Great question, I've seen it posed to other before as well. But honestly I prefer the ease and usability of gmail. I have a godaddy account with e-mail but yuck!
You can use google apps to link your domain name to a gmail interface. The best of both worlds!
I'm finally getting around to trying to order some business cards and I would like some critiques/opinions on them.
1.) Rose image positioned on "safe lines".
2.) Rose image full bleed position.
3.) Rose image full bleed with address/email bar moved.
4.) No Image.
I was thinking of having these printed at Vistaprint.ca and the images you see above are the full bleed size. Now, image #1 is lined up with the safe lines in the vistaprint template which means when it gets printed and trimmed there will be a black border but it will only be visible in the corner where the vase is. Will that look ok? Or should I try and put the image to the trim line?
Also, the two cards that have the images positioned at the full bleed part will have some of the vase and possibly some part(s) of the flower cut off. I'm not entirely sure how I feel about that but also I'm not sure how I feel about the black border that would be there if I went with card #1.
I just had these made up to replace my other business card that includes my printing and promotional products business. Wanted one for just photography.
I just had these made up to replace my other business card that includes my printing and promotional products business. Wanted one for just photography.
I'm not sure what you are trying to get across here. The image on the front of your card seems unrelated to nature / weddings / portraits / events photography.
And while I like the quote on the back, the images on the back of the card are unrelated to the message. I'd prefer no image on the back.
In addition, I'm a bit surprised that you don't have a custom URL and an email address that matches your domain.
I'm finally getting around to trying to order some business cards and I would like some critiques/opinions on them.
The rose image pulls my eye away from the text on your card, and it seems to me that it is unrelated to your business. Of the 4 cards shown, I'd go with the no image card. I think I would prefer the text to one side or the other as opposed to centered.
The rose image pulls my eye away from the text on your card, and it seems to me that it is unrelated to your business. Of the 4 cards shown, I'd go with the no image card. I think I would prefer the text to one side or the other as opposed to centered.
--- Denise
Thanks for that. I guess it is back to the drawing board with these.
Sorry to say this, but your brand name does not convey quality. By labeling it "Affordable Digital" Photography, it really seems cheap and commoditized. If this is your business name, I'd try to minimize the "affordable" part.
Are you trying to promote your business or SmugMug's?
While it's nice to point folks at smug, I doubt that the Powered by SmugMug pro logo means anything to your customers and prospects. I would recommend removing the smug logo from your card.
Are you trying to promote your business or SmugMug's?
While it's nice to point folks at smug, I doubt that the Powered by SmugMug pro logo means anything to your customers and prospects. I would recommend removing the smug logo from your card.
Sorry to say this, but your brand name does not convey quality. By labeling it "Affordable Digital" Photography, it really seems cheap and commoditized. If this is your business name, I'd try to minimize the "affordable" part.
I agree. This was our OLD business name - old business cards, as I stated in my post. The new business name/url was the two top cards, also in my sig.
What do you guys think of mine? I want to get some feedback before I print them.
Card Front:
Card Back:
I know they are larger than normal print but the pixelation on the graphic is not good, make sure it does not show at business card size. More contact info for when people do not have access to computer or web.
What do you guys think of mine? I want to get some feedback before I print them.
Card Front:
Card Back:
The aperture blades look cheesy and way over-used. The logo looks like you designed it in Photoshop and not Illustrator. The font you used is hard to read. The back of the card is too busy for my tastes. Sorry.
I would like to get everyone's opinion of my first card draft. This is the first card I've designed and I wanted to keep it very simple. It certainly is that but is it too simple?
I just retyped it before uploading and missed that completely. It's Myriad Pro Light Semibold used throughout. The front was done in Illustrator, was cut out and given a drop shadow for a little depth.
I would like to get everyone's opinion of my first card draft. This is the first card I've designed and I wanted to keep it very simple. It certainly is that but is it too simple?
I really like the design, but I have no idea what you do based on the card. Yes, it probably is just a bit TOO simple. I would suggest listing what you specialize in, so you don't leave everyone guessing.
I really like the design, but I have no idea what you do based on the card. Yes, it probably is just a bit TOO simple. I would suggest listing what you specialize in, so you don't leave everyone guessing.
Thank you, Bill. I do get caught up on vague sometimes.
Is Anyone Crazy Like Me?
O.K. I have read all these pages and almost stopped on pg 7 and I get to the end here and same guy w.w. is also at the end, well I am posting my card anyway close your eyes if you are in new zealand. I love the very pro cards and the not so pro cards everyone has showed. My card is done this way for many reasons and from the repeat business it works for me. I am wondering is there more people out there with strange cards? Feel free to make comments on mine as I may change it with a valid reason.[IMG][/img]
Deb, one thing that really bothers me with your card is the images of the birds. They're not all the same size, and in the bottom corner, they do not align.
The font bothers me, the color of the font bothers me, and even the pictures bother me ... but at least have the images aligned.
If this works for you, great! I would just suggest working on the alignment of the images.
Deb, one thing that really bothers me with your card is the images of the birds. They're not all the same size, and in the bottom corner, they do not align.
