subject: How To Pick Your New Business Cards [print this page] There are many elements to consider when picking out a business card. One of these is the background. While you want one that is attractive, you also want something that goes will with the overall card design. Some cards are too cluttered or amateur looking. The one thing that should stand out is the info that is on the card. Many people choose to use photographs as their backgrounds. You don't have to start from scratch when creating a business card. You can use one of the many available templates to base yours on.
Many of these templates allow you to use your own images. There are some things that you should remember if you do decide to use your own graphic files. By following this advice, you will have a business card that stands out but is still professional. Start by choosing your background. Avoid anything that you think would distract from your message. Discard anything that appears busy. You'll also need to find an image that is related to the services you offer. Of course, a background image is optional and not necessary.
How much text you need and the size of this text will also affect what kind of background that you need. If you have a lot of text, you'll need a plain background. Otherwise it will be hard to read. No matter how much text you have, you want to avoid busy patterns and colors that will distract from the information. This includes things such as polka dots and stripes. It also includes some bright colors. While a splash of bright color can add to your design, too much will have the opposite effect. Larger advertisements can handle these elements. Your business card is too small to cram these in.
You have two goals. The first is that it is nice to look at. The more important goal is that all of the information is clearly legible. To guarantee the second goal, focus on a subdued color and a simple pattern, if you choose to have one at all. A text color that stands out from the background must also be chosen. In many cases the text color should be black, but not always.
Generally, with business card designs, simpler is better. The more simple the design of the card is, the friendlier you and your business will appear. The choice of colors is important too. You need to decide if you want your card to be warm and inviting or bold and aggressive. This of course, depends on how you wish to represent yourself or your business. Regardless of these choices, you should always allow the background to present the information in a way that is pleasing to the eye and highly legible.
The font you choose will have a large impact on this. It needs to be a small enough size that it will all fit, but large enough so that no one will need to squint to read it. If you incorporate your log into your design, you want to make sure it pops. It is just as important as your text. So make sure it is neither blending in with the background or clashing with it.
Since your business card is a networking tool, you want to take the time needed to get it right. What it looks like will say a lot about you and your business, so make sure its message truly represents you. But don't stress out too much, because you can always try new looks until you find the one that works best for you.
