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May 17, 2009

Brand out. Stand Out.

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Everyone has business cards. But how much do yours really say about what you actually do for a living? If you design chairs, does yours make that abundantly clear? If you're a designer of any sort, you can bet that the bar is set much higher for you when it comes to business cards. Yours better be amazing.
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And it isn't just about the concept. It's about execution. How heavy is your cardstock? A lot can happen between the moment the idea strikes and the second it rolls off the printing press (and please, please don't even get me started on the topic of cheap online printers. Just don't go there.)
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These are part of an updated series that keeps getting passed around the designosphere, but I thought you'd enjoy a few of the more gripping designs from the bunch.
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These designs are so blatant, yet so creative, that if you were handed one of these and still couldn't tell what the proprietor of the business had in mind, I'd ask you to go see your optometrist. Immediately.
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The now infamous dentist card was part of this collection as well. For me this speaks to the truth of Malcolm Gladwell's Tipping Point. The difference between good and great is often just a tiny, easily left out, detail.
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Maybe you need to round the corners. Or just three of them. Maybe it's the paper. But trust me, quality paper never adds much to the final cost. How about an unusual size or shape? Sure, it won't fit in those standard business card holders... but do you really want yours tucked away in a file and forgotten? Surely not. Think of this for what it really is, your calling card. This piece of paper needs to represent you and your business. The person you give it to should be able to pull it back out and immediately remember you. The last thing I want it a staid, tired, traditional card.
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Remember this: if the card doesn't entice, the recipient won't even look twice. Make it grand. Make it memorable. Make it stand out. Make it yours.

What the beautiful people are saying...

Great post Franki. Too often, as I go through business cards that I've collected - that I cannot remember where/how I got the card, nor do I remember the person whose name is on the card.

The worst business cards I've seen contain typos for either the profession or the address.

The ones you posted are fantastic. They satisfy both design and business needs. Excellent post.

Angeline, isn't the collection amazing? In my experience, the toughest part is finding a great printer. Not a printer... but a great printer. I'm still seeking one who can churn out pieces like this without that look of fear and hesitation in their eyes. Most of them look at you with a bewildered look - or go on at length about how much this will cost.

I always think of missed opportunities, and how much THOSE cost.

They are all so clever!

Oh, I love these. I've been going crazy looking at calling card options!

Cool! Janet and I need to get us some fabulous calling cards!....

Wow Franki,

I was just thinking about this yesterday. About how important your business card is. Thank you

Wow these cards are amazing. So memorable. I absolutely hate the cheap cards from vista print. When people don't take the time to invest in their image it tells me alot about their business!

Something to say, gorgeous?

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Authored by designer Franki Durbin.
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