Business card critique.... [Archive] - Canon Digital Photography Forums

willowdawn

9th of November 2007 (Fri), 13:32

I rather like the condensed font for the name. But the overall feel is rather masculine, and so I admit to being surprised to read "Brooke" and from your avatar assume you are a woman. I'm not a prissy, flowering girl myself, so I'm suggesting taking such a route, but it may be a little surprising to your clients as well.

I do agree that the bottom text is blending too closely with your gradient. Have you printed one at 2.5x3 to see just how small everything is? Your most important information may be getting lost.

Willow

Bootsie

9th of November 2007 (Fri), 13:59

Thanks for the input everyone, I have addressed the text blending issue in my revised version, and well as the condensed font (stays the same but just spread out a little).

I might even shift the balance of things so that the bottom gray (which is now lighter) is bigger, allowing me to use a bigger font for that important info.

Thanks you for your suggestion Willow, yes I am a woman, and I worried about that a little as well, but I am not a girly girl when in comes to design things, so do you have any suggestions?

Thanks for your suggestion as well Ben, I think that now I have looked at the prices of single and double sided I might put a picture on the back.

mr_e

9th of November 2007 (Fri), 15:54

Looks a little unfriendly to me, like cold metal or something...with radiation text :D

sl3966

9th of November 2007 (Fri), 15:59

Thanks for the input everyone, I have addressed the text blending issue in my revised version, and well as the condensed font (stays the same but just spread out a little).

Thats what I was getting at, the tracking not the font itself.

Bootsie

9th of November 2007 (Fri), 19:21

What about this? (the black border is for the bleed area) BTW, do you like the domain name?

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l243/vkhadley/BusinessCard2copy.jpg

Hikin Mike

9th of November 2007 (Fri), 21:24

I like the colors. I don't care for the ".com" on your logo. Just use Brooklynn Photography. I would also ditch the "photography" in your name and bump the font just a bit larger. Looks like the website font is larger than the your name, e-mail and phone number. I would make them all the same.

As far as your "BP Logo", I might change the colors to green/white to match your text element (BrooklynnPhotography).

It's looking good though...

willowdawn

9th of November 2007 (Fri), 22:08

Brooke - Here's a quick play that might take your card in a softer direction. Just a suggestion from a stranger. No offense taken if you hate it...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2373/1940863760_a5c3f96e11.jpg

Regardless, there are some details to clean up before going to print...

A thin green line in the black bar that goes into your BP logo.
The top of the white circle in the BP area is actually grey. If you want it to be grey, it should probably be darker as right now it just looks like a mistake.

Willow

Bootsie

10th of November 2007 (Sat), 16:54

Willow you picture is not showing.

Thanks for pointing out those little mistakes, it really helps to have some different eyes look for awhile. Thanks!

Bootsie

10th of November 2007 (Sat), 20:09

Here is another one...

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l243/vkhadley/BusinessCard2copy2.jpg

The only reason that I am leaving .com on the top is that the point on these cards is to get people to the site to buy prints, but I am not sure it is helping, what does everyone else think? I fixed a couple of things, if anyone notices anything else, please tell me. Again, thanks everyone!

thekid24

10th of November 2007 (Sat), 20:23

the card/s look good...either one you could hand out.

My advice, flip a coin:D

1st: I like the simple look
2nd: I like the larger print at the bottom, a lot forget these things are going to be small so if the print looks small...imagine it on a lil card.
3rd: The black ring around the B seperates more as apposed to the first.

Binning

10th of November 2007 (Sat), 23:40

Just a personal preference, but I don't like all caps in the upper half. Maybe try some different fonts as well? It's sort of a 2001: A Space Odyssey...font
A little dated. I agree with Mike that the upper half title doesn't need a .com. It's in the lower half.

Bootsie

14th of November 2007 (Wed), 01:39

Here is another one... better?/worse?

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l243/vkhadley/BusinessCard2copy3.jpg

Do you like the logo part?

Hikin Mike

14th of November 2007 (Wed), 02:17

I like this version, but I'm not sure about the "BP" logo. The circles aren't round. I think the BP logo needs a different color to match your name. I was a bit bored this evening (as usual) and threw something together...

Bootsie

14th of November 2007 (Wed), 10:32

Thanks Mike, I could not get that white circle to go round last night, and it was late so I gave up. I like your idea, I might have to play around with that a little. I just cannot decide if I like the "BP" logo, or if i should try and come up with something else.

Bootsie

19th of November 2007 (Mon), 22:11

Do you like this version and logo better?

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l243/vkhadley/BusinessCard3copy3.jpg

sevillafox

19th of November 2007 (Mon), 22:16

I definitely like the logo MUCH better. The original was a cool idea but it didn't seem to work. However, for what it's worth, the G in photography bugs me and I'd be worried that the font in Brooklynn Photography might not print well. The letters seem kind of close together. But, I'm no expert. I went through a complete business card overhaul myself not too long ago. :)

tiff

Bootsie

20th of November 2007 (Tue), 13:15

Here is a completely different look, do you like it better? P.S. this was done in gimp at work so the quality might not be great.

sevillafox

20th of November 2007 (Tue), 14:47

Nice but I would lose the drop shadow. I'm assuming the logo here is a stand-in for the other one you posted. I hope so as I like that one better. I do like the white card better. It looks a bit more elegant and more timeless rather than trendy.

