Business cards - here's mine

[Minnesota scroller]

I feel that business cards are very beneficial for spreading the word for any enterprise. They are probably the most cost efficient form of advertising you can find. I have always designed and printed my own. Not only is it much more cost efficient, but you can change them whenever you like without having to wait for the remaining 450 to be used. Just make sure they have enough contact info and a place to view your work. I think the pictures help too. A card with just your name and phone number is going to be blah. Dress it up. You are an artist. Also, use good quality paper. I use 80# cover - Royal Linen. I'm sure there are others out there with nicer and more unique cards and I'd love to see them. I'm always open to new ideas.

[CanadianScroller]

I too like the idea of a business card.
I just use mine for contact or glue it to the back of a project.
I also have a rubberstamp with my logo but the quality isn't as good.
The text looks funny in the picture of the card. Darn pixels anyway!
I print my own on cardstock from Walmart. I think I pay around $2.50 for 100 cards

[Sawduster]

What perfect timing Mike
I have been fiddling with this and would love some pointers. Those both look really good
What program did you use ? Same question for Carl .

Any pointers at all from anyone would be much appreciated. I'm fairly creative, but kind've stoopid when it comes to computer programs

[Minnesota scroller]

C'mon Robert, don't sell yourself short. I use an old program that I've had for years called Printshop. There is a similar one out there that I guess is similar called Print Master. These types of programs are quite easy to find in any store that sells software. They are also very user friendly. When designing, don't get fancy with the type. Use no more than 2 different fonts and make sure the fonts are easy to read. Make sure your printer prints crisp text. I would avoid using paper that is specially designed for business cards. They have perforations for separating them after they are printed. They look very unprofessional. Instead, acquire a paper cutter and cut them yourself. You can buy cheap, fairly heavy paper from Walmart but I prefer something more professional looking. This is why I go with something with a little texture. The paper I use isn't only heavier, it's also brighter. It may not be that important but I've printed a lot of business cards for myself and others and I've just gotten a little anal (is that a word?) about some things.

[Sawduster]

Dude ! You got some nice stuff in the ol' photobucket there

Printshop huh ? I think The Shop Widow actually has that one in her stash
Thanx man !

[CanadianScroller]

I have used many programs to do the same card, depending on which computer I am on... they don't let me install programs at work.
This one is using Microsoft Word.
If you like free software try Serif PagePlus SE
I love Serif software it is so easy to use.
There is a great program out there from Moss Bay Software called OfficePrinter Free to try for 30 days and only $15 after that.
It is strictly for business cards.

Me got one too... Well, actually I have two, and yes they do come in handy!

[Eric]

I have one too that I just made up and in the process of getting them printed up. I used publisher to make mine.

Carl I was intending on using a graphic similar to yours at first but when I sampled people with my card, people did not know what I did so I changed it to a generic wood working clip art and then people know what I stand for and response was much better, so I'm sticking with that clip art. How do people respond to yours?

Living in Quebec, I need to have it in French and English so I need to have 2 cards. What I opted for was to print one side in French and the other in English so depending on who wants it they just flip it to the side they want. I also had someone who does translation do the translation so there is no mix up in the wording.

Business cards are great but from one area to another they have to be so different to give the same message which make them so interesting. I like the cards that have been posted, I'll try to post mine up soon.

Eric

[CanadianScroller]

Eric most people get my card as they see me doing a demo so the graphic is more relavent then.
It is a conversation piece I guess and it allows me to elaborate with them.
I could never afford a Velocipede, I know they are making reproductions again, so this is as close as I can get.
The detail sure dropped out on the rubberstamp I had made though.I have no idea how it would turn out as a branding iron.

[Neal Moore]

Hope it uploaded!!! I designed this one a long time ago and generally keep a half dozen or so in my wallet....just in case!!!