My Biz card "Revised"

[Graphyfotoz]

After making an ass outta myself with my last idea.....:oops: :rolleyes:

Here is my "REVISED" Error proof....simpler version!

This better guys?
You think it'll be readable at Biz card standard size?

(Yes even took time to make myself a niffty new avatar!)

Comments?

http://graphyfotoz.smugmug.com/photos/121195388-M.jpg

****** Follow up ******
I'm told this is a poor design. :(
Ideas?

[philpereira]

Few quick thoughts:

font choice (both of them) looks a bit amateurish
image really doesn't say much in terms of your abilities as a photographer. I actually don't use any image on my business card, and let the clean design speak for itself, others may not share my thinking on that.

I think part of making a quality business card is developing a brand and a look for that brand.

[TeeJay]

Why not re-size it to 100% actual size, then upload again. THEN we can tell you whether it's difficult to read! ;-)

[ssim]

What type of photography are you trying to market yourself towards. I certainly can't tell from this unless you want to take pictures of bridges in the woods.

What are you trying to portray with that specific picture. I don't mind having a picture on a card but it has to send a message. I don't think that this one does. Is there some significance to this image.

Looking at your gallery I am assuming that you are just looking to sell prints. Maybe get that message on the card somehow. If you are wanting to do something else, portraiture, pets, whatever, you need to message that somehow. If you are going to do that you also need to get some of that type of work on your site.

Business cards can be a good tool but in order for people to hang onto them you need to make them want to keep it. How many meetings, seminars, trade shows I've been too over the years and then you get home and most of the cards hit the recycling bin. I only hang onto the ones that interest me.

[Graphyfotoz]

Few quick thoughts:

font choice (both of them) looks a bit amateurish
image really doesn't say much in terms of your abilities as a photographer. I actually don't use any image on my business card, and let the clean design speak for itself, others may not share my thinking on that.

I think part of making a quality business card is developing a brand and a look for that brand.

Figured the Photo conveys the style of Photography I like to do (Nature)and was straight to the point/readable.
Either way it looks more professional than writing everything down on a piece of paper and handing it off.
As for the Fonts......The white above the Photo I thought looked clean and professional.
The yellow font might stand some change....just didn't want the card to look generic.

[Graphyfotoz]

Here it is in 1088x638 required by people who print Biz cards.

http://graphyfotoz.smugmug.com/photos/121195388-L.jpg

[ssim]

I took a copy, resized it to the standard 2X3.5in. and printed a quick copy. I would suggest you make your name bigger on it.

[Graphyfotoz]

I took a copy, resized it to the standard 2X3.5in. and printed a quick copy. I would suggest you make your name bigger on it.

Eshhhhhh that was done a while ago...I don't remember what Font it was now! :oops:

Would this be about actual 1:1 size?

http://graphyfotoz.smugmug.com/photos/121195388-S.jpg

[philpereira]

Here's an observation I've made regarding font usage in forging any type of business identity: if you found the font in your Microsoft Word app, it's probably not a good idea to use it. While the white font does look clean, when I said amateurish I meant it looked like something you just pulled out of the default collection of fonts you get with your PC. If I were given this card, I wouldn't feel compelled to visit your site based on the presentation.

[Graphyfotoz]

Here's an observation I've made regarding font usage in forging any type of business identity: if you found the font in your Microsoft Word app, it's probably not a good idea to use it. While the white font does look clean, when I said amateurish I meant it looked like something you just pulled out of the default collection of fonts you get with your PC. If I were given this card, I wouldn't feel compelled to visit your site based on the presentation.

I'm open to ideas for a font to swap the yella for???

[Graphyfotoz]

Card is currently in a full redo stage.

[nohnst]

If it's nature photography, then the problem is the image! I took a quick glance at your online gallery, and I believe most of the images that you have, will carry the message much better than the current picture that you're using. Please message me, I can help!

[Dorman]

Not a fan of the image, the layout, the fonts & font colors.

I really don't like the black border around the image. The information looks like it was randomly thrown on there, two different color fonts clash and the yellow looks bad, and you could choose sharper fonts.

Try a full card image, or at least one that takes up the whole thing from top to bottom, maybe with black to one side. I'm all for the full card image, a clean looking simple and to the point image with strong sharp text layed over the top, neatly organized and concise info.

Looking forward to the revised card, not trying to be overly harsh but there's alot to work on here.

Cheers.

[Graphyfotoz]

Ok I had a coupla Graphic Designers approach me online to help me learn.
The one person was quite the pro and taught me a few things.
Esp about PSD files and lil about layers.
I hafta say if these don't cut it I dunno what will.

#1 is probably my fav....tough choice!

Examples

http://graphyfotoz.smugmug.com/photos/121299047-M.jpg

http://graphyfotoz.smugmug.com/photos/121300793-M.jpg

http://graphyfotoz.smugmug.com/photos/121288870-M.jpghttp://graphyfotoz.smugmug.com/photos/121290133-M.jpg

[cfpackerfan]

I like the fall leaves. ;) Nice style on that one.

