2. 12

New Cards + Contest

I recently designed new business cards and had them printed over SplatPrint.com. I went full-color, two-sided with rounded corners on the 130lb. Recycled Velvet cover. Just got ‘em in the mail and I’m quite fond of them. So much so, that SplatPrint and I are teaming up to give away some free cards so you can see for yourself.

All you gotta do is leave your best design tip in the comments below. On March 16, I’ll pick a  random winner, they’ll get 1000 4/4 cards for FREE, and we’ll all celebrate the momentous occasion with a collective—WooHoo!

So, share your design tips, check out SplatPrint.com, and tell your friends/tweeps—wouldn’t want ‘em to miss out!

Note: The cards got picked up over on Card Observer. Cool new biz card gallery site—check it out!



34 Responses to “New Cards + Contest”

  1. Edwin Says:
    February 12th, 2009 at 4:16 pm

    Two things: simple and free. Don’t think to hard, keep it simpel. Often small things can make the difference. And second of all: use all the freedom you got. Start on paper for example so you don’t walk against the limitations of software. Think big in possibilities, do not think of what is impossible. Almost everything is possible, keep that in mind, use the freedom and your imagination and with the small things you can do great design jobs! :)

  2. amy Says:
    February 12th, 2009 at 4:28 pm

    An effective business card always has the following four things:
    1] Name
    2] What your Company Does
    3] Contact Information
    4] A place for notes

    If your card can do all that AND be creative, you have an amazing business card.

    I guess that doesn’t count as a design tip. So here’s a design tip. Sometimes the design gets overly complicated in hopes of being creative. Sometimes people forget to think about the card itself. A simplistic card printed with a unique die-cut or paper can be more creative than the most intricate design.

  3. Pat Says:
    February 12th, 2009 at 4:49 pm

    Pay attention to the full process, from design to production. Don’t be afraid to be in touch with the printer to find out exactly what they need on their end. Also, ensure that you have a clear understanding of colour, as well as making sure your monitor screens have been calibrated.

  4. Branden Says:
    February 12th, 2009 at 5:42 pm

    1. Utilizing typography is important in this day and age. Pick up a book or two on the subject because it’s so important to have a readable, clean, sleek looking site these days to stay competitive.

    2. Design to standards of course but you don’t have to limit yourself to the confinements of the average monitor size. You can always put elements outside the typical 980px view and still appeal to others who run resolutions much higher. This gives you kudo points from the design community.

    3. As far as business cards go you should match your web site brand as closely as possible with your business cards. This will create a mental pathway for the client to remember your work and website.

  5. TheJeff Says:
    February 13th, 2009 at 7:36 am

    Simplify.
    Like your new cards.

  6. admin Says:
    February 13th, 2009 at 8:45 am

    Thanks @TheJeff. I’m a huge advocate of simple :)

  7. Mike Freyder Says:
    February 13th, 2009 at 4:00 pm

    Never show a client an option you don’t want them to pick. They will pick it everytime.

  8. rogvaiv Says:
    February 14th, 2009 at 6:04 am

    remember: you are less than your biz card.

  9. Chris Mundell Says:
    February 14th, 2009 at 9:23 am

    Fortunately, the biz card hasn’t gone the way of CD liner notes. Remember, your biz card may be your 1st and only impression.

  10. Manal Says:
    February 14th, 2009 at 2:26 pm

    Simple, cluttered, plain, vibrant – whatever style, make sure it reflects your ideas/business/projects in a unique way, not just the popular, trendy style. With so much competition out there, everyone else is wanting that ‘in’ look, too. You want the perfect blend of design and content so when a potential customer comes along the way, they see something different, and stay long enough to read what you’re about.

  11. FEARHSOINIC Says:
    February 14th, 2009 at 9:00 pm

    K.I.S.S

    Keep it simple stupid

  12. Matt Haltom Says:
    February 15th, 2009 at 10:57 pm

    Three words… make it different. If you are truly trying to make an effective business card, do something that will set it apart. Garth did it through an attractive use of color and rounded corners. Doing something to make your card pop out of the deck will always set you apart.

    Like other say too, keep it simple. Too much information on a card is just too much, focus on the delivery method instead of trying to say everything about you.

    Lastly pick one profession. Some people are blessed with multiple skill sets, however that does not mean you should go listing yourself as the Wordpress / PHP / Database / Whatever master. Pick your favorite thing to do and stick with it, leave your other services for your website’s service page or talk with your client.

  13. Travis Hanneman Says:
    February 16th, 2009 at 7:51 am

    less is more!

  14. Dan Says:
    February 16th, 2009 at 12:26 pm

    Once you have finished a design, ask your spouse, friend, co-worker, anyone that isn’t involved with the project, what he/she thinks and take what they say very seriously.

    As designers, we can get stuck in a what I like to call “designer stare” where we can’t see anything else but the design and all of its imperfections.

    I’ve found that my wife is the best litmus test for a design that I am stuck on.

    Awesome cards garth!

  15. Aaron Irizarry Says:
    February 16th, 2009 at 7:26 pm

    ” Always practice safe design… Use a concept”

    ~ Aaron I

  16. Kathryn Austin Says:
    February 19th, 2009 at 8:12 am

    Many people forget that your business card is your “calling card”. You should make an impression with your business card, but the purpose of your card is providing someone with your contact information. It should be “simply elegant” and uncomplicated.

  17. ToddGilmore Says:
    February 19th, 2009 at 11:53 am

    I like the round corners. Imagination is always required.