The font bothers me, the color of the font bothers me, and even the pictures bother me ... but at least have the images aligned.
If this works for you, great! I would just suggest working on the alignment of the images.
Jeremy
Thanks for the input Jeremy, I know that things don't line up but it really only bothers the pro's not everyday people they could care less.As for the font color etc It is what people remember when ordering another in the series, they don't need a website[I only put one in 45 days ago for organizing etc.] they just say send me the bluebird etc because they have a card. If I were to do weddings people,sport, almost anything else I would of course have to show some professionalism but my market does not require nor demand something that I am not able to do nor want to do. I will when I learn how to align do that because it would look better to me too,but it may take me a while to learn as i don't have ps,cs, or a programe just got my 1st computer this year.But I think you will have this color burnt into your brain for a while driving you crazy,and you will tell at least one other person about this horrific card you saw and well ,word of mouth good or bad is advertising and at least one kid will squeal with glee if mommy or daddy buy them a BRIGHT BIRDIE for their room, I do the standard good shots to but I don't advertise those I sell them privately.Most pros don't get this type of advertising at all but I think many [not all] beginners get so carried away with over thinking things a little to much sometimes. IF YOU LEARN YOUR TARGET MARKET DO WHAT WORKS FOR THAT AND LIVE A LITTLE.
Thanks for the input Jeremy, I know that things don't line up but it really only bothers the pro's not everyday people they could care less.As for the font color etc It is what people remember when ordering another in the series, they don't need a website[I only put one in 45 days ago for organizing etc.] they just say send me the bluebird etc because they have a card. If I were to do weddings people,sport, almost anything else I would of course have to show some professionalism but my market does not require nor demand something that I am not able to do nor want to do. I will when I learn how to align do that because it would look better to me too,but it may take me a while to learn as i don't have ps,cs, or a programe just got my 1st computer this year.But I think you will have this color burnt into your brain for a while driving you crazy,and you will tell at least one other person about this horrific card you saw and well ,word of mouth good or bad is advertising and at least one kid will squeal with glee if mommy or daddy buy them a BRIGHT BIRDIE for their room, I do the standard good shots to but I don't advertise those I sell them privately.Most pros don't get this type of advertising at all but I think many [not all] beginners get so carried away with over thinking things a little to much sometimes. IF YOU LEARN YOUR TARGET MARKET DO WHAT WORKS FOR THAT AND LIVE A LITTLE.
I'm not so sure I follow this logic. Given the small size of the photos, the dissonant design is probably what will be remembered. Why don't you try a double-sided card? Make one side a solid color background with your name, number, and website in a more pleasing font. On the other side, put pictures. Put 4 pictures and make them take up the entire back side.
I'm not so sure I follow this logic. Given the small size of the photos, the dissonant design is probably what will be remembered. Why don't you try a double-sided card? Make one side a solid color background with your name, number, and website in a more pleasing font. On the other side, put pictures. Put 4 pictures and make them take up the entire back side.
Ben, You don't follow the logic because you and Jeremy assume that this card is my only card, My whole point is know your market- you are a pro people photographer and MUST show quality on your card.This card is for parents with kids and kids can't read a quality font and don't care if things don't match exactly,They also don't turn the card over or see anything other than the color and the bright birds. I said I had good reason for doing it this way yet no one asked what they were,I find that funny really as I think you are trying to help but looking only through your own eyes and perspectives rather than wondering why I use this and to whom am i marketing etc. We all seem to get a little carried away sometime's with perfection and it is not always needed, not in my type of art for obvious reasons. P.S. I have given a choice to clients just to see which they pic, the standard or this and a good majority pick this one,mostly because they only want a contact # and don't care like we think they do. Think like you did when you were a kid ,most of us bought mom a charm for her bracelet on her birthday, mothers day, christmas etc we buy the same thing if we think she loves it, this series is just like that when mom likes birds and dad buys one for 'Johnny' to give her then mothers day comes and now he wants to give her a yellow bird etc. You get the idea,this scenario works in many different ways from kid to parent or parent for child. I do the regular good shots as stated above but these outsell anything I do by a large majority. Hope this clears up things for people and really unless you are HAVING to show your skill on your card relax and have some fun once in a while.
Comments
You can use google apps to link your domain name to a gmail interface. The best of both worlds!
http://www.google.com/apps/intl/en/group/index.html
Jason Scott Photography | Blog | FB | Twitter | Google+ | Tumblr | Instagram | YouTube
back:
Just ordered this off VistaPrint... this is a screenshot of the preview page from there (original photoshop file is saved on another computer so...)
My husband thinks the photos will be too small when printed. But he didn't like our old cards either...
front:
back:
Jason Scott Photography | Blog | FB | Twitter | Google+ | Tumblr | Instagram | YouTube
1.) Rose image positioned on "safe lines".
2.) Rose image full bleed position.
3.) Rose image full bleed with address/email bar moved.
4.) No Image.
