business cards

cameramike · Nov 19, 2007

So, not sure if these are even close to being useful for a business card layout but basically i want to get like 200 cards made up with name, a picture as the main background and the site on it so people can view my work. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

also, the site will be re done for when i plan to hand these out.

Big Mike · Nov 20, 2007

I think that simple is better when it comes to business cards. A photo on a card should be simple, not busy. The text font should be very easy to read.

If you are just wanting to show people some photos on your web site, anything will do...but if you are trying to sell your photos or photography service...then the card should make it obvious, the type of photos/services that you sell.

astrostu · Nov 20, 2007

And you should use proper grammar. Like apostrophes. It may seem "different" or neat to not, but I to me it looks sloppy or immature.

And my apologies if that sounds incredibly harsh - I just woke up and I have a headache.

ironsidephoto · Nov 20, 2007

astrostfu is harsh, but right.

and i think those pictures are too busy for business cards.

cameramike · Nov 20, 2007

alright thanks guys. and not to harsh at all astro because i don't believe i am immature so not insulting me at all

. What would you guys suggest, just a simple white background?

Big Mike · Nov 20, 2007

Well what are you trying to do with the cards? Are you trying to advertise for a business? If so, what is your business?

smcaskil · Nov 20, 2007

One thing to keep in mind with business cards is that this is your first impression many times. Folks see them and make a determination about what to expect from your business.

For example, if you are a professional portrait or advertising photographer, you would want a serious, professional looking business card.

If you most often take pictures of sporting events or concerts, then you might could have a more laid-back type of business card.

Consider what kind of clients you want to attract and what kind of first impression you want to make.

Just some thoughts....

wildmaven · Nov 20, 2007

Take your graphics and resize them to business card size and then take a look at them. Do you lose the text? Do the dark areas get lost? A lot of graphics look wonderful when large, but you need to view them as they will be printed.

For example, your first one:

RyanLilly · Nov 20, 2007

smcaskil said:
One thing to keep in mind with business cards is that this is your first impression many times. Folks see them and make a determination about what to expect from your business.

For example, if you are a professional portrait or advertising photographer, you would want a serious, professional looking business card.

If you most often take pictures of sporting events or concerts, then you might could have a more laid-back type of business card.

Consider what kind of clients you want to attract and what kind of first impression you want to make.

Just some thoughts....

It might not be bad to have a few different cards depending on your target customer. Something like the second one might be good for appealing to bands looking for album and promo photography, but have a more "elegant" card for portrait or wedding clients.

Do you remember when the movie "Jerry McGuire" came out. There were two completly different sets of commercials. One emphasized the "show me the money!" sprots part of the movie to apeal to men. And the other set emphasized the "girl quits job to follow hot guy, and has a cute kid" part of the movie.

I think It depends on what you are looking to do, but hey, Jerry McGuire was a big hit.

cameramike · Nov 20, 2007

ya ryan thats what i was thinking. one set for bands and such and another for people interested in like more formal portraits... i'll think of some stuff later