Post your business cards

[JaGWiRE]

I figured I'd start a thread. I'm in the process of getting business cards / designed, but have no idea what layout I want or what it should look like in general. I'm pretty bad at envisioning and designing these things, and think seeing other peoples examples will help.
PS, if you have any ideas for me, or know of any photos from my gallery that you think would work well, let me know.

[cntry]

There is one already going.......... I can't find it in search though.

[coreypolis]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/viperx27/newfront1back.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/viperx27/newfront1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/viperx27/freeengagement.jpg

[JaGWiRE]

There is one already going.......... I can't find it in search though.

Usually the case.
Cool Polis, I like the cursive on what I am guessing is the back of the second one.

[Jon, The Elder]

Here's mine.........

http://www.pbase.com/jpferguson/image/76101256

[RTMiller]

We did do this before but I don't mind repeating, I say I don't mind repeating...

http://rtmiller.smugmug.com/photos/139279058-S.jpg

[RTMiller]

Here's mine.........

http://www.pbase.com/jpferguson/image/76101256

"We shoot horses"
Hey Jon, do you get many inquires from stable owners who have have distressed horses that need to be put down...:)

[PhotoByED]

Likewise I don't mind repeating, the more the merrier.

[PhotoByED]

and here is the link to the other thread.....
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=118646

[Jon, The Elder]

Hey Jon, do you get many inquires from stable owners who have have distressed horses that need to be put down...

Original humor is SO refreshing.

[bcap]

Corey, that third card you posted, the "A gift for you" .. is that "Zapfino" font?

[Steve Parr]

This is mine:

http://www.onstagephotography.com/images/hugecard.bmp

[Jon, The Elder]

You nailed it good Steve. That is impressive !

[Jay McLaughlin]

Here's mine...

Front
http://www.jmphotographer.com/stuff/bcard_front.jpg

Reverse
http://www.jmphotographer.com/stuff/bcard_reverse.jpg

[MX_Ant]

Just put this one together - need to have something to hand out at a large event I'm shooting in 2 weeks.. what do you think? Is it too busy?

[Steve Parr]

You nailed it good Steve. That is impressive !

Thanks!

[bcap]

Way too busy in my opinion

[MX_Ant]

Way too busy in my opinion

hmmm.. was afraid of that. Cheers

[Actionphotog]

Damn I can't post mine as they are designed online.
I have 3 card designs One for Studio and family portraits, another for Weddings and the last for sports photography.

Good Design MX_Ant shows what you do and has all the info people need. On the backside of my cards I have a NOTEs section for apoinment ifo

[bcap]

What do you guys think of mine?

I'm in the process of giving it a facelift ...

Edit: Taken down and replaced with the new one

[JaGWiRE]

Nice guys, keep em coming.

[coreypolis]

Corey, that third card you posted, the "A gift for you" .. is that "Zapfino" font?
dunno, I'm guessing scriptina

[MX_Ant]

What do you guys think of mine?

Pretty punchy layout but not visually appealing to me! Reworked mine a little..

[Livinthalife]

great cards everyone!

Does anyone use a card without having a website? I'm trying to get somthing going, but don't have much to post on a webiste. Was thinking of just getting an email setup and some business cards lined up? advice?

[thekid24]

Ill be a repeat Pete. Here (http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=2859591&postcount=329) it is

I wanted it very simple.

[mfr301]

Comments / suggestions are GREATLY appreciated. There are 2 files here. First is the rear image, second is the front of the card....

http://www.publicsafetypictures.com/potn/SportsOptixRearsm.jpg


http://www.publicsafetypictures.com/potn/SportsOptixFrontsm.jpg

[bcap]

So I've re-edited mine, what do yo guys think?

http://www.memoriesinmotionnf.ca/photos/card.jpg

Also, where do you guys get yours printed? Do you get it online or local?

[mfr301]

I use 4over.com. They're fast, cheap, and good quality.

[bacchanal]

Not exactly a business card, since I don't do any business, but my contact card.;) I get them printed at gotprint.com (double sided, glossy).

[Livinthalife]

WEll here is mine till I get my website and email lined up. Gotta have something ready!

161179

similar to Antony's a little bit

[JaGWiRE]

How do those print? Aren't they out of ratio for bus cards?

[manipula]

<Shudder>

In terms of design, and with the least possible offence intended, all bar two of the people who've posted in this thread could greatly benefit from visiting a graphic designer. Seriously, if a card when handed to me looks ropey in terms of design it goes in the bin. And a lot of those would be hovering over the waste basket. I feel a bit like I'm trying to create enemies saying this, but genuinely I think a lot of these cards would create a much greater impression after a re-design, which is what it's all about surely?!?