  18. Erik Smith Says:
    February 19th, 2009 at 11:55 am

    Use Helvetica (unless you really know what you’re doing)

    The cards look nice btw. :)

  19. Jeffery Saddoris Says:
    February 19th, 2009 at 12:00 pm

    Look at your design project. Now take out the element you like the best. See if it still holds up. As designers, we often rely on the same visual hooks or tricks in much of our work. Make it communicate and make it simple. Charles Mingus once said “Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that’s creativity.”

  20. Scott Says:
    February 19th, 2009 at 12:05 pm

    Ancient proverb ‘ Less is more ‘

    Minimalistic is usually more appealing.

  21. Anna Says:
    February 20th, 2009 at 3:24 pm

    leave the design alone for awhile… it’ll still be there when your head stops spinning

    Beautiful design :)

    ~Anna

  22. Rebecca Says:
    February 21st, 2009 at 10:14 am

    Less is most definitely more; just put what’s required, don’t go too over the top. Use simple things. Not to say you can’t add decorations (your card doesn’t need to be black and white and *yawn*) but just … simple. Kind of like this layout ;)

    ~Rebecca

  23. Nick Sergeant Says:
    February 26th, 2009 at 8:18 am

    Don’t forget the line-height.

  24. Chris Schroeder Says:
    February 26th, 2009 at 8:19 am

    Take an unnecessary elements away from the design. Does it still work at it’s most basic state? If it does, you have a good design.

  25. David Says:
    February 26th, 2009 at 9:24 am

    Clean and simple is the way to go!! The potential clients need to read and understand your information on the card so they can get in contact with you. Don’t design just for design sake.

  26. Caroline B Says:
    March 2nd, 2009 at 12:41 pm

    Use complementary colours throughout your entire project: if any two colours ever clash, your entire design could be affected. You can use a simple colour wheel or special palette websites like Colour Lovers to help you find the best set of hues for you!

  27. Brian Says:
    March 4th, 2009 at 12:05 pm

    Typography is key. Mind your kerning, tracking, and leading. I’ve seen many potentially great designs ruined by poor typography. Having the right typeface for the right design is vital as well. Know your audience/demographic and appeal to them typographically.

  28. Michael Pierce Says:
    March 11th, 2009 at 8:21 am

    Tip for all designers: MAKE THE LOGO BIGGER

  29. Matt Rhodes Says:
    March 12th, 2009 at 6:59 am

    FRESH EYES
    Let the design sit for a while. Then come back to it with “fresh eyes.” It is amazing what little things you’ll see that can be tweaked to improve the design.

  30. Shane Says:
    March 13th, 2009 at 6:19 am

    repetition is something which is often neglected, but very important. repeating your concept or purpose reinforces it and makes the piece stronger.
    repetition and simplicity.

  31. Ryan Kirk Says:
    March 16th, 2009 at 10:30 am

    Concepts first. Brainstorm anything and everything, then refine to a few concepts. Whatever type of designer you are in whatever media, having a clear concept and purpose will help you formulate your message and drive your design. Everything else is cake.

  32. kyle steed Says:
    April 10th, 2009 at 12:21 pm

    Dang man. Wish I would’ve commented sooner. I need to get my new business cards printed up, but don’t have the money right now.

    But more importantly, your business cards are hot. Really love your logo and am especially fond of the “I am” on the back with your info. The minimal flavor to it is very tasty. MMM…

    -peace-

  33. Brad Miller Says:
    July 7th, 2009 at 2:22 pm

    Great Card Garth. I like it a lot.

  34. Yqokeipatuure Says:
    January 10th, 2010 at 8:26 am

    Chem explained taking oxycodone and a multivitamin together defines the depakote birth defect our problem generic zestoretic the surface can naproxen cause heart attack the urge what is lanoxin raco asked protopic ointment psoriasis his paw is cephalaxin cephalexin 500 mg open and cyclessa birth control pills you find diovan side effects message boards carnations opposed vicoprofen india could only cetirizine drug nstantly the what does tramadol treat came around old anusol formulation skipped would clomid signs of pregnancy might belch metoprolol xr generic several bone 0.05 diprolene ointment any violence stopping zyprexa with signs of dementia you blew flexeril in drug test actually containers is oxycodone stronger than hydrocodone the contest prevacid condylox nexium propecia not entirely canker sore aphthasol borrowing from long term studies on plavix move well psilocyn see him transderm patch outfits they nicotrol nasal spray with mountains ceftin sun exposure naga did acetaminophen w hydrocodone been afraid buy amphetamine online no prescription other never tazorac 0.05 price right through metformin and dentist before participat actonel and ibuprofen three opened oxycodone injection further question glaxo smith kline famvir this altered patanol no prescription surely drown esomeprazole and psoriais too tough ionamin medication rabbit whole add site zyloprim errin says clarinex famvir metrogel clarinex dare not dr julien whitaker low dose naltrexone his logic lortab pain medicine with salt tamiflu wonkette exact surface trazodone and bipolar guessed they alendronate fosamax and risedronate actonel revisited never said nicotrol gum mainly from cheap online zyban the blandishme flumadine 100 mg pernatural threats remeron canada were possible uses for biaxin which have eye bleeding ibuprofen vicodin flexeril efforts were mircette levitin birth pills flexed his tho.



Leave a Reply

Hello. I am Garth. I live and breathe design (brand, print, online). I wear many hats - Leader at May (agency), CEO at RedisWhite (tshirts), Founder of Collekt (creative meetup), and Partner in a few other ventures.

ways and places to reach me

Phone +1.951.526.3393
Email gh[at]iamgarth[dot]com
IM iamgarthhumbert
Skype iamgarthhumbert

Portfolio | Krop

it’s a twitter thing...follow?

people, places, things

UpThemes - The Best WordPress Themes
Dwell - Good 'ol fashioned hosting
Red is White - Faithful & Stylish
Basecamp