Today it is impossible to imagine the business world without a business card. The predecessors of modern business cards appeared in China in the distant III century and were considered mandatory for all officials. In those days, brief and necessary information was indicated on them – the name of the official and his position. More than 10 centuries later, business cards appeared in Florence, Venice, and a century and a half later in Germany. At the turn of the 18-19 centuries, business cards reached Russia and were considered a sign of good form. What this little card is fraught with and what is useful to know about it is the topic of today's article.
Modern business cards are a business accessory that can emphasize dignity or destroy all ideas about a person and a company. Their appearance and design often determine the status of its owner and the success of his activities.
Business cards are a business accessory that influences the image of a company and a person
Business card design
Psychologists have long proven the influence of color on life and the perception of information, which must also be taken into account when creating a business card. Marketers also tend to focus on the color of the card, and only then on the information that is on it. In addition, each line of business corresponds to one or another shade.
Representatives of show business, television, advertising or PR agencies, as well as restaurateurs, chefs and representatives of the fashion world are advised to use red and its shades in the design of a business card.
Bright business cards will suit representatives of show business, advertising agencies and representatives of the fashion world
But for art and culture workers, teachers and employees of companies related to the environment, preference should be given to green, which also looks organically in presentation and advertising products.
Doing ecology or art – your color is green
Many people associate blue and blue with high technology, and these colors will be relevant on the business cards of journalists, Internet providers, publishers, programmers, system administrators and designers. In addition, these colors are actively used by various sports clubs and swimming sections, as well as by companies involved in the arrangement of pools and providing water entertainment services (for example, water parks).
The blue color is universal and suitable for both high technology and aquatics
Classic white is ideal for almost any field of activity – from a teacher to a presidential representative. Although the latter prefer something more impressive, for example – gold. Business cards made on a black background look stylish and original.
White and black colors are ideal for almost any field of activity
For real estate professionals, sales agents, merchandisers, mid-level managers, and people whose work activities are related to livestock or construction, brown and yellow are suitable.
Real estate professionals can use brown and yellow shades
Regardless of the position held (this does not apply to representatives of show business, the world of fashion and beauty salons), a business card should not contain various frames or curls.
As for the font, in this case, there are no standards and restrictions, but remember, the text must be readable. The surname and first name are written in bold, but information about the position and place of work can be issued in a more restrained manner. Do not use many fonts on one business card, do not use a font size greater than 12 point size, otherwise the text and the business card itself will look awkward. It is more expedient to place the logo in the left corner of the business card, and contact information (except phone numbers and addresses) in the middle of the card, phone numbers and addresses are placed at the bottom – such a business card is psychologically balanced for reading and makes information readable and memorable.
Well balanced business card
Pictures and effects in business card design
Bright pictures on cards are more inherent in creative people, photographers, designers, representatives of the world of fashion and the beauty industry. It is not necessary to place the image you like on the front side of the business card, placing it on the back side, you will demonstrate your creativity and extraordinary thinking. In addition, you can create several variants of your business card – one for potential customers, and the other for business partners.
Business cards can also have laconic patterns – from squares with stripes to complex geometric shapes. Such business cards will definitely attract attention. But remember about the sense of proportion!
A business card with a minimal design does not indicate a lack of imagination; rather, on the contrary, it indicates a sense of taste and style. Place the logo and the name of the company on the front side, and all contact information on the back – such a decision will definitely not go unnoticed and will be appreciated.
As additional effects, printing houses offer their customers embossing, transparent business cards, business cards of unusual shapes, curly die-cutting and varnishing with special effects.
Embossed business card
The embossing effect allows you to create a convex image on a business card, giving it texture and style. You can highlight the logo or contact details, but don't overdo it – making your entire business card bulging can run the risk of being considered a person of bad taste.
Plastic (transparent) business cards that are now fashionable will help attract attention and highlight the company. In addition, they are stronger and more reliable than the usual paper cards.
Create a business card yourself
If you consider yourself a fairly experienced designer, psychologist and stylist, try creating a business card with your own hands. To do this, you need a special program or any graphic editor.
Using a special program, customize the template for your future business card. To do this, you will need information about its parameters, format and contact information. The standard sizes of business cards are 85×55 mm, in case. When creating a business card, you should remember about indents, due to which during printing all information will be on the business card, and not go beyond its limits. The standard print margin is 5 mm on each side of the card.
After you have entered all the necessary data into the program, you need to choose the design of your future business card. In most cases, business card creation programs offer ready-made options, divided into thematic categories, which greatly simplifies the process of creating a card. If necessary, you can develop your own design and load it into the program.
If necessary, edit the received card – upload the company logo, inscription or photo, and then save the project.
How to create a business card yourself in Photoshop
In order to print business cards, you can contact a specialized company or mini-printing house. When contacting the printing house for help, clarify the requirements for the layout, namely, the color model of the business card (in most cases it is CMYK), the file format (tiff or jpg), and the distance between business cards on the sheet. If you decide to print business cards yourself, then remember that the paper for them must be of high quality and thick enough, and it is best to use a laser printer (this way you will avoid possible distortion of the image and text when water gets on the business card).
Business card etiquette
So, what are the rules of etiquette associated with business cards:
- the first person to submit the business card is the senior in age or position, and if a woman is present, the man gives the business card to the woman first;
- the back of the business card is used for notes (unless the business card is double-sided).
- the business card is presented standing, with the text to the partner.
- when meeting on your territory, you are the first to submit the business card, and, conversely, in the case of a business meeting in the office or representative office of a partner.
- do not wrinkle, twist or write anything on the business card in the presence of its owner.
- It is customary to put a business card in flower bouquets, hand it at business meetings and when meeting people, and also attach it to greeting cards.
Business card transfer etiquette
Never cross out anything on a business card – this is a sign of bad form. If the information printed on the card is out of date, be sure to order new business cards.
It is more expedient to store business cards in a plastic or leather box, and best of all in a special organizer, where you can distribute all business cards and, if necessary, easily and naturally get them. Modern business card holders differ in shape and size. The original accessory, made in the form of a small suitcase, will give a respectable and solid look to its owner.