[bacchanal]

<Shudder>

In terms of design, and with the least possible offence intended, all bar two of the people who've posted in this thread could greatly benefit from visiting a graphic designer. Seriously, if a card when handed to me looks ropey in terms of design it goes in the bin. And a lot of those would be hovering over the waste basket. I feel a bit like I'm trying to create enemies saying this, but genuinely I think a lot of these cards would create a much greater impression after a re-design, which is what it's all about surely?!?

Well you can't say something like that without posting yours, but what you're saying is certainly true...good design goes a long way...and so can bad design. In my case, most of my cards go to the myspace crowd, so it's not like I have to do much of anything to make an impression...anything above a torn piece of notebook paper is like super-pro.

[bcap]

Manipula,

Do you mind posting what ones you liked?

How can mine be improved? Send me a PM if you'd rather do it that way.

Thanks

Bryan

[manipula]

Sorry guys, I thought seeing as there's been several business card threads recently and I'd posted it there you'd have seen mine.

Here goes.

Front

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o71/manipula/BusinessCardFrontV2.jpg

Rear

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o71/manipula/BusinessCardRear.jpg


Edited to add, the two I was impressed with (and would have put into my little file of keepers) are those from Jay McLaughlin and bcap. If I remember rightly I read somewhere recently (you get lost amongst the threads) that Jay has a background in design, which shows. Simple, clean, not fussy. Nice image, simple logo, and above all else NO DAFT FONTS! ;) Then you're onto a winner.

[bcap]

Thanks manipula.

I do like the colors you chose for your card. At first glance, I was skeptical about your choice of photo for the front of the card (I'm not one for an actual PHOTO on the business card), but, looking at it again, I think it's a great choice of photo.

In my opinino, not many can get away with a photo on the card but yours definitely works for me.

[manipula]

I agree. I think photo on cards have to be very well chosen. In the case of those I did for Brian on the other thread, you've got an amazing selection of photos to choose from. In my case I just took a snap at the time, not for anything, and when designing the card it seemed to work, largely from my point of view, because it says 'work' not 'photograph.'

[MX_Ant]

Much nicer Bryan. :)

Just when I thought I was happy with mine, my girlfriend looked over my shoulder! ;) This is what we came up with together.. General word of advice guys: ask your partners opinion!

Manipula - I'd be interested to hear your opinion on this (as my last one was hovering over the proverbial bin!)

[R Hardman]

I just printed a few of these and they look nice but I like to get other opinions on this card before I print a slew of them.

162118

[manipula]

Two many different fonts in it for me MX Ant. Although I'm not a fan of script/signature style writing in any form of design, I feel your logo (name) is actually quite nice and I wouldn't touch that. Rarity to get it balanced well. The 'photographer' under your signature could do with changing to the font you use for your contact details. I'd also do the same to your web address. And depending how that looks try losing the drop shadow thing too...

Overall I really like the use of the three images, in particular how the model's photo naturally bleeds to black and you've used that space with your logo, robbing part of the image space without making it look cramped. I would though lose the black strip from the MX rider, and clone out the little (arm?) of the rider behind just creeping into the left of the frame. I quite like the guys arm going out the right side though. Overall, pretty close I'd say, but then again I'm not the gospel, just here to offer advice if you need it.

[manipula]

Rick, you obviously posted as I was replying to MX Ant. Nice card, like the image but I feel the writing at the bottom with your contact details is a bit cramped. This appears to be so you can fit it on the width of the card? I'd be tempted to move the image about a bit to create more black space to type in, even if that means cloning in a bit of black from the bottom of the image. In Photoshop when you're typing into a type layer, you'll find there's a very small button next to a 'T' with a curly arrow under it which looks like a small folder with three bullet points on it. Click that, on the second section of this pane down, there's a control for adjusting spacing between letters to the right. Makes a lot of difference.

Erm, the last thing would be that your main font for your header name is a pretty dated look. It's not a style I'd normally go for so I can't real off a load of alternate fonts, but you could go for traditional 'feel' here with something that isn't quite so dated looking. Less old fashion hand writing script if you follow...

As a side note, the feel of your cards is kinds dictated by your market I think. if you live in the backwaters where no-one sees modern design and fashion, and the concept of city living is a million miles away, you can get away with more 'traditional' looking cards and corporate presences. That's cool. I suspect a hyper modern design would get you looked at like a weirdo. Vice versa a traditional design like Rick's would get you laughed out of a meeting in London or Paris or New York I suspect... Design and those who view it is a fickle mistress...

