- Whether you're a design student just starting
or a mature designer,
someone has asked you to design their business card,
even in a digitally-driven period,
it's a necessary component of doing business.
As expected and ubiquitous as it is,
the business card is one of the most challenging jobs
a designer can face.
There are of course, many places
where someone can have 500 business cards
printed for practically nothing.
These cards are not custom,
used a set template for everyone
and have less than decent materials.
The quick print solution may save time and money,
but there couldn't be a more critical item
that defines the person presenting the card.
The business card needs to do many jobs.
Functionally, it needs to impart information.
It also needs to serve as a prop during an introduction.
A unique business card
is an excellent icebreaker at a meeting.
The card is also an ambassador.
It may be the only physical presence
to represent your client when they are gone.
A cheap, sloppy or generic card tells the recipient,
I don't care about professionalism,
my presentation or quality.
There are many ways to begin designing a business card.
I start with determining the content from the client.
Typically, it will be the logo, person's name, title,
company address, telephone numbers, email address,
and possibly, the website address.
In some instances,
there might be two addresses or multiple telephone numbers.
Maintaining control over the amount of content
can be challenging.
The business card is not a phone book.
There is only so much information that can fit.
If there is too much information for one card,
propose to move anything not critical to the website.
The client may have offices in six cities,
but you need only one on the card.
To ensure the information is correct,
call the telephone numbers and check the address.
We've all transposed a set of numbers
at one time or another.
Next, I determine the size.
A business card is typically two inches
by 3 1/2 inches.
The size of most credit cards.
It fits in a wallet or shirt pocket.
But you may decide to make it larger
or a different proportion such as a golden rectangle
or a long and narrow card.
Now, start working with the elements.
Since this is a small amount of real estate,
you probably can't use a large font size.
but make sure the viewer can see it.
Three point is nice, but requires a magnifying glass.
Play out different layouts.
And remember, that a card is two-sided.
Use the backside with a logo, pattern of the logo,
photograph, illustration or solid color.
And finally, don't use a flimsy paperweight.
I like a card to have presence.
Use a good heavyweight that feels solid.
Using thin paper might save a few dollars,
but in my opinion,
thin paper may not make the impression you want.
A heavier weight will do the job.