Even though we are increasingly working inside paperless offices, the business card still is a mainstay of business. If you have not got a card you can hand out to collaborators or prospects, you are missing out on one key marketing opportunity.

We reside in a world in which the average start-up may design their own business cards and order them from known internet printers for the cost of a dinner. However, these business cards are usually an inferior weight, and generally utilize twee clipart to associate themselves to the company being advertised.

We have brought together four of our leading tips for making innovative, effective cards.

Keep basic design principles in mind

It may appear obvious, but it is worth restating that a card is a piece of printed material similar to any other. Due to this, the fundamental principles of paper-based design will apply to cards:

• Keep all critical copy at least 5 millimeters from the edge of the trim
• For best image reproduction work at 300dpi
• To maintain legibility, make sure you maintain a minimal size for the typography
• Unless you are exclusively working with spot colors, design in CMYK

Also, most designers find that it helps to utilize a grid that lays their cards out, as it may assist you in achieving the correct hierarchy of details and make sure the alignment is sound.

Be creative within constraints

There are a few ‘standard’ sizes for cards, depending upon where you’re located. One usual card size is 55 by 85 millimeters, even though you will see many additional sizes quoted online.

Though you just have a small canvas to work with, it’s still possible to be creative with the space. Begin by considering the critical details you want to have on the business card, which typically will be a phone number, email address, and name and work the design around creatively presenting these details.

Avoid typical pitfalls

There are a few typical pitfalls to making business cards that it’ll help to be aware of. The most obvious one includes ensuring that you offer a bleed as specified by the printer. Usually, it’s 3 millimeters, but may be 5 millimeters, so always check!

More importantly includes avoiding the use of a straightforward border around the whole the card, as it’ll show up any misalignment within the trim if the business card is not cut perfectly.

Make use of special finishes

One immediate method of adding impact to a business card includes using a special finish. A special finish includes the likes of foil blocking, metallic inks, spot-UV, and may add substantial cost to a print. However, what they offer is a chance to make the card more memorable, visually impressive, and tactile

Various printers provide various finish options; therefore, talk with them to figure out what they’re able to do for you, and do not be afraid to head to a professional if your usual printer just provides straight 4-color print.

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