[bcap]

MX_Ant if I were you I'd get rid of that black strip behind your name that goes over the 3 photos.

Also, like manipula said, change the font of the "photographer" and make it as long as the word above it.

Better though

[MX_Ant]

Thanks for the input guys - will give it a go :)

[MX_Ant]

Ill be a repeat Pete. Here it is - I wanted it very simple.

small detail - you don't need "www" in front of your email address

[mfr301]

http://www.PublicSafetyPictures.com/potn/SportsFront.jpg




http://www.PublicSafetyPictures.com/potn/SportsRear.jpg

[thrumyeye]

MX_Ant - your revised card looks MUCH better! I love the use of the three pics on one side and contact info on another. The previous card had my eye jumping all over the place.

Manipula, your card is one of my favorites. As another stated, I'm not a fan of actual photos as business cards, but your's works extremely well. And easily shows "work" not "photo". Very cool.

Here is mine. I too like simple. And unlike most others, I actually print mine as die-cut wallets through my online lab, instead of getting them printed as paper cards. It works well for me.

[rossdebiasi]

i only take photos as a hobby but some have been good and sold well so i thought it would be fun to have bsiness cards made

Front ->

http://captured-motorsport.smugmug.com/photos/143682966-M.jpg

The back is black with white writing in the same font "all photosgraphs of todays racing can be seen & purchased at www.captured-motorsport.com"

[dbvirago]

I use this company to host some of my images to be used for business cards and use the top image and layout for my personal cards.

http://www.printbusinesscards.com/ordering/Darryl-Brooks-Business-Cards.php

[Hikin Mike]

http://www.thebackcountry.org/images/web_temp/TryLogo2.jpg

[kevinsyn]

I liked it plain and simple.

http://nspirephotography.com/bc.jpg

[bcap]

Kevin - I really like yours. Great work.

[uva185]

I am in the process of designing a card for myself now. The front of my card will be black with white lettering. I have considered printing the back solid black as well because I think it would *look* better but numerous people have advised me against that because people usually write on business cards. So what do you all think? These people however are not in the photography industry where an aesthetically pleasing card may be better.

[kevinsyn]

I am in the process of designing a card for myself now. The front of my card will be black with white lettering. I have considered printing the back solid black as well because I think it would *look* better but numerous people have advised me against that because people usually write on business cards. So what do you all think? These people however are not in the photography industry where an aesthetically pleasing card may be better.


I'm printing a set of black cards to give out. The black version kind of "wow" people more whereas the white ones I give to more professional contacts. Essentially go black if you want the cool factor, go white for more professional looking cards.

[AMeyer]

I hope this photo shows up - if not will repost. Here's mine - glossy, single sided.

[LoganCL]

Had to do mine completely over cus my guy screwed me over. Long story though lol. Tell me what you guys think...

Front

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y96/LoganCl/Front.jpg

Back

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y96/LoganCl/Back.jpg

Here's my website so you can see the theme.

www.l-s-cphotography.com

[jdilldesigns]

Here are what mine look like, let me know what you think,

Front
http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/8613/b1xa7.jpg

Back
http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/6904/b2vl0.jpg

[manipula]

Like the font and colours of the font in that last one Jonathan. Logan's card is a damned site better than a lot it seems, but I do wonder if Logan's card will print that well. The little image thing you've got going on has a very short and sharp gradient from black to white which I suspect unless printed exceptionally well will not show as smoothly as on screen.

[embdude]

I am getting better at designing things in Photoshop. Usually I prefer MS publisher for layout work, but it seems to handle graphics terribly. Especially now that I have developed a more critical eye towards these things...

Anyway here is my biz card..... comments and ideas are appreciated.

[ranestorm]

here's mine

front:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/ranestorm/front.jpg

back:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/ranestorm/back.jpg

[white3designs]

Here is my business card....What do you think!

[thrumyeye]

Here is my business card....What do you think!

It's really great - except for the information in the lower right corner. It really is difficult to see. The grass is too light of a background for the white text. I wouldn't change anything about the layout of it there, I would just play with some levels on a layer of just the grass, to darken it.

[lingham]

i find this one awesome i really do for the obviouos play on words

We did do this before but I don't mind repeating, I say I don't mind repeating...

http://rtmiller.smugmug.com/photos/139279058-S.jpg

[rossdebiasi]

lingham are you on SSC. Sorry if your not!

