montage of urns, as people usually cannot visualize them. Also, I hope for it to work as a small portfolio.

 (the card is a bit brighter in the pic, than in real life)

I think a business card should give the essential info, but if you try to pack too much onto it, with too much text, images, etc, it just gets silly. In this day and age, most everybody I am serious about reaching can check my website for much more info- so the most important thing on the card is the web address, and beyond that, I go for a card that, in and of itself, is a memorable object. I am lucky to have some friends nearby who do letterpress, and who have an incredible collection of typestyles, many of which are not available from adobe, believe it or not. My card is thick, textured stock, with raised lettering that only letterpress will give you. I had a cut made, of the alchemical symbol for iron, but aside from that, its just the facts, maam.

My recommendation is to get the cheapest cards possible. So often, people treat their business card as an extension of themselves and make it as a small piece of art.
The card is a give-away item. I have handed out approximately 5,000 cards in my career. From them, I have had only one response (to repair a $10 lawn chair).
Since a business card is expected and the purpose is to give contact information, my opinion is to keep it simple and direct. A visual cue (color, logo, etc.) may help someone make a connection between the card and the person who handed it to them, especially if they have kept the card for a long period of time. This is the only embellishment I would consider adding.

Paul

I'm always being asked for cards, but never have them. But when I do, I use images an artist friend of mine ( Kevin Sykes ) makes me for various adds I buy or show posters I've used. For some reason I can't get to it. I've been lectured many times about this. But, if you want my work you can get to me through the Detroit Artist Market or one of my clients. I guess I really don't want to be bothered by anyone other than "real" art collectors or people interested in custom work for their bar, salon, and/or resturant. I'm getting very cynical, and networking isn't going to make or brake me. I beleive the art will get me to my desired destination. Then agian, I wouldn't recomend this negative appraoch to anyone else, it's just the way I am. But here is an example of my latest add/card.latest add image: a KEVIN SYKES design

Don T.

I have been printing my own cards on to coloured, textured card and cutting them up by hand. (yes, it IS a pain in the neck!) I keep planning to get them professionally printed once my web site is up and running (so I can add the web address).....Its been 5 years now and I'm still printing and cutting...

One thing I've noticed is that I get a lot of compliments about the simplicity of the card. People think its great that it just has a small Gif image, my name, occupation and phone number. In a world of flash and sparkle, it is now simplicity that stands out....which is possibly why hand formed steel work is back in vogue.

From probably 700 cards I have had probably 5-10% of people calling back.

Val - The idea of a texture card is really an outstanding idea. I have always wanted to make (or have made) a sort of dog-tag style card. Something made from metal...after all... Altho the cost might be high the response could be good. A metal card, like the raised texture or embossed paper image idea, is screaming to be touched. I have included the card I am using for now (saving up for metal). I give a more subtle hint to the imagery and try to let the color and design work for attention.card