Cool My New Business card - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

10/15/2004 01:21:43 PM · #76

Originally posted by Amason:

Some nice business cards here. It would be a good idea to add "business cards" to the galleries, so people could have them in their portfolios and add them to the "business cards" gallery. Then it would be easy to view all of the cards together.

Great idea!

jonpink

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2

10/15/2004 01:38:09 PM · #77

Being harsh to be fair - I think a lot of these cards are awful.

You may like your own business cards, but that really is missing the point. it should be liked by everyone. Or at least not disliked by some. I can guarantee some of these designs would really put off serious client.

For what it's worth, I also don't see the need to have photographs on there. Your a photographer - let them look at your portfolio or website - make them look. Don't give them the chance to write you off by the style of one photograph.

Plus unless your getting these cards done on grade A card with a high quality print firm photographs on BC's can often loom naf and feel flimsy.

Just my opinion. (And Johns obviously do not count). The first is very swish indeed.

Message edited by author 2004-10-15 13:38:43.

GoldBerry

10/15/2004 01:41:10 PM · #78

I agree with Jonpink.

I have an upcoming interview with a big magazine in town and if I handed out a card that looked like 90% of the ones posted I'd definetly not get hired. It's a trendy mag that's a huge success, they want cutting edge.

I don't need a UNIV degree or a $100k studio, but I do need decent b.cards.

thatcloudthere

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

10/15/2004 01:43:13 PM · #79

Originally posted by GoldBerry:

Let's see your card.

Edit: I went back to read my post, and it sounds like a challenge ("Oh yeah, well let's see your card!")...it definitely isn't meant that way.

I wanted to see your card, because harsh but fair doesn't do anybody any good unless you're talking specifics.

Message edited by author 2004-10-15 13:50:07.

Brad

Olympus OM-D E-M1

Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO M.Zuiko

10/15/2004 02:13:26 PM · #80

Though not a Photographer Business Card, the one I designed and had commercially done for me/shop with all the lettering embossed, gets a lot of compliments.
(you could even print it and put it in your wallet if you ever need help or have a car/repair question)

rich

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

10/15/2004 02:17:28 PM · #81

Originally posted by jonpink:

For what it's worth, I also don't see the need to have photographs on there. Your a photographer - let them look at your portfolio or website - make them look. Don't give them the chance to write you off by the style of one photograph.

Plus unless your getting these cards done on grade A card with a high quality print firm photographs on BC's can often loom naf and feel flimsy.

Just my opinion. (And Johns obviously do not count). The first is very swish indeed.

I agree that a photo on a card is not some sort of requirement, but I don't think it is quite the potential kiss of death that you do. But then again, what do I know. You may be some industry expert. I certainly am not.

I don't work in the industry, and my card is not for business really, I just did not like handing out my work cards in those circles. Reactions to the card therefore are not those from "serious clients".

I will agree that a card with a photo on it can look very cheesy very quick if it is not printed well. Mine were done at //www.overnightprints.com and I think they did a great job - very heavy weight, glossy finish, very sharp. Under $40, so practical too for just personal cards to carry. Those I have seen from home printers do not typically look that great.

Message edited by author 2004-10-15 14:18:04.

aKiwi

Canon EOS-7D

10/15/2004 02:21:18 PM · #82

If you can please criticize so we can learn or get ideas.
Statements like They all suck Doesn't help.
I'll start off.

I'm not an expert as you can see from my attempt.

First image I'll skip, as enough said

I like it. Full B&W might reduce costs / still look good

This reminds me of those photo greeting cards you can get at Christmas. Just seems a bit Old fashioned 80's style. Too much big text.

Bright, eyecatching and simple. I like it.

Also simple, sharp, eyecatching. I Like it. Might get the photographer stereotyped as a nature photographer.

Ooh no. too many colours, and text all over the place.

Very nice, but I also don't think it needs the vertical line and the circle doesn't seem to fit in at all, also the colour doesn't match the rest.

The JMS cards are pretty profesional in my opinion. The star on the j draws my attention a littlle too much I think.

Jacko

Also nice and simple.

Niceish?? Don't realy like the coloured text on the B&W.
Also the image is nice, but it doesn't POP!

Kosmikkreeper

Is nice, but the two rafts realy annoy me on the picture.

Dacrazyrn

Naaa. don't like it. Too busy. The Pictures all don't fit together.

Alansfreed

The Title realy chops into the photo.
Realy nice portrait photo though.
Text is too bold, like it is yelling at me.

Sonifo

The wobbly purple font doesn't do it for me I'm afraid.

PaulMdx

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM

10/15/2004 02:25:36 PM · #83

Best one I've seen:

Jacko

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

10/15/2004 02:31:29 PM · #84

Very cool. Let's see it.

Originally posted by GoldBerry:

kdkaboom

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

10/15/2004 02:34:49 PM · #85

I love richterrell's card, and setzler's, and jacko's. Crisp, simple, totally eyecatching, professional. The ones I don't like are the ones that look hodgepodge, unprofessional, cluttered. Less is more, indeed.

I'm doing an arts fair tomorrow, but I didn't have time (or money) to get the business cards printed up. Actually, I just threw a few together to get printed (eventually ahaha) and YES, I would love feedback. I don't particularly like any of them, but maybe the one I like best is the last one...dunno!

crabappl3

10/15/2004 02:38:14 PM · #86

The line is part of my logo which can be seen over at:

Pegasus PhotoGraphic

Felt it important to keep the branding on the card.

