Business cards, need some suggestions

[SeerSGB]

It's that time of the year again: time to batch some more business cards.

Now my "public" ones that I make stacks of to give to my clients to hand out or to drop into "card lottos" at events are set.

What I need is suggestions for my "personal" cards. The ones I give out when networking at none business functions, prospective employers, etcetra.

Here's what I'm thinking is the "must have". My private cell number, e-mail address, homepage (re: portfoilio), and my name. Still on the fence abou a "logo" or graphic-- don't want it to be to cluttered, and I'm thinking I'm missing something critical or that could be handy to have on there. So folks any suggestions.

 

[Crusher Disciple]

*waits for Holdfast to come in with an American Psycho reference*

 

[Holdfast]

*waits for Holdfast to come in with an American Psycho reference*

I would. But I have to return some videotapes.

 

[AstroSmurf]

^At least you aren't out picking up plastic tarps and a chainsaw.


Sounds like you have everything TheGallifreyanSith. The only other item I could think of would be an address but you probably don't need it. When it comes to a business card, the cleaner the better. I would suggest something to catch the eye though. Adding a spot of color somehow (logo or your name) might be a good idea to draw attention.

 

[Yeoman Randi]

Heh, thats exactly what i was thinking of.......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoIvd3zzu4Y

 

[Holdfast]

^At least you aren't out picking up plastic tarps and a chainsaw.

I'd do anything for a reservation at Dorsia...



On a serious note, my own business cards have nothing on them apart from my name and title.

I find it's quite the dramatic little touch to actually write whatever specific contact info you want to give on the card at the time of giving. Creates a personal contact and sticks in the memory, esp. if you use a nice pen to write it. Shallow, but surprisingly effective.

Plus, it allows you to easily control what contact information others have on you - lets you vet who gets your own email or telephone number (and which ones!), and who just gets your secretary/office details. Also useful since I have several different businesses.

 

[SmoothieX]

It's that time of the year again: time to batch some more business cards.

Now my "public" ones that I make stacks of to give to my clients to hand out or to drop into "card lottos" at events are set.

What I need is suggestions for my "personal" cards. The ones I give out when networking at none business functions, prospective employers, etcetra.

Here's what I'm thinking is the "must have". My private cell number, e-mail address, homepage (re: portfoilio), and my name. Still on the fence abou a "logo" or graphic-- don't want it to be to cluttered, and I'm thinking I'm missing something critical or that could be handy to have on there. So folks any suggestions.

What is it that you do exactly? That would affect the kind of card you'd want to a degree.

 

[Mr. B]

I like what Holdfast said. Unless your "public" card is somehow inappropriate, it might actually be more 'personal' to say "I'll write my cell number on the back" or something like that.

 

[SeerSGB]

I like what Holdfast said. Unless your "public" card is somehow inappropriate, it might actually be more 'personal' to say "I'll write my cell number on the back" or something like that.

The public ones have my business name, email, and number on them, the ones I leave to be given out or set out for "events" or when someone asks and I don't want to get them to much info. The personal ones are for networking face-to-face and I think it might be worth the time and effort to talk to them "off the clock".

What is it that you do exactly? That would affect the kind of card you'd want to a degree.

Photography, freelance writing, web design, that sort of thing. Personal promotion though, not my strong suit

 

[Tiberius Jim]

I would go with a wordmark logo of your name. Possibly a graphic element, too. Depending on your style, a dash of color could help too.

If the budget allows, take a look at letterpress business cards. The depth and texture you get from actually pressing your info into the card gives it a very premium look. I used an 80-year old letterpress machine for mine, and cut them all out by hand for my portfolio show. They were by far the most popular item at my table. Many people stated they didn't want to even put it in their wallet for fear of damaging the card. Anything that makes your card stand out to people (and keeps them from just throwing it away) the better.

 

[Mr. B]

Every so often, these "cool business cards" articles pop up. Most of the ones shown are very expensive but could still be a good source of inspiration.

http://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2009/05/100-really-creative-business-cards/

http://www.allgraphicdesign.com/gra...eautiful-unique-business-card-designs-part-6/

 

[Galactus]

I am like Holdfast just write what information you want them to have on the back of your card and just use one set. You really don't want to have two different "types" or "levels." When those run out take Flux Capacitor's advice and work on doing something unique to stand out. You are creative so I am sure you can design a good business card.

You are making mistake number one in promotion with the two card idea.

 

[SeerSGB]

Yeah I'm not to keen on the two card ideal, but it's what some people that pass out the cards want; they aren't comfortable using my personal ones-- which had my business and after hours number.