What if you moved your name to the left and made it bigger and contact info to the right side. No need to put the www for the website either. I also liked the idea of the green stripe behind your logo on the original. Maybe see what it looks like here.

Just some ideas.

Looking better though.

Tiff

j5uh

20th of November 2007 (Tue), 17:23

here's my rendition

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2306/2051291532_8d6b3219c3_o.gif

Bootsie

20th of November 2007 (Tue), 17:39

I really like that j5uh, I'm just a little worried about the font being too small when printed. But I think that a version of that design would be great! Thanks!

Bootsie

20th of November 2007 (Tue), 21:24

Here is another one.... opinions please!

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l243/vkhadley/BusinessCard4copy.jpg

Binning

20th of November 2007 (Tue), 22:35

I like it better Bootsie. I suggest moving the web address to the bottom half of the card -- making your name and logo cleaner. I'd also consider using a darker green -- similar to the color used at the bottom of your posting signature for 'my gear.' I would include in the bottom half your phone number as well as your email address and web address -- and a mailing address.

I see so many cards on here that don't include a street address or mailing address. I must have a thousand business cards from friends and business colleagues and there isn't a single one that doesn't have a mailing address. While most of the cards are corporate, even the few that are home based (and where they don't conduct business within their home), they still list an address -- that way I know where to send the invoice or payment -- or can recall their geographic location. I just think its a good idea to include the address as it is more professional in the traditional business card sense -- there are still a few people out there that enjoyed meeting you and would like to send a note by snail mail or invite you to an event. I have a home based business and I'll get a few invitations this time of year by mail from clients. I don't think it matters if you work from home and don't have a studio there. Just a thought.

I really like the transition your card is making. I think you'll end up with a very nice final product.

Good luck!

Tim

sevillafox

20th of November 2007 (Tue), 23:40

Ok, after a grueling night of parent teacher conferences I needed something to do to relax. Here's my take....
http://www.redfoxphotography.us/brooklynn.jpg

Binning

21st of November 2007 (Wed), 00:04

Cut! Print!

Bootsie

21st of November 2007 (Wed), 01:38

Ok, what about this one?

I am a very indecisive person, so you guys are really helping thanks!

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l243/vkhadley/BusinessCard5copy.jpg

sevillafox

21st of November 2007 (Wed), 09:19

Bootsie

21st of November 2007 (Wed), 10:15

Sorry Brooke but I like your other B logo better. This new one seems a little too on the amateur side. There's also something about the font in "brooklynn photography" that bothers me. I don't care for the way the y, k, h, and n look. The g also bugs me because it is an uppercase g and all the other letters are lowercase. Also, is there a reason you didn't put your phone number on this one? People still like to use the phone not just email. Definitely a nice change from the first one.

I don't really like the B either, but I thought that I would try it and see what it looks like. (It is actually from my signature) I am still trying to figure out the best font, I like unique things, so that is why I like that font, something different. I didn't put the phone # because I do not do any studio work, weddings, families, or anything, the main purpose of these cards is to let people know that I have a web site so they can go there, check out my stuff, and buy prints. I decided I didn’t want a bunch of calls of people asking me to do their kids, their wedding, ect.

Thanks so much for you help, I wish I had Photoshop at work so that I could work on this right now, all I have here is gimp, and it is much harder to work with.

sevillafox

21st of November 2007 (Wed), 10:55

Hmmm...I have a ton of fonts at home. If I get time I'll take a peek through them to see if I can find anything for you. Makes sense about the phone number too.

Bootsie

21st of November 2007 (Wed), 11:15

Hmmm...I have a ton of fonts at home. If I get time I'll take a peek through them to see if I can find anything for you. Makes sense about the phone number too.

Thanks! I have just been looking through them online.

Here is another quick version, what do you think? Yes I did change the domain this time, I am trying to decide between the two of them.

sevillafox

21st of November 2007 (Wed), 11:27

Like the new font
Dislike new logo-I still prefer the other one. If I didn't already know the new one was supposed to be the letter B I wouldn't know what it was.
Try bumping the domain name down a bit to sill up some of that white space.

Bootsie

21st of November 2007 (Wed), 12:01

Here is another LOL....

Never mind, I don't like this one.

Over Actor

21st of November 2007 (Wed), 13:49

I didnt read through because Im at work and dont have time to read them all but In your first post It looks good but the letters are too condensed On the header ( brooklynnPhotography. ) Good choice on the bank gothic font.

Hikin Mike

21st of November 2007 (Wed), 18:24

I like the Bank Gothic font too. I would put your name underneath the logo and put the website on the bottom with the e-mail.

I'm not "digging" the "B" Logo though. I like your second try at the logo the best.