[stlscape]

I'm afraid I agree with Dorman. I also dislike the combination of the two fonts you've chosen - one quite formal, and the other a more careless, casual scrawl. The casual "scrawl" for professional purposes is a pet peeve of mine, as I don't find it professional in any way unless it's associated with young children (daycare, etc.) and even then I don't like it.

The brighter font at the bottom draws my eye away from the name of your company, and while I definitely agree that you want your contact info/website on the card, the fact that you don't have your own domain name (i.e., Boldenphotography.com) *TO ME* says that you're not approaching this with professional intent/that it's just a hobby to you and if you can make some extra cash great but you're too chintzy to spend $15/yr. on a domain name. (And let me qualify this by saying I don't know what all is involved dollar-wise in getting your own domain - I've just seen promotional ads here and there for them.) If I had two people hand me the same card except that one had their own domain name and one didn't, I'd contact the domain name person first.

In additon, I'm not fond of full card images, particularly those in colour because it clutters up the card. If they're used, I much prefer a black and white image, with a strong, simple font that stands out enough to be easy to read by an elderly-eyed person. (I've done quite a bit of layout work in the past, and the not-too-many-colours, simple-font stuff always went over better in the end, even when the requester came in really wanting colours! and pictures! and had a great idea for a really cluttered layout!)

I'd also move your e-mail and phone to one side of the card and your smugmug address to the other:

e-mail smugmug
phone

or maybe even move your company name down there too:

photo here, in upper 2/3 of card

BUSINESS NAME

e-mail smugmug
phone


ETA: The new designs were posted while I was creating my post. I like all of them better than the original design. #1 particularly grabs me and says "I know what I'm doing - and I'm good at it." The only criticism I've got is the choice of handwritten font. For not-so-good eyes, it could be a *little* bit difficult to decipher which is an N and which is an R, so I'd chose a slightly different font that's a little easier to read.

[Graphyfotoz]

stlscape

Your right I'm not a Professional who can afford a Domain name...Web Host....Web Designer....looking at well over $100 a year just for the Domain and Host....Designer can cost that and more on top of it.
I pay a small fortune for Photo hosting every year as it is.
(I'm just a common "Joe" with a lower income job with a Family)
I think Smugmug has a very professional looking layout and their customer support/help can't be beat!

I'm trying to sell my pictures not some fancy web page.
I'm just an Advanced Amateur who loves Photography and wanna make people aware of the unseen world they miss everyday.
(I'm not a rookie that just got started last year...I've been in Photography on and off for 20yrs)

If people like my work....they will buy it....and I'm proud to have it on their wall for them to enjoy!
Be even more proud to have something published!

[Dorman]

Jim,

Now I think all four of those newer cards fit with what you're trying to do much better. I'm still not really fond of the image in #4, but #1 and #3 are heading in the right direction. I'll give a few suggestions for those two...

#1- I agree with you, probably the best of the bunch. It has several elements that tie in with your website well. Nice looking fonts, clean look, not too cluttered. I'd consider making your contact info the same font as "nature photographer", and I might include something about prints or fine art on there.

#3 - simple, uncluttered, like the vertical idea, and it's effective and elegant. Only thing I don't like is the inside border, find it distracting, just plain for my tastes please. :)

Either way, these are vast improvements on the others and I think you're getting close to what you really want.

Cheers.

[amonline]

I second the vertical... it's the best... and I like the bridge horizontal (last one), but your name should be in a thinner font with drop shadows under the rest.

[backlot]

I like the one with the leaves the best
might choose another font for the text
i like the sig though
why not have the j and g lowercase?
i lke the periods vs. the dashes

[Graphyfotoz]

Thanx for all the input Guys!
Been a world of help to me.
I'm making note of all the ideas.....many of you have more experience than I do when it comes to biz end of things.

[Graphyfotoz]

Tentative final work up for card #1

Which do you like top or bottom one?
Dunno if I care for the black fade?

Comments?

http://graphyfotoz.smugmug.com/photos/121514515-M.jpg

http://graphyfotoz.smugmug.com/photos/121515963-M.jpg

[amonline]

Everyone is saying the vertical leaves... take a hint. :p

[Dorman]

I prefer that one without the vignette/dark shadow.

Let's see what you come up with for the vertical leaves one now. :)

[awad]

stlscape

Your right I'm not a Professional who can afford a Domain name...Web Host....Web Designer....looking at well over $100 a year just for the Domain and Host....Designer can cost that and more on top of it.
I pay a small fortune for Photo hosting every year as it is.
(I'm just a common "Joe" with a lower income job with a Family)
I think Smugmug has a very professional looking layout and their customer support/help can't be beat!

