My business cards designed and printed
I recently got my business cards printed and I was amazed at how much of a baffling array of online print companies there are trying to bag your business.
Here and some of my golden rules for business card designing and printing.
- Don’t do a business card! Everyone does one! Have you got a bit of extra money so you can put your details on a USB stick or something that people will always be grateful for. Or do it in a different format like a die-cut shape that’ll stand out from the crowd. No? You want a traditional-sized business card? OK, go to number 2.
- Size. I go for 85mm x 55mm – it’s the size of a credit card and will therefore fit into someone’s wallet. There are people who use bigger sizes and they don’t fit into a wallet so they may get left behind.
- Paper stock. Choose a good quality paper of at least 250gsm. GSM stands for grammes per square metre and is a measure of paper thickness. They are ideally 300-350gsm, or even 400gsm, the thicker the better in my opinion. However thicker papers will cost more.
- Laminated. I would always argue for some sort of lamination. I’d go for matt lam, it’s classy!
- Printing. For print runs under 500 choose a good quality digital printer (the thicker papers may not fit through digital presses).
- Design. That’s where I come in. Choose a fantastic graphic designer who can craft you a quality, eye-catching business card that fits in with your other stationery and online presence. I would charge as little as £25 for business card design.
And, talking of money, printing-wise you should be paying about £10-15 for a few hundred. Most of my clients get me to sort out the printing.
Corporate stationery is something every graphic designer has tried at one point in his/her career. It has its pitfalls as company politics comes into play but if created correctly it can add so much to a company’s presence and profile.
See how my card compares to other bloggers’ cards.
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Hi Rob,
Just found your blog…enjoyin some of your posts.
Like the business card. Have a look at a recent client of ours card we designed.
http://www.brianjosephstudios.com/blog/2008/02/logo-design-case-study-dart-frog.asp
Your comments are much appreciated
Thanks Rob
Hi Brian,
I’ve left my comments on your post at your site. Great frogs! Your comments are appreciated, too!
1. Don’t do a business card – But if I’m a designer? It’s a good chance to show my work…
Business cards are a great way in winning your client’s attention.They are cost effective and are portable to be carried anywhere. It also carries vital information regarding your business.
Yes, Ann, I still use business cards. Some thing’s never go away!
Hi Rob,
Really good design- Nice and clean. The USB stick idea is interesting too- Similarly- I think there is an Iphone app coming out that allows you to have a “digital” business card.
Great post.
It’s definitely good to think of something different to hand out as a business card. And something useful will hand around longer therefore increasing it’s marketing potential.
Business cards can be very effective if they are easy to read and are a great design. Great Tips! Thanks for sharing.