-danny

Originally posted by skief:

This one is good, only thing that detracts from the card is the vertical line/yellow and white circle. It is too close to the main image of the milk drop. Also, the milk drop is such a strong image, you really don't need the circle/vertical line detracting from it. I would just leave it out, and keep the horizontal line the way it is.

Just my 2cents

Originally posted by crabappl3:

I've had good response to my card. I think the uniqueness of the background image and the layout works well.

Like others have mentioned, think pro. Less is more.

-danny

muckpond

Nikon D200

Sigma 15mm f/2.8 EX Diagonal Fisheye for Nikon

10/15/2004 02:55:14 PM · #87

Originally posted by kdkaboom:

I think this is the best of yours by far.

My b. card is 2-sided: 1 side is a full bleed b/w image only. The reverse side is simple white text on black with contact information a link to a portfolio.

I actually had 4 different images mixed into the print run. Most professional printers print all of the cards on a large sheet, so if you work with someone you know you can mix any number of images into one run of cards. The reverse side is consistent.

We use the same technique at the company I work for: everyone has an "icon" on their business card, which is something unique to them. A lot of people ask for one of everyone's card to kinda make the whole set. If you were to do the same with your photo business cards, people would probably want more than one, and would then be more likely to show them off or hand them out to others. It's worked out really well.

Rob

Message edited by author 2004-10-15 14:55:32.

GoldBerry

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX Aspherical DF for Canon

10/15/2004 03:02:41 PM · #88

Sorry, I don't have new cards yet. The old ones are all crumpled and worse for wear. I have a designer (who's also my unofficial photography partner).. the same gal who did my site.

That's why I put the interview off, my marketing material isn't ready yet and neither is my book.

Message edited by author 2004-10-15 15:03:01.

magnetic9999

Canon EOS-20D

10/15/2004 04:44:20 PM · #89

bump

:)

rich

Canon EOS-40D

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

10/15/2004 04:49:09 PM · #90

I have to chime in on this one as well:

I love the simplicity, the colors, and the interesting angle on the flower.Very nice.

Rich.

rennie

Nikon D40X

10/15/2004 04:49:38 PM · #91

Originally posted by muckpond:

Originally posted by kdkaboom:

I think this is the best of yours by far.

My b. card is 2-sided: 1 side is a full bleed b/w image only. The reverse side is simple white text on black with contact information a link to a portfolio.

I actually had 4 different images mixed into the print run. Most professional printers print all of the cards on a large sheet, so if you work with someone you know you can mix any number of images into one run of cards. The reverse side is consistent.

We use the same technique at the company I work for: everyone has an "icon" on their business card, which is something unique to them. A lot of people ask for one of everyone's card to kinda make the whole set. If you were to do the same with your photo business cards, people would probably want more than one, and would then be more likely to show them off or hand them out to others. It's worked out really well.

Rob

That is a great idea. Can I borrow it? I'm not going to do any photo-business, but I would love to use this concept in my proffesion. I'm only wondering, how to produce b.cards at home (with decent quality)? I don't think I want to invest in set of 5 different card sets.

I like the idea even more, since I'm quickly bored with the particular design.

For this particular b. card I think a different flower on every card would've make a nice bunch :)

GoldBerry

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

10/15/2004 04:49:48 PM · #92

Did anyone from the start of the thread re-do their cards for the heck of it? If so, can we see them?

Message edited by author 2004-10-15 16:50:51.

Travis99

Canon EOS-5D

10/15/2004 04:59:18 PM · #93

Holy moly I never new so many people would be interested in this. I have taken your advice and stopped my order of that first business card. I will be going with somthing similar to Amason's design, which I think is excellent. I would also like to say thank you. Now that I hear more peoples opinions I am aware I was about to make a bad decision. So I will be working on the card and I will post it to show the progress. Thanks again to everybody.

Travis

twcz3

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

10/15/2004 05:00:03 PM · #94

I swear there should be a business card chellenge the way everyone going into this....lol

Brad

Olympus OM-D E-M1

Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO M.Zuiko

10/15/2004 05:00:24 PM · #95

Hadn't really thought about the "what if were" factor, and threw together something I kinda' like in a way. I'll have to keep this in mind in case I ever venture into the realm of needed such a card.
(yeah, maybe in about 20 years or so)

rennie

Nikon D40X

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

10/15/2004 05:02:00 PM · #96

Originally posted by floyd:

Anyone else feel a "business card" challenge coming on?

John

It will be for Members only. For business card advance editing is a necessity.

thatcloudthere

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

10/15/2004 05:11:41 PM · #97

Originally posted by rennie:

Originally posted by floyd:
Anyone else feel a "business card" challenge coming on?

John

It will be for Members only. For business card advance editing is a necessity.

Then again, does everything have to be an official challenge? I'd rather just keep this thread alive as people develop and improve their business cards...

A challenge would be a neat idea, but it would be neater still if we could just help each other develop business cards as we are doing on this thread...

Message edited by author 2004-10-15 17:12:35.

rennie

Nikon D40X

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

10/15/2004 05:15:36 PM · #98

Originally posted by thatcloudthere:

I agree. My comment was kind of shortcut. I'm not a member yet and definately not a Master :) so I wouldn't be able to participate as most of people on this site. This thread is very interesting and I think any thread that helps people do their business should be encouraged.

Amason

Carl Zeiss 50mm ZF f/2.0 Makro-Planar T

10/15/2004 05:19:06 PM · #99

Originally posted by thatcloudthere:

Originally posted by Amason:
It would be a good idea to add "business cards" to the galleries, so people could have them in their portfolios and add them to the "business cards" gallery. Then it would be easy to view all of the cards together.

Great idea!

Anyone else want to comment on this idea?

rich

Canon EOS-40D