[lingham]

uh oh yeah i have been spotted

same lingham

[TheChemist]

havent had anything printed yet, but heres the point im at right now (one thing i do need to do is center the line of photos)

http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/6884/cardms1.jpg

[Claire]

here's mine

front:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/ranestorm/front.jpg

back:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/ranestorm/back.jpg


I really like these cards. :)

[Claire]

My old cards. I need to fix new ones.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/54/174726391_8f4c7f6a1b.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/61/174726392_a89db10830.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/224/482519742_c0374ef4e9.jpg?v=0

[jonathon]

Here's one version of my card. I printed them at gotprint.net and they came out pretty good. Any recommended changes?

http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/9933/card4dblsidebq5.jpg

[manipula]

<must. resist.>

[saqib]

http://saqib.smugmug.com/photos/151999943-L.jpg

Just a crappy shot from my webcam cos I cant be bothered moving :)

[Photos by Tam]

Here is my senior photo coupon, business card don't know if this will come through right because i have it as a text doc

[qguillory]

hello everybody i am new here but i thought i'd post my biz card up since i like it so much...

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/136/395892365_ba1511fb79.jpg

[tony fanning]

Here`s mine, done by me

[Screamer]

Went for simple, clean, fresh...

http://www.macinophotography.com/macino_front.jpg
http://www.macinophotography.com/macino_back.jpg

[rmford]

My effort:

http://ic3.deviantart.com/fs15/i/2007/106/b/8/it__s_a_me_by_rmford.jpg

Yeah, it's a horribly low quality jpeg, but that's what you get for doing it all in openoffice draw...

Comments and critiques are more than welcome, and a better quality can be seen here: http://www.deviantart.com/download/53348826/it__s_a_me_by_rmford.pdf

[PhotosGuy]

Being semi-retired, I try to target specific areas of interest & make a separate card for each. Since I don't need too many cards total, I put 3-up on a 4" X 6" print & cut them out.
One "advantage" to that is that the card isn't a standard size & will stand out from the other cards in the pile.
One "disadvantage" would be that, because it sticks out, it may be trashed by an anal potential client? (Who I probably don't want to do business with anyway?) :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v218/PhotosGuy/Samples%20-%20Rides/F1-blur-4_WEB_02.jpg?t=1179323190

Here's an old (Obsolete links) "3-up" before cutting them apart:
.

[_andrew]

a bit small but here is mine!

[MPG Photography]

Here is mine...

Front:
http://tn.psprint.com/GetTN.aspx?mediaID=971022&r=100

Back:
http://tn.psprint.com/GetTN.aspx?mediaID=971024&r=100

[cosworth]

from overnightprints.com

1000 for $50 shipped.

[AmpedPhoto]

I could have swore I put mine up but I guess not...
http://ampedphoto.com/photography/card1.jpg
front
http://ampedphoto.com/photography/back1.jpg
back
words are much easyer to read due to a sligh change

[Wedding Shooter]

Here is mine - it is three times the height of a normal card - but is scored so it can be folded in three to the normal size.

Front first.

Cheers,

Chris

P.S. I just realised that the guy with the bald head had some hair photoshopped on before this went to print. Must be an old PDF I had on this computer.

[SHANGHAi]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v609/hikariliang/businesscard1.jpg

Just designed it about 10 minutes ago. Would like some opinions before I get them printed :)

[jdilldesigns]

If anyone needs a good source for printing business cards, please let me know, Ill be able to get you 2500 for 63 bucks. Double sided card, UV both side, FAST TURN AROUND.

[bcap]

jdilldesigns - can you verify your source? color?

[cskn0125]

If anyone needs a good source for printing business cards, please let me know, Ill be able to get you 2500 for 63 bucks. Double sided card, UV both side, FAST TURN AROUND.


Yeah, any feedback or verified sources? Or a link?

[chris_m_atl]

Yeah, any feedback or verified sources? Or a link?


http://www.5000cards.com
I found this company via an advertisement in Advanced Photoshop Magazine or Photoshop User....can't remember which..

If you can find a better price, let me know. 5000 for $65 + S/H (separate)

5000 cards 4/4 (Double Sided Full Process) AQ Gloss Heavy card stock / UV Coated

You can request a very nifty "kit" of all the products and services they print and they'll mail it to you completely free. You can find the link at the Top Right of the page (Once you enter the main site)


***I am in no way affiliated with this company. They produced my business cards for me. 5000 for less than $100 shipped to Atlanta, GA USA.***

[sunnyindy]

Here is mine.

[airfrogusmc]

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/airfrogusmc/Bcard.jpg

I live in them when not shooting a black tie event or something that requires a suit.

