33 Responses

1. Edwin says:

   2. 12 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:

   2. 12 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:

   2. 12 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:

   2. 12 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:

   2. 13 at 7:36 am

   Simplify.
   Like your new cards.
6. admin says:

   2. 13 at 8:45 am

   Thanks @TheJeff. I’m a huge advocate of simple :)
7. Mike Freyder says:

   2. 13 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:

   2. 14 at 6:04 am

   remember: you are less than your biz card.
9. Chris Mundell says:

   2. 14 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:

    2. 14 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:

    2. 14 at 9:00 pm

    K.I.S.S

    Keep it simple stupid
12. Matt Haltom says:

    2. 15 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:

    2. 16 at 7:51 am

    less is more!
14. Dan says:

    2. 16 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:

    2. 16 at 7:26 pm

    ” Always practice safe design… Use a concept”

    ~ Aaron I
16. Kathryn Austin says:

    2. 19 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:

    2. 19 at 11:53 am

    I like the round corners. Imagination is always required.
18. Erik Smith says:

    2. 19 at 11:55 am

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

    The cards look nice btw. :)
19. Jeffery Saddoris says:

    2. 19 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:

    2. 19 at 12:05 pm

    Ancient proverb ‘ Less is more ‘

    Minimalistic is usually more appealing.
21. Anna says:

    2. 20 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:

    2. 21 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:

    2. 26 at 8:18 am

    Don’t forget the line-height.
24. Chris Schroeder says:

    2. 26 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:

    2. 26 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:

    3. 02 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:

    3. 04 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:

    3. 11 at 8:21 am

    Tip for all designers: MAKE THE LOGO BIGGER
29. Matt Rhodes says:

    3. 12 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:

    3. 13 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:

    3. 16 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:

    4. 10 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:

    7. 07 at 2:22 pm

    Great Card Garth. I like it a lot.