Business cards - DPChallenge Forums

10/26/2005 05:35:58 PM · #1

Yes, I did search the forums, found a number of threads dealing with business cards and also found a no. of links to photographs which no longer exist on dpchallenge. So I am asking everyone again for some ideas. Post your cards if you don't mind and please don't delete them from your portfolios, a small version would work as I am not looking for too much detail.
Please help me get one :)

I am debating if I should have a picture or just text ? your opinion ?

thanks,
Gaurawa

hanneke

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

10/26/2005 05:39:36 PM · #2

I think a photo is always an eye-catcher, but don't exaggerate!

I used this one

for the front side of my card, at the other side my name, website, email and phone number. Ordered it @ a Dutch business-card-site, next time I'll go to the printing office..

Good luck on making your decision!

Message edited by author 2005-10-26 17:40:19.

idnic

Canon EOS-60D

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

10/26/2005 06:17:10 PM · #3

Unless you shoot primarily one type of photography, I think text only works best, so this is my card:

but I did break down and put this on the back when I re-ordered 2 weeks ago.

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

10/26/2005 06:21:09 PM · #4

Originally posted by idnic:

Unless you shoot primarily one type of photography, I think text only works best

I don't specialize in one field, I want the card to be used for passing on contact details. I recently shot an event at the university and a few people asked me for a card and I had none. So I am thinking about putting something that is not much complicated.

idnic

Canon EOS-60D

10/26/2005 06:22:26 PM · #5

Originally posted by gaurawa:

Originally posted by idnic:
Unless you shoot primarily one type of photography, I think text only works best

I don't specialize in one field, I want the card to be used for passing on contact details. I recently shot an event at the university and a few people asked me for a card and I had none. So I am thinking about putting something that is not much complicated.

Have a look at vistaprint.com Their templates can make putting a basic card together very easy and their prices are great.

orussell

Canon EOS Rebel T6s

Canon EF 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 II USM

10/26/2005 06:24:53 PM · #6

I added a graphic but tried to keep it simple at the same time.

cbeller

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 16-85 f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

10/26/2005 06:45:55 PM · #7

Here is the first set I did. I had them printed at //www.overnightprints.com and was very happy with the prices and results. Like vistaprint, they have templates, so it is really easy to layout.

(note..lines in the corners are crop marks, for my reference)

I'm probably going to have a new set made up pretty soon because I have been doing more wedding photography than anything else.

10/26/2005 07:28:11 PM · #8

This is a draft I have. Not sure I like it anymore though.

Message edited by author 2005-10-27 20:32:59.

th3ph17

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

10/26/2005 07:33:24 PM · #9

simple, striking, clean, balanced...and make sure that at least one side of the card is a finish that is easy to write on with a ball-point pen.

those are my design rules for biz cards i've designed for the last 10 years or so.

I think simple email contact cards are a great idea, and a good chance to talk a little bit more while you write your cell number on the back of the card.

10/26/2005 07:52:46 PM · #10

Thanks for your feedback. Most of the cards posted here have a photograph (except idnic's). Are there others who have text only cards?

10/26/2005 07:53:55 PM · #11

Originally posted by th3ph17:

Phil,
can you post any examples of the simple email contact cards ?

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

10/26/2005 08:20:25 PM · #12

I hope I don't have to write anything on the back of cards. Why can't the cell # be on the card? I'm hoping my design is simple, clean and has all the information I would want them to have on the card without having to write anything further.

alfresco

Nikon D700

10/26/2005 08:28:31 PM · #13

Originally posted by CalliopeKel:

One reason would be marketing. While giving them the card you can give the "You know what, just call my cell if you really need to". Makes them feel special.

A reason to do so. Can be a hassle, but not if you have a not-just-for-work cell. Here in the sticks we don't have 100% (ha - not even 20%) so cell isn't as ubiquitous as it is elsewhere.

10/26/2005 09:13:18 PM · #14

If I don't even have my cell phone no. then how am I going to fill all that space ? with just my name ? :(

Makka

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

10/26/2005 09:37:46 PM · #15

Originally posted by cbeller:

Here is the first set I did. I had them printed at //www.overnightprints.com and was very happy with the prices and results. Like vistaprint, they have templates, so it is really easy to layout.

(note..lines in the corners are crop marks, for my reference)

I'm probably going to have a new set made up pretty soon because I have been doing more wedding photography than anything else.

I like the layout and the photo on the front of your card. It works really well!

th3ph17

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

10/27/2005 03:38:01 AM · #16

i think your profile pic is a great example of clean and bold use of space.

and my rules usually get thrown out the window anyways...after the design is "finished" is when they suddenly need to ad their 2 other addresses, 3 fax numbers, cell, address, a second cheesy tag line, etc...

more rules that can be broken, but it will make me sad:

-make sure it will actually fit in a wallet or rolodex.
-don't go crazy with fonts or it will look like a family newsletter.
-don't order 10,000. or 5,000. order how many you will need and then you don't have boxes of unused cards [letterhead, brochures] sitting around.
Start off with 500. hell, start with 250 and then make your design slightly better and order another 500. This keeps your materials fresh looking.

go to a book store and look in the graphic design section for awards annuals, best of biz card design, etc. look for cards that are effective, not just crazy award winners.

Rikki

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

10/27/2005 03:52:24 AM · #17

Since I do a bit of freelance in both photography, architecture, and graphic design, my business card is simple and straight forward. I'm not sure if this applies to everyone but I just didn't want to carry multiple cards for each "area" that I delve in :)

Another cool thing about this card is that there really isn't a front nor back to it. I initially had my home address on it but since I'm not certain whether or not I'll be staying at my current address, I opted not to show it. Instead, an email address is what I use.

A few things about this card. The color green symbolizes balance. I've included the description in each image. The fonts are simple and sans serif. And by the way I've stated the type of service, it kinda covers a broader spectrum of what I can offer.

I hope this helps.

Rikki

Skip

Canon EOS-1D X

Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM

10/27/2005 04:27:03 AM · #18

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

10/27/2005 06:22:43 AM · #19

Now thats a good card Skip. Eye catching and certainly appeals to me on many levels. Love that.

AlexSaberi

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

10/27/2005 06:26:50 AM · #20

Personally I think Rikki's is by far the best way to go when choosing card design. With any graphic design, simple is always best.

But personally I think it must say what you do, in a succinct way!

Message edited by author 2005-10-27 06:27:58.

Sigma 18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 DC for Canon

10/27/2005 07:46:27 AM · #21

I think rikkis style is great for alot of purposes, but sometimes in photography you only have one chance to wow them. I think having one of your photos on your card is a good way when people are fumbling through all their cards for yours to stand out and remind them of what your business is. Lets face it, as we get older small text becomes challenging to read if thats all there is on a card.

Just my two cents.

Kavey

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

10/27/2005 07:49:40 AM · #22

These are the three cards I've done, all via vistaprint.

(EDIT: DUH FORGOT THE LINK)

//www.vistaprint.com/frf?frf=621283133975 should give you 25% off or something if you use it before already registering directly without the link. It's supposed to give me a $1 off my next order too but that's never worked so far - several friends have got their % discount but I've not got the referral! Oh well - I have more cards than you can shake a stick at so I don't intend to get any more done soon!

I'd personally be disappointed by a photog's card not having a photo on it - if you can find a generic one I think you should include it.

Message edited by author 2005-10-27 11:43:39.

10/27/2005 08:39:46 AM · #23

Originally posted by th3ph17:

i think your profile pic is a great example of clean and bold use of space.

let me attempt at using this pic, but this looks funny to me !!

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