I'm trying to sell my pictures not some fancy web page.
I'm just an Advanced Ammeter who loves Photography and wanna make people aware of the unseen world they miss everyday.
(I'm not a rookie that just got started last year...I've been in Photography on and off for 20yrs)

If people like my work....they will buy it....and I'm proud to have it on their wall for them to enjoy!
Be even more proud to have something published!


you can get a domain name and forward it straight to your smugmug. heres a beta one im testing out. www.theawadfamily.com it goes straight into a smugmug album that im demo-ing.

cost: 9 bucks per year.

[Dorman]

I do the same, my domain name is registered through godaddy.com and my site is hosted by pbase. Total cost about $35 a year.

[JC_Photo]

I really like the one with the leaves with the border. If I would make one suggestion though I would say to make your name easier to read by using a different font.

I'm not an expert on these things but if I were to see them all sitting on a counter I would definately pick this card up first.

I wish you all the best in your decision.

[Graphyfotoz]

Ok by popular demand.....a re-do of the one with the leaves! :)

Byington Font 9pt BOLD...older folks should be able to read that once in print!

Better?

http://graphyfotoz.smugmug.com/photos/121563060-L.jpg

[amonline]

See, that beautiful... but you still need a better 'signature' font. Try to work at actual size to see what you're getting in the end.

[Graphyfotoz]

See, that beautiful... but you still need a better 'signature' font. I'd also go with Tahoma or Aril on the rest... it's usually more legible in print. Try to work at actual size to see what you're getting in the end.

Was told not to go with something "New's Paper" like for a font?
As for the Sig font.....it's VERY similar to my actual hand written sig so I prefer for that to stay!
Not often you find a cursive font that matches your hand writting!

[amonline]

What you are using is actually a "newspaper" type font as well. However, I was editing my response while you typed because I tried a more straight forward font and didn't like it. I do like the signature font... it's just a bit hard to read. Maybe stretch it vertically just a bit?

[jackies35]

I love them all! However, the last set you posted was great! I love the colors and the contrast of each picture... I am happy you added more bright colors...:lol:

[Dorman]

Alright Jim, I'm really digging the revised card with the leaves. I like the signature font, I like the lack of border, like the simplicty. I'd prefer something ever so slightly less than normal for your information font, other than that, perfect.

You're getting close, fire up the printing press!

[Graphyfotoz]

Alright Jim, I'm really digging the revised card with the leaves. I like the signature font, I like the lack of border, like the simplicty. I'd prefer something ever so slightly less than normal for your information font, other than that, perfect.

You're getting close, fire up the printing press!

Explain?

[Dorman]

If you took the font you used for the info in this first shot, and used it to finish this 2nd card, I think you'd have a winner. Actually, I'd probably have them both printed and have two different cards. I like them both.

[amonline]

I agree with all that ^

[Graphyfotoz]

Bigger font for info....I believe this one is a done product!

http://graphyfotoz.smugmug.com/photos/121737645-M.jpg

Also another version of the leaves one.

http://graphyfotoz.smugmug.com/photos/121748182-M.jpg

[Dorman]

Great, now put that same text/font on the vertical card and order two sets of business cards. :)

[Mike R]

I Like them both, however on the first one, how would it be if you moved the flower to the left thereby getting rid of the black on that side.? I'm no designer,just a thought.

[Mike R]

Just saw the new one, Nice!

[dzstudios]

EEEEEEEEKKKK!

you're sooo lucky I saw this! :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

I'm a graphic designer by trade and you have made a few TERRIBLE faux pas which I will NEVER ever forgive you for... and you can't POSSIBLY print without correcting it... you will lose ALL your credibility as a professional and the result will be simply catastrophic for your career... (not that I take my own opinion very seriously :D )




(Both cards) Your text IS NOT ALIGNED properly. RIGHT ALIGN the lines PROPERLY. RIGHT NOW!!!

(Both cards) Although the title text is really sexy... I can't read it 100%... I'm not sure whether the last word is Sr or Sn ?? (Since I believe in art before functionality, I will just keep it like that - sod those who can't read it)... but perhaps you should think about it?

(Card 2) The info text is NOT a good font - that is a 'serif' font and is TOO fussy to work with the very stylized title. ALSO - you have used the font in too many different sizes... the web site is DEFINITELY TOO BIG... and shouldn't overpower the 'Nature Photographer' text.

Also - cos you're using caps and numbers, the font height is all over the place...

Spacing is ALL wrong and confused... card 1 is perfect.


(Vertical card) For the purpose of business card NO! It may look like a good idea to have a 'different' card, but it messes things up for a number of reasons:

1. Business card wallets - you just want to slide someone's card out and ring.. not take the whole thing, rotate etc.

2. SPACE - you lose the impact of your NAME at the top...


ALL over, the FIRST card works best for me. The image has OOMPH! Its STRONG, vibrant and says: BOLD, CREATIVE, HIGH QUALITY

The leaves are a bit.. sadder. Very nice, but more... faded...ESPECIALLY the way they kind of 'vanish' in the dark.


PLUS - SO MUCH BLACK NEVER PRINTS THAT WELL.