Professional Studies: Business Cards

Business cards are an effective and compact way to sell yourself to potential clients, provided you design them right. They have the capability to sell your design business all on its own and thus are an essential factor whilst networking and attempting to get yourself out there.

Aspects which you should focus on whilst designing a business card include:

The concept - You need to openly inform the potential client of the nature of your business. Including your logo and aspects from your web design displays a tenacious link and creates the sense of a set style, making it a reassuring factor. Taking advantage of both sides of your card is also recommended.
The content - Your name, title, company and contact information should be clearly displayed on the card. This not only shows your consideration for the design of the actual card but it also ensures potential clients CAN contact you directly without having to physically search for you via internet or social media - an off-putting aspect.
The font - As a creative business it is imperative that you harness your knowledge of typography and choose an appropriate font. Choose something which reflects the nature of your company while maintaining an overall professional look and remaining clear to read.
The colour - Sticking to CMYK will ensure your business card will look as anticipated, meaning no surprises during the print process. Cards with a colour scheme are also 10 times more likely to be kept over standard, plain business cards.
The material - Many materials are now readily available to enhance creativity when producing a piece of work. This means you have the potential of using different materials which enhance and reflect the feel of your company, making it more memorable/appealing and more likely to be hung onto.

Presenting your card properly is also a crucial factor whilst meeting new people as it not only leaves an impression of you but your company. The argued etiquette for handing out a business card is to politely hand it to them with a clear notion of what you are doing, do not slide the card between your fingers and pass it to them or shake hands whilst the card is in your hand - this ensures that your card remains intact and still looks presentable upon handing it over.

Examples of effective business cards: