Business Card Help
I am trying to get a business card together which has become more difficult that I thought.....especially since I am no designer.
Take a look at these initial cards I threw together and I am extremely open for a lot of help to make these better. In fact if you have a better design in mind, print your sample here
I did thepink shadow color as a bold statement,but easily changes to a normal grey shadow (or removed) if it is really terrible.
I am planning on printing two different cards using MPix, the layout will be the same between the two cards - the one will have the sports background image and the 2nd will be a portrait image. I would also like to use the same principle design on a tee-shirt that I will wear to the sporting events I shoot.
I probably am not the best to give good detailed critique but when I looked at the card above I had a hard time reading the name. MLK and images runs together so I had to look at it twice to figure out the name of your business. Also if I may the shadowing around the pictures seemed to bother me as it is not consistent. Ex. shadow on the bottom of one pic but not on the top of it. Just not sure how this would look printed but who am I to give opinions as I haven't even created a business card yet
After looking thru your site, I think you should probably use a different photo. You have some nice work. Something about that pic just doesn't work for me. Can't really pinpoint it. I do like the simplicity, clean, elegance to it. If you have looked thru this thread enough, I think you will find the best cards are that way.
"A photo is like a hamburger. You can get one from McDonalds for $1, one from Chili's for $5, or one from Ruth's Chris for $15. You usually get what you pay for, but don't expect a Ruth's Chris burger at a McDonalds price, if you want that, go cook it yourself." - me
After looking thru your site, I would say replace the photo above with the moon flower and leave the rest of the card the same.
"A photo is like a hamburger. You can get one from McDonalds for $1, one from Chili's for $5, or one from Ruth's Chris for $15. You usually get what you pay for, but don't expect a Ruth's Chris burger at a McDonalds price, if you want that, go cook it yourself." - me
T, I think your logo needs work. The T doesn't stand out as I think you're really intending it to. Check out http://www.bamagazine.com/ they have a "make a logo from letters" tutorial that's very good. I recommend it for getting your creative juices flowing. I think you could really do something cool with the logo.
How about something like this. Just an quick idea, I didn't spend to long and couldn't match your font.
"A photo is like a hamburger. You can get one from McDonalds for $1, one from Chili's for $5, or one from Ruth's Chris for $15. You usually get what you pay for, but don't expect a Ruth's Chris burger at a McDonalds price, if you want that, go cook it yourself." - me
The basics are okay, but I hate, hate, hate the bevel. It's very amateurish and way overdone. Hey look, I found layer styles in photoshop! Besides, it looks like you're going for a nice clean look and that just ruins it.
Okay enough about the bevel. The spot of red looks probably too small to make much of an impact. Your design needs a little CRAP love. Contrast, Repitition, Alignment, and Proximity.
Y'all don't want to hear me, you just want to dance.
Thanks....
Good idea, I like it better. I'll play around with that a bit.
Is anyone out there a designer at all that could design a quick "logo" style for the letters "MLK"? If so, that would be appreciated since as I mentioned before I am no graphic designer and use the DGrin forums for the expertise they offer.
First off, too many pics. Choose one strong one and go with it. Use the rest for text. On a small card the bevel only makes the text look slightly blurry. Lastly do you plan on printing anything on the back? If you look through this thread I think you will find some very simple elegant use of the back of the card.
"A photo is like a hamburger. You can get one from McDonalds for $1, one from Chili's for $5, or one from Ruth's Chris for $15. You usually get what you pay for, but don't expect a Ruth's Chris burger at a McDonalds price, if you want that, go cook it yourself." - me
Feedback? Tips for improvement? which are the strongest ones? or ones that don't work so well?
Gimme something - good, bad - just not indifferent!
-teresa
Teresa what are you going for? Who will you be giving the card to? What type of customers are you going after? I took a quick look through your site. My best guess from what I saw is your trying to market fine art shots. Then based on that I would use one of the landscape shots. I like the amount of info used on each card, simple, basic, just what is need. I'm not in love with the font though but I've seen worse choices.
If you asked someone to look at each different card and guess what kind of photographer you were, you would get, multiple answers from portrait to sports to equistrine (sp?) to wedding (church) to landscape to birds. Pic a target audience you want to go for and do that. What type of clients do you want, or what type of clients is their the best market for?
Hope this helps.
"A photo is like a hamburger. You can get one from McDonalds for $1, one from Chili's for $5, or one from Ruth's Chris for $15. You usually get what you pay for, but don't expect a Ruth's Chris burger at a McDonalds price, if you want that, go cook it yourself." - me
i do like this CRAP of yours. i'll endeavor to remember it in the future! thx for all that commented.
this is my current card that i've been using:
I really like this card. From the pictures that you had on your perspective new card you are wanting to highlight your wedding business. I suggest just replacing the image in this card with a great one from a wedding. You may have to move the text around a little and maybe need to downsize it also, depending on the picture used. Also consider using both the front and back of the card. This can allow you to just put your name and maybe website on one side with a nice picture and then all your info on the other.
"A photo is like a hamburger. You can get one from McDonalds for $1, one from Chili's for $5, or one from Ruth's Chris for $15. You usually get what you pay for, but don't expect a Ruth's Chris burger at a McDonalds price, if you want that, go cook it yourself." - me
I just discovered this thread and it's oh so timely for me! I was just about to send these to print, but would love some feedback before I order them.
My biggest concern is the font size of the phone number and website... too small? And if you think it's too small, any suggestions?
Not too small but not equal in typesize and that bugs me. (scroll up a few posts for more info)
Also... you have the words "photographer" "photography" and "photos" on the card. Maybe a bit overkill? I think you could easily lose "photographer" from below your name.
Not too small but not equal in typesize and that bugs me. (scroll up a few posts for more info)
Also... you have the words "photographer" "photography" and "photos" on the card. Maybe a bit overkill? I think you could easily lose "photographer" from below your name.
Overall it's a very nice card
Thanks for the feedback, Angelo! I've seen your work and respect your opinion. Here's my update...
The typesize was the same "font size", but I saw what you meant about them looking different sizes. Does this look better?
Next question: what do you think about these 4x6 postcards? I have a feeling they're too chaotic. I want to get some examples on there, but don't know the best way to arrange them. Should I go for more of an all-lined-up arrangement?
And 2) black or white? White goes with my biz cards; black ties into my website.
Question regarding quality of smaller images on BC's
Is there something special that should be done when applyying images to your business card? I have a few images that I included on my BC - original files are jpegs and after shrinking the images tro fit on the BC, priniting quality is not the best. Most people probably do not even notice this, but I want to try and increase ther quality of these images. Anything special I should be doing?
Thanks for the feedback, Angelo! I've seen your work and respect your opinion. Here's my update...
The typesize was the same "font size", but I saw what you meant about them looking different sizes. Does this look better?
Next question: what do you think about these 4x6 postcards? I have a feeling they're too chaotic. I want to get some examples on there, but don't know the best way to arrange them. Should I go for more of an all-lined-up arrangement?
And 2) black or white? White goes with my biz cards; black ties into my website.
Much better. Congrats! I would increase the font size of your name (maybe +2 pts?) and move it down and left a bit.
As for the postcard. I like the arrangement except for the lone orchid and I prefer the black version.
Is there something special that should be done when applyying images to your business card? I have a few images that I included on my BC - original files are jpegs and after shrinking the images tro fit on the BC, priniting quality is not the best. Most people probably do not even notice this, but I want to try and increase ther quality of these images. Anything special I should be doing?
Michael
Make sure you're not reducing the dpi as you resize the jpg images. You'll need at least 150 dpi resolution for printing (300 is optimum).
Ok, here is my first attempt at a business card. I'm almost scared to post it up, because I'm really liking the design of it so far, but I know I really should get some outside opinions on it. It is in no way done, I'll be putting a picture or two into the blank spaces, just looking for some constructive criticism to help me make it better. Thanks!!
Comments
Is that some amazing lighting or a photoshop swirly effect? It looks like photoshop to my eyes. Kind of cheezy at that.
http://photos.mikelanestudios.com/
Front:
bizcard_front.jpg
Canon 40d | Canon 17-40 f/4L | Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 | Canon 50mm f/1.8 | Canon 70-200mm f/4 L
bizcards_back.jpg
Canon 40d | Canon 17-40 f/4L | Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 | Canon 50mm f/1.8 | Canon 70-200mm f/4 L
I am trying to get a business card together which has become more difficult that I thought.....especially since I am no designer.
Take a look at these initial cards I threw together and I am extremely open for a lot of help to make these better. In fact if you have a better design in mind, print your sample here
I did thepink shadow color as a bold statement,but easily changes to a normal grey shadow (or removed) if it is really terrible.
I am planning on printing two different cards using MPix, the layout will be the same between the two cards - the one will have the sports background image and the 2nd will be a portrait image. I would also like to use the same principle design on a tee-shirt that I will wear to the sporting events I shoot.
Thanks,
Michael
#1 - This was my 1st card layout I had been using
#2 - New design
http://mlkimages.smugmug.com/photos/127983943-M.jpg
#3 - just a bit different
http://mlkimages.smugmug.com/photos/127983952-M.jpg
Shane
Blogs:
www.imagesbyshane.blogspot.com
Canon 20d and 40d
Canon 50mm 1.4
Canon 85mm 1.8
Canon 70-200L IS 2.8
- my photography: www.dangin.com
- my blog: www.dangin.com/blog
- follow me on twitter: @danginphoto
After looking thru your site, I think you should probably use a different photo. You have some nice work. Something about that pic just doesn't work for me. Can't really pinpoint it. I do like the simplicity, clean, elegance to it. If you have looked thru this thread enough, I think you will find the best cards are that way.
