Constructing a Profile: Business Card Design

 Research into existing business cards 

Upon looking into already existing business cards I have found a common theme runs throughout, this making them successful and professional looking. Upon looking into these products, most business cards contain just their logo on one side, and on the other, the business' information, contact details, etc. Something which stands out on this specific card is the chosen colour used, instantly making the it somewhat more recognisable than others due to the vibrancy. 

When creating a business card, I think it is important to set a limit on the information included, since you wouldn't want to bombard your audience / client with too much information. By keeping it simple, like this card for example, it remains effective since there isn't too much information, but there is enough to be able to conclude a first impression on the brand / business due to how they have presented themselves. When creating my own business card, this is what I am aiming to create - a business card which presents me in a professional manner, with a simple yet effective design explaining who I am and where people would be able to reach me. 

Researching into business cards, this particular example appeals to me and I think I could benefit from taking inspiration for different reasons. Including a border to a business card isn't something I have come across very often, but I do believe it gives it a professional feel, and so I think I may also do this. Furthermore, a second thing from this example which I like is how simple the concept is - since business cards shouldn't be over the top, I think that simplicity is key. While there isn't a great deal of information included, what is needed is provided. This is a good example of less is more, since the information needed is given but isn't too much - this is something I hope to take into my own business card.

First Drafts

Incorporating my logo, I firstly wanted to create a simple business card to see the outcome, then i'd be able to analyse what I do and don't like about it. Currently I am unsure on the border colour and if it should correlate with my logo, having a continuous colour scheme. Following this, I think currently my logo may be too big, so this will be something I will change upon creating more drafts. I also need to go on to create the opposite side which will include my information, which again is something I will now work on completing. When working on my next draft, I may use something other than photoshop, or look into some templates to help guide me in the best direction. 

When creating my business card, I envisioned something with a simple design that get's the point across - and I believe I may have achieved this. While this is only one of my first drafted ideas, I am happy with the result as I think it look professional - there isn't too much going on so it isn't considerably busy, it's just straight to the point while looking quite sleek. Furthermore, I liked the idea of the background being the same colour as my logo, continuing a colour scheme, and I like the result. 

When designing the back of the business card, I knew that my logo would be included, matching with the front imagery. As well as this, I wanted to keep the text to a minimum as I didn't want it looking over crowded, as I think the most successful business cards are those with just the necessary information. After including my personal details, I am happy with the outcome and I do think I could use this professionally. Here I took inspiration from the previous business cards I looked at when including a border, as well as the positioning of my logo and information. 

Feedback on my business card

Upon collecting my survey results, I am happy with the feedback I have been given and what people like about the business card, especially the comments on the consistent colour scheme as this is something I wanted to ensure was followed throughout. As of now I don't have a LinkedIn profile so I wouldn't add it to my business card, but if I do create one I will be adding it.