I was thinking of having these printed at Vistaprint.ca and the images you see above are the full bleed size. Now, image #1 is lined up with the safe lines in the vistaprint template which means when it gets printed and trimmed there will be a black border but it will only be visible in the corner where the vase is. Will that look ok? Or should I try and put the image to the trim line?
Also, the two cards that have the images positioned at the full bleed part will have some of the vase and possibly some part(s) of the flower cut off. I'm not entirely sure how I feel about that but also I'm not sure how I feel about the black border that would be there if I went with card #1.
Not allowed to enter Henry's alone anymore...
Kyle Derkachenko Photography
back
http://kadvantage.smugmug.com/
And while I like the quote on the back, the images on the back of the card are unrelated to the message. I'd prefer no image on the back.
In addition, I'm a bit surprised that you don't have a custom URL and an email address that matches your domain.
--- Denise
Musings & ramblings at https://denisegoldberg.blogspot.com
--- Denise
Musings & ramblings at https://denisegoldberg.blogspot.com
Thanks for that. I guess it is back to the drawing board with these.
Not allowed to enter Henry's alone anymore...
Kyle Derkachenko Photography
Sorry to say this, but your brand name does not convey quality. By labeling it "Affordable Digital" Photography, it really seems cheap and commoditized. If this is your business name, I'd try to minimize the "affordable" part.
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While it's nice to point folks at smug, I doubt that the Powered by SmugMug pro logo means anything to your customers and prospects. I would recommend removing the smug logo from your card.
--- Denise
Musings & ramblings at https://denisegoldberg.blogspot.com
+1.
Images in the Backcountry
My SmugMug Customizations | Adding CSS to Your Site | SEO for the Photographer | Locate Your Page/Widget Number | SmugMug Help Desk
I agree.
Jason Scott Photography | Blog | FB | Twitter | Google+ | Tumblr | Instagram | YouTube
Card Front:
Card Back:
Nikon d700, sb-600 external flash Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM, AF NIKKOR 70-300mm 1:4-5.6 D, AF-S NIKKOR 18-70mm 1:3.5-4.5 G, AF Promaster Macro
Using photography to pay for engineering school is a bad business plan.
I know they are larger than normal print but the pixelation on the graphic is not good, make sure it does not show at business card size. More contact info for when people do not have access to computer or web.
http://kadvantage.smugmug.com/
The aperture blades look cheesy and way over-used. The logo looks like you designed it in Photoshop and not Illustrator. The font you used is hard to read. The back of the card is too busy for my tastes. Sorry.
Images in the Backcountry
My SmugMug Customizations | Adding CSS to Your Site | SEO for the Photographer | Locate Your Page/Widget Number | SmugMug Help Desk
Nikon d700, sb-600 external flash Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM, AF NIKKOR 70-300mm 1:4-5.6 D, AF-S NIKKOR 18-70mm 1:3.5-4.5 G, AF Promaster Macro
Using photography to pay for engineering school is a bad business plan.
Front:
Back:
Nikon d700, sb-600 external flash Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM, AF NIKKOR 70-300mm 1:4-5.6 D, AF-S NIKKOR 18-70mm 1:3.5-4.5 G, AF Promaster Macro
Using photography to pay for engineering school is a bad business plan.
Thanks in advance!
Front:
Back:
Edit: added the missing W!
BTW, what font is that on the front side?
I just retyped it before uploading and missed that completely. It's Myriad Pro Light Semibold used throughout. The front was done in Illustrator, was cut out and given a drop shadow for a little depth.
I really like the design, but I have no idea what you do based on the card. Yes, it probably is just a bit TOO simple. I would suggest listing what you specialize in, so you don't leave everyone guessing.
The design I have been using for the past year or so..
And these are the cards I use for my normal photography clients.. I have two designs to give to specific demographics.
O.K. I have read all these pages and almost stopped on pg 7 and I get to the end here and same guy w.w. is also at the end, well I am posting my card anyway close your eyes if you are in new zealand. I love the very pro cards and the not so pro cards everyone has showed. My card is done this way for many reasons and from the repeat business it works for me. I am wondering is there more people out there with strange cards? Feel free to make comments on mine as I may change it with a valid reason.[IMG][/img]
The font bothers me, the color of the font bothers me, and even the pictures bother me ... but at least have the images aligned.
If this works for you, great! I would just suggest working on the alignment of the images.
Jeremy
Hmmmm I kinda like that idea! Corner the market!
www.CottageInk.smugmug.com
NIKON D700
I'm not so sure I follow this logic. Given the small size of the photos, the dissonant design is probably what will be remembered. Why don't you try a double-sided card? Make one side a solid color background with your name, number, and website in a more pleasing font. On the other side, put pictures. Put 4 pictures and make them take up the entire back side.
Save $5 on a new Smugmug Membership
Host your website for just $3.45/mo with JustHost - Rated best web host of 2010
See my profile for a gear list & more
Front:
Back:
Nikon d700, sb-600 external flash Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM, AF NIKKOR 70-300mm 1:4-5.6 D, AF-S NIKKOR 18-70mm 1:3.5-4.5 G, AF Promaster Macro
Using photography to pay for engineering school is a bad business plan.