[Mayfly]

I went for the simple approach this time around...........

[sierra_nova]

I like our cards, and so far the pink doesn't seem to have scared of the boys! The gals love it though, and realistically they are our main client base.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h293/dougie_jam/frontbcthumb.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h293/dougie_jam/backbcthumb.jpg

Cheers!
Naomi

[Livinthalife]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v609/hikariliang/businesscard1.jpg

Just designed it about 10 minutes ago. Would like some opinions before I get them printed :)

I love it, one of the bestist!

[-spam-]

Out of those 4, i like the first one. But im not too sure about the negative thing. How does it look with the image just converted to black and white?

[manipula]

A business card for a photographer doesn't HAVE to have a photo on it. In fact it's pretty damned difficult to make it work without looking naff, which unfortunately a few of the cards in this thread have proven. Simple smart design = winner.

[asysin2leads]

Here's something I tinkered with. Let me know what y'all think. The website is a work in progress. Don't worry about hurting my feelings. I am not set on a design yet.

http://img466.imageshack.us/img466/4365/bizcard2st9.jpg

[manipula]

Can't read it. Main font is far too script like, and the others are too dark a shade of blue to set against black, which usually seems to get worse when printed. The simplicity and the ball with the line through has potential though IMO.

[asysin2leads]

Can't read it. Main font is far too script like, and the others are too dark a shade of blue to set against black, which usually seems to get worse when printed. The simplicity and the ball with the line through has potential though IMO.

You're absolutely right. Back to the drawing board. Thanks for the input.

Kevin

[pspwa]

gone back to the drawing board.....

[manipula]

Honest answer? (Apologies in advance if not)

Older style fonts such as the one above ^^^, particularly with the red script style things genuinely make design in general look like something that's not been updated in over a decade. It's rare you'll see it done well, and it takes (IMO) a competant graphic designer. Your local magazines, definitely national and international magazines will I would think rarely use such fonts favouring simpler looking fonts such as Helvetica, Ariel (grrr) or Verdana to name a few commonly known examples. That isn't a definitive list.

Not that it will really matter I guess, but using a photo of a 1D and lens from what I'd imagine is a Canon press source will also likely be in breach of copyright.

You'll also (maybe) spot that as you send those to print at a professional place the trim lines where they print, bleed and trim the cards (and other such mumbo jumbo) may make it difficult to keep your black framing line accurate and even the whole way round.

In short, back to drawing board for me. Keep it clean and simple, the one quoted at the stop of this page by Shanghai is lovely for instance, simple and elegant.

[justisnmnz]

http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/6081/bussinesscardnewresizeef3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Yay or Nay?

[manipula]

Quite like that, though somehow something doesn't balance with the Justin Simmon Photography bit somehow, despite the fact they fit the imaginary bounding box...

Clean and simple, result! ;) :p

[justisnmnz]

meh, here's a bit more simplistic version:

http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/870/bussinesscardnewresizexf3.jpg


not sure what I like more.

[manipula]

I quite like the little TV. You know what I think it is? It's the graduated band underneath... Try breaking it up with some vertical stripes and see if that works... (just a suggestion, if it looks naff, sorry!) :p

[justisnmnz]

actually, that's an excellent idea. I'm fooling with it, and I'm liking throwing out the gradient and going for just vertical lines.

Thoughts?
http://img123.imageshack.us/img123/1579/bussinesscardnewcopy2cory9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[bcap]

Jusin I definitely like the vertical lines instead. But the whole thing looks very typewriterish. I don't know if it works for me to be honest.

It could just be a personal preference, but I hate squarey text. I much prefer smooth soft text.

[justisnmnz]

I'm more into modernism. And I've found that the best way to get a modern effect, is to go old school. :D

[manipula]

Back from the supermarket, glad to see the vertical lines works well... :p

[SHANGHAi]

The small text (email, telephone, etc) is going to be pretty much unreadable after printing.

[Vitruvius]

Something for everyone to take into consideration is that from the printing industry end of things your better off not running your solids into the edges, usually there is a bleed edge of 1/8" and if your going over that edge then they cant gang run the cards(running several orders at once) and need to have them cut separate from the printing. Basically means you will pay more money for your cards.

If you leave that bleed edge safe it reduces your costs, also if you limit your colors you save cost so try not to go crazy in that end of it unless you have a really good design and don't mind spending the extra money for them to be sent out. Quick tip almost all presses run only 2 colors at a time. so if you going for that clean simple look going from 3 colors to 2 can save you some money or even 5 to 4.