After looking thru your site, I would say replace the photo above with the moon flower and leave the rest of the card the same.
T, I think your logo needs work. The T doesn't stand out as I think you're really intending it to. Check out http://www.bamagazine.com/ they have a "make a logo from letters" tutorial that's very good. I recommend it for getting your creative juices flowing. I think you could really do something cool with the logo.
Dgrin FAQ | Me | Workshops
Gimme something - good, bad - just not indifferent!
-teresa
i'm open to feedback and cc.
- my photography: www.dangin.com
- my blog: www.dangin.com/blog
- follow me on twitter: @danginphoto
Okay enough about the bevel. The spot of red looks probably too small to make much of an impact. Your design needs a little CRAP love. Contrast, Repitition, Alignment, and Proximity.
http://photos.mikelanestudios.com/
Good idea, I like it better. I'll play around with that a bit.
Is anyone out there a designer at all that could design a quick "logo" style for the letters "MLK"? If so, that would be appreciated since as I mentioned before I am no graphic designer and use the DGrin forums for the expertise they offer.
I like it. Hmmmm, I wonder why????
Moderator of: Location, Location, Location , Mind Your Own Business & Other Cool Shots
I liked your card, what can I say
Just trying to tweak it a bit so it is somewhat different.
Hope you do not mind?
Michael
First off, too many pics. Choose one strong one and go with it. Use the rest for text. On a small card the bevel only makes the text look slightly blurry. Lastly do you plan on printing anything on the back? If you look through this thread I think you will find some very simple elegant use of the back of the card.
Teresa what are you going for? Who will you be giving the card to? What type of customers are you going after? I took a quick look through your site. My best guess from what I saw is your trying to market fine art shots. Then based on that I would use one of the landscape shots. I like the amount of info used on each card, simple, basic, just what is need. I'm not in love with the font though but I've seen worse choices.
If you asked someone to look at each different card and guess what kind of photographer you were, you would get, multiple answers from portrait to sports to equistrine (sp?) to wedding (church) to landscape to birds. Pic a target audience you want to go for and do that. What type of clients do you want, or what type of clients is their the best market for?
Hope this helps.
i do like this CRAP of yours. i'll endeavor to remember it in the future! thx for all that commented.
this is my current card that i've been using:
- my photography: www.dangin.com
- my blog: www.dangin.com/blog
- follow me on twitter: @danginphoto
Imitation is the greatest form of flattery. Thanks
Moderator of: Location, Location, Location , Mind Your Own Business & Other Cool Shots
CRAP is a concept that is covered in the highly recommended, The Non-Designer's Design Book.
Dgrin FAQ | Me | Workshops
I really like this card. From the pictures that you had on your perspective new card you are wanting to highlight your wedding business. I suggest just replacing the image in this card with a great one from a wedding. You may have to move the text around a little and maybe need to downsize it also, depending on the picture used. Also consider using both the front and back of the card. This can allow you to just put your name and maybe website on one side with a nice picture and then all your info on the other.
Hey grinners!
I just discovered this thread and it's oh so timely for me! I was just about to send these to print, but would love some feedback before I order them.
My biggest concern is the font size of the phone number and website... too small? And if you think it's too small, any suggestions?
Illuminate Photography ~ My personal smugmug site~ My blog
Not too small but not equal in typesize and that bugs me. (scroll up a few posts for more info)
Also... you have the words "photographer" "photography" and "photos" on the card. Maybe a bit overkill? I think you could easily lose "photographer" from below your name.
Overall it's a very nice card
Moderator of: Location, Location, Location , Mind Your Own Business & Other Cool Shots
Thanks for the feedback, Angelo! I've seen your work and respect your opinion. Here's my update...
The typesize was the same "font size", but I saw what you meant about them looking different sizes. Does this look better?
Next question: what do you think about these 4x6 postcards? I have a feeling they're too chaotic. I want to get some examples on there, but don't know the best way to arrange them. Should I go for more of an all-lined-up arrangement?
And 2) black or white? White goes with my biz cards; black ties into my website.
Illuminate Photography ~ My personal smugmug site~ My blog
Is there something special that should be done when applyying images to your business card? I have a few images that I included on my BC - original files are jpegs and after shrinking the images tro fit on the BC, priniting quality is not the best. Most people probably do not even notice this, but I want to try and increase ther quality of these images. Anything special I should be doing?
Michael
Much better. Congrats! I would increase the font size of your name (maybe +2 pts?) and move it down and left a bit.
As for the postcard. I like the arrangement except for the lone orchid and I prefer the black version.
Moderator of: Location, Location, Location , Mind Your Own Business & Other Cool Shots
Make sure you're not reducing the dpi as you resize the jpg images. You'll need at least 150 dpi resolution for printing (300 is optimum).
Moderator of: Location, Location, Location , Mind Your Own Business & Other Cool Shots
Business Card.jpg