Bootsie

21st of November 2007 (Wed), 21:56

Here is another one, I think this might be it. I did red because the printer has to have it in CMYK format, and I could not get the green to look good. On the logo I kind of like that you cannot quite tell that it is a B (more unique). And I want the site to be prominant because that is the main purpose of the cards.

I want to get the ball rolling on this whole thing this weekend (time off from work), so tell me what you think. Thanks!

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l243/vkhadley/Business-Card-5-copy.jpg

Hikin Mike

21st of November 2007 (Wed), 22:15

I like the red too, but I don't think the shadow will look good in print. Since I was playing around in Illustrator, I'll post what I was playing around with...

Hikin Mike

21st of November 2007 (Wed), 22:17

Just curious, I didn't have that font, what font was your BrooklynnPhotography?

Bootsie

22nd of November 2007 (Thu), 00:32

Just curious, I didn't have that font, what font was your BrooklynnPhotography?

Thanks Mike, how can I find out if the shadow would print well?

The font is bellerose,this is where I got it...
http://www.dafont.com/font.php?file=bellerose&page=1&nb_ppp_old=20&text=&nb_ppp=20&psize=m&classt=alpha

Lorem

22nd of November 2007 (Thu), 01:17

Try this. Use only 1 font for your card design. With variations like Bold / Light etc. Keep it real clean.

Bootsie

22nd of November 2007 (Thu), 01:50

Here is another...

Changed the B (i think it goes with the other font better), used the dot divider from Mike's version, and used the same font.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l243/vkhadley/Business-Card-5-copy2.jpg

Hikin Mike

22nd of November 2007 (Thu), 02:04

Thanks Mike, how can I find out if the shadow would print well?

The font is bellerose,this is where I got it...
http://www.dafont.com/font.php?file=bellerose&page=1&nb_ppp_old=20&text=&nb_ppp=20&psize=m&classt=alpha

Thanks for the link!

You can try and print one full size and check. But I have a few friends that are graphic designers that tell me not to use shadows because they may not print good. Another one says they look "amateur".

I also like your red one, but I really think you should switch places with your name and website. Good luck and I'd like to see the final version! :D

EDIT: LOL!! As I was typing you made another version!

Bootsie

22nd of November 2007 (Thu), 02:12

Like this Mike?

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l243/vkhadley/Business-Card-5-copy-3.jpg

Hikin Mike

22nd of November 2007 (Thu), 02:21

Yep! Not sure about the logo yet. It almost looks like a fancy "CB" or "CBD".

camlew2

22nd of November 2007 (Thu), 03:40

I agree with Mike, Kind of looks like a CB (Sorry)

Bootsie

22nd of November 2007 (Thu), 13:25

I agree with Mike, Kind of looks like a CB (Sorry)

I agree, but I really like it, so I think I might stick with it anyway. Plus it could be a backward P and a B. :)

ssidiv3r

20th of December 2007 (Thu), 18:06

I like these two. The Red and White one is nice but has no Phone number. Have you picked one yet?

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l243/vkhadley/BusinessCard3copy3.jpg

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l243/vkhadley/Business-Card-5-copy-3.jpg

sevillafox

20th of December 2007 (Thu), 20:45

Another revival by kitten AFTER you got the last one printed! Boy, was he bored today or what?!?!

ssidiv3r

20th of December 2007 (Thu), 21:15

Another revival by kitten AFTER you got the last one printed! Boy, was he bored today or what?!?!

Just a little ;) I wanted to put in my two cents, no matter how late I am :)
And by going through threads like this I can get ideas about designs if I ever decide to start my own photo company :)

Oh yeah, which one did Brooke chose to print?

sevillafox

20th of December 2007 (Thu), 21:51

Just a little ;) I wanted to put in my two cents, no matter how late I am :)
And by going through threads like this I can get ideas about designs if I ever decide to start my own photo company :)

Oh yeah, which one did Brooke chose to print?

The last one.

ssidiv3r

20th of December 2007 (Thu), 21:56

This one? It looks nice.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l243/vkhadley/Business-Card-5-copy-3.jpg

sevillafox

20th of December 2007 (Thu), 21:57

This one? It looks nice.

Yup.

ssidiv3r

20th of December 2007 (Thu), 21:58

Good, it's one of the ones I liked :)

Bootsie

21st of December 2007 (Fri), 12:58

Good, it's one of the ones I liked :)

Thanks kitten. I am glad that you like it. Yes, that is the one that I printed, it turned out really good.

I explained the phone # thing a few posts back, but basically I don't do weddings or portraits so i didn't want tons of calls from people looking for those things. This way they can just go to my site and see what I do, and hopefully buy some prints.

ssidiv3r

21st of December 2007 (Fri), 15:36

Thanks kitten. I am glad that you like it. Yes, that is the one that I printed, it turned out really good.

I explained the phone # thing a few posts back, but basically I don't do weddings or portraits so i didn't want tons of calls from people looking for those things. This way they can just go to my site and see what I do, and hopefully buy some prints.

Oh, ok. I was just wondering :)