Business Cards

What are Business Cards?

They are cards bearing business information about a company or individual. They are shared during formal introductions as a convenience and a memory aid.

Are they still Relevant?

Even though the world is moving into a digital age, business cards are still in use and these are some reasons why:

– They are easy to use, simple, quick and 100% reliable.

– They are far more personal – a personal touch is a big deal in marketing and high quality business cards can make that personal connection. Much more than simply handing over a phone number or email.

– They are a must in some parts of the world – the UK may be relaxed about business cards, however places such as Hong Kong take business cards seriously and if you don’t give one you will have lost that client – Business cards show what type of person you are and how you handle business.

– They are a simple bit of marketing – they are targeted.

– They can be passed on – a simple way to get referrals is to give contacts a supply of cards that can be passed onto customers – a great way to make connections with other businesses that have the same target customers – for example photographers connecting with wedding planners.

– They give a good first impression – a professionally printed business card creates a great first impression to anyone who gets one.

How should it be designed?

– Shape – This all depends on the image you want to convey. Special shapes make you appear more fun and help make an impression, but may not work for more formal industries. Should also consider how it may fit in a wallet.

– Size – This mostly depends on the standard of the country.

• North American Standard: 3.5 x 2 in (88.9 x 50.8 mm)
• European Standard: 3.346 x 2.165 in (85 x 55 mm)
• Oceania Standard: 3.54 x 2.165 in (90 x 55 mm)

Three factors should be considered:

• Bleed Area – The outermost part most likely to be removed
• Trim Line (3mm from the edge) – the target line for cutting cards
• Safety Line (3mm from trim line) – anything outside this line is subject to cutting mistakes. Make sure essential elements don’t fall outside this line.

– Logo and Graphics – The logo is first should take centre stage, and then secondary graphics can be used. Make sure to use both sides, one side for the logo and the other for contact information. It can also be good to have the logo on both sides with a smaller out-of-the-way logo with the contact information.

– Text – Common choices for text on the business card:

• Name
• Company Name
• Job Title
• Phone Number
• Email
• Website URL
• Social Media
• Address
• QR Code
• Slogan

– Tyopgraphy – 3 main categories

• Size – to maintain readabilty text should be no less than 8pts. Size depends on what is important to stand out. Also consider empty space, the card should not be cluttered.
• Font – Choose a font that represents the personailty you are going for.
• Colour – Choose text clours that go well with the background which should also be a brand colour. Experiment with contrast for legibilty. Prioritize legibility. It is no good if no one can read it.

– Special finishes –

• Embossing – Creates three-dimensional reliefs making certain areas pop out.
• Letterpressing – Creates an engravement affect.
• Foil stamping – For something shiny and reflective.
• Spot UV coating – A sleek varnish for a sheen and smooth texture to accent certain areas over others.

– Other Ideas –

• Scented Inks
• Duplexing and Triplexing (Card Thickness)
• Alternate Materials (Metal, Plastic, Rubber, etc.)
• Folded Cards
• Transparent Cards

My Ideas

For my busniness cards I am not entirely sure how to go about them. On one hand I want to stay on theme with the major project, and on the other I think I should be doing a general one to cover myself in all aspects.

From my sketches of ideas, I feel more comfortable working with a basic design card. I’m not sure about special finishes, maybe something like foil stamping or UV coating. I think if I was to do any special touches they would work best for my designs.

I did think of special shapes and cut outs, however they seem to be a bit complicated to figure out how they should go.

I think a logo on front and information on the back to a good go to. It is clean and professional.