Journalism is moving away from newspaper print and transferring itself into e-books and magazines, but communication is still bonded to the printed word --- bonded to paper.
The zen of communication is painted on paper and packaging. It is a cultural must have. It is expected that all new things come gift wrapped. It doesn't matter that new job candidate is a person. The idea is that "the best of the best" come gift wrapped in a new suit, shiny shoes and a special resume. Plus, they will be remembered because they left a special calling card -- the Designer Business Card that pops out from the pile.
The Technology Edge is Here:
Software programs like Adobe Photoshop and inDesign , when matched with Professional Digital Printers has made it possible for individuals to create unique images for each business client.Today job seekers are creating unique resumes for each job posting, and tweeking their business cards for each unique business opportunity.
To make this easy, you can download business card templates from the internet. Use them as a starting point, then step back and think outside the box and think of the BIG IDEA.
Steven Whiteley, Builder, created a business card using a ruler border. It was simple, elegant, and unique. (see the picture at the top of this article.) That was his Big Idea and it works for him. You have your own ideas that work for you. Go for it.
There are so many possibilities --- yet so little design.
In the technology world it seems all of the standard icons and symbols have been taken. There is nothing new. In fact, the symbols of technology have aged and are no longer hip, such as the CD as a symbol, or the image of a desktop computer and keyboard. Everybody does it. Currently, the hip object is an image of a tablet or smart phone but that is aging too. Everything is moving from the desktop to the CLOUD - (remote services) and software as a service (Sass). It's like technology is in the ether and not physically there.
So what graphic symbols are really meaningful? What will be hip 6 months from now? The old flip phone with a visible antenna as a symbol looks ancient as an image on a business card. At one time it was smart to put your skills set on the back of the card, but it would be dating yourself to put BASIC, WordPerfect, COBOL, or Windows 95.
So the thing to do is go back to the basics. If you can't say it in words, then say in Color, Style, and Shape. Don't put your face on the business card. Your face is not ageless. Put your job title. Remember the the engineering slogan. It is all about FIT, FORM, and FUNCTION before design.
FIT = Who needs to see this? What industry or Service are you serving?
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FORM = What is a business card? Who says it has to look like a business card? What about a key chain doggle with your business card information on it? Why not a calendar poster? Why not a paper flyer? Why not a post card or magnetic sign?
This is the age of digital printers, You can print on anything. Your choices are varied. Go for it.
FUNCTION = The purpose of a business card is to share your profile with as many people as possible. An attractive business card is the short list that your clients carry. It's a resume in your pocket. It's a link to your name, address, email, website, cell phone, and social media contact list.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK:
Show me your best business card design idea. Tell me how it will work for you? Share your thoughts Your ideas are welcomed.
http://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2010/06/how-to-design-your-business-card/
