critique my business/contact card

[BobbyM]

I haven't shot anything for pay yet. But I would eventually like to. Right now I am in the process of setting up a website with print order capabilities ( I'm currently using the 2 week trials from smugmug and zenfolio) in 2 weeks I will have established which host I will use.

also, over the next couple weeks I will be creating different drafts of business/contact card styles.

I don't think I want to use a photo on the card, because I have not established exactly all the types of photos I would like to shoot.


I just wanted to post my 1st attempt, and get some critique to see if I am on the right track.


front
348722

back
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[HSK]

I like it, purely because its simple (which is what i prefer) I do think though the text on the back could be slightly larger, as white on a dark background can make it harder to read.

[dollei]

its very simple and i like it, and the colors are great too. the back is fine also, but i agree with the above poster that a slightly larger text will set it off nicely :)

good work!

[Anke]

I think it looks great, simple and to the point. I like the notes idea. I also agree that the rear font could be larger. Looks like a winner to me :)

[BobbyM]

thanks for the input..

the font size on the back is only 6 pt. although it looks big at 100% in photoshop, you are probably correct about it being too small in print.

I modified it to 10 pt for this version, shrunk the note section a bit.


348724

[HSK]

that looks spot on.

[Eric]

I liked the layout of the back better on the first one. Maybe compromise and adjust the notes section and font accordingly.

[p360]

Do you own a studio? If that's your home address, I wouldn't even put it.

[tim]

I like it, apart from the notes area, which is kinda ugly. Also you don't need to label your phone number with phone, everyone knows it's a phone number. Try centering it maybe, after removing the notes area, unless you really really need the notes. It can be difficult to write on some card stock anyway.

[alyson]

it looks good. love the design.
but, what's the purpose of the 'notes' section. I think it's a bit difficult to write on a glossy paper with a pen.

[BobbyM]

thanks everyone.

No, I do not have a studio, currently I plan on only shooting on location, and events etc. But, I was thinking of getting a p.o. box (just a thought at this time)to handle any correspondence with clients for my photography, if snail mail is needed.

As far as the note section; that is one area where I am not 100% fond of the looks either, the white box is somewhat of a distraction. Here is one example for my initial reason on putting it there:
- Say if I were to use smugmug as my host, and put a clients photo shoot or event there, I could lock it with a password so only they could view itand write on the back of the card.
Also, the client/potential client could write their own note about something in there, like where they met me etc.. I could be wrong on the potential need of this "notes" area, but from reading others who have a write in area, they seem to like it. amd they've said the front has been uv coated and the back not, this allows writing on it.

I've noticed that the colors are a little different than they appear in photoshop, this may be due to the 50% reduction I gave the pictures for posting here..
also, I am using a template for business card from a printing website, so there is about 1/4" bleed+cut area around the whole card shown.



here is a cleaner looking back,
348725


back with p.o. box and same color all text
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[G..]

Can't see any of the pics?

[BobbyM]

Can't see any of the pics?
you cant? try hitting refresh or something, it seems others have been able to see them.

[G..]

Sorry Bobby, tried that already, don't normally have probs.

Anyway, as I can't see em I feel I must say the second one doesn't look very colourful;)

[BobbyM]

but, it has over 256, 000 colors..:lol:


i uploaded the pics to tinypic.com and linked them here from that site.. could you have something that might be blocking that url?

[tim]

I'd go with all white on the back.

[BobbyM]

I'd go with all white on the back.

thanks, all white text, or all white background? I'm thinking you meant text. The reason I'm shying away from that idea is because I wanted a person to be able to differentiate the front from the back easily(maybe I'm over thinking that part); and, I was thinking the more contrast side would want to come to appear as the front.


front
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back
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[kidgetup]

you cant? try hitting refresh or something, it seems others have been able to see them.

ditto. but I know why I can't see them- proxy blah blah blah @ work.

If you 'go advanced' when formulating your messages and use the paperclip to attach the images, then everyone will be able to see them for sure.

... oh and you should do that because I am graphic designer and I know what I am talking about.... sorta... kinda... every once in awhile... actually I just want to see too :)

[BobbyM]

there..

I went back and uploaded all of them as attachments.

[YORCHI]

I like your "notes" box idea but I would put it at the bottom of the card instead. I would put the basic name and number on the front in nice big letters and then contact info on the back

When I make my site I want to be able to show private albums to specific people...so I would use that part of the card to write down a special user name and password that certain people can use to access that part of my site...or maybe a coupon code

if all else, I can use it to write down their information if I needed to contact them and then just keep the card for later use...

[BobbyM]

I have messed with the idea of having a 1/2" note area across the bottom. I've also thought that I can just be sure to keep one of those metallic fine point permanent markers in my bag for username/password, etc. if needed to write on the card, therefore eliminating the feel for any need of a note area.

I almost would rather keep contact via website and email, but I know a phone number may be useful to have for some people.

also, the front of the card I am pretty happy with, I dont think I want to add any more to that side.


348729

[YORCHI]

I have messed with the idea of having a 1/2" note area across the bottom. I've also thought that I can just be sure to keep one of those metallic fine point permanent markers in my bag for username/password, etc. if needed to write on the card, therefore eliminating the feel for any need of a note area.

I almost would rather keep contact via website and email, but I know a phone number may be useful to have for some people.

also, the front of the card I am pretty happy with, I dont think I want to add any more to that side.


348729
yeah now that I see it like that I agree...I always carry a pen or fine tip marker with me so I can just use that to write information if need be.

I have a friend that does cards and he suggested I only do the front side as glossy and the back side as regular so it's easier to write on...

check him out, tell him George referred you and he should cut you a good deal

http://www.mvp.nu/

[G..]

Hey guys you won't believe this, I still can't see the images just those dinky little red x's
anyway for some reason, I right clicked on them copied em then opened a doc in "Word" and pasted them and they appeared???????

[tim]

thanks, all white text, or all white background? I'm thinking you meant text. The reason I'm shying away from that idea is because I wanted a person to be able to differentiate the front from the back easily(maybe I'm over thinking that part); and, I was thinking the more contrast side would want to come to appear as the front.


front
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back
348721

This one's finished - put your real details in and go print it!

[Kendoway]

If you don't mind a mild critique from a marketing guy, then here's my 2 cents :)


I'd kill the "www" part of your URL, and just go with "BobbyMarshall.com". It's cleaner, and everyone already knows they need to put in that prefix.

I'd remove those green dots on the outside of the text, but they look good as separators inside the text line.


Hope this helps!

[p360]

If you don't mind a mild critique from a marketing guy, then here's my 2 cents :)


I'd kill the "www" part of your URL, and just go with "BobbyMarshall.com". It's cleaner, and everyone already knows they need to put in that prefix.

I'd remove those green dots on the outside of the text, but they look good as separators inside the text line.


Hope this helps!


I couldn't agree more. Also, no ALL CAPS in the web address, please.