As a professional designer I thought i will offer you all some tips on card design.
- When putting your card together try to avoid fancy typefaces, especially on contact details, emails etc.... they are difficult to read and in many cases when it comes to print they may look worse.... consider the scale of the typeface on the size of a business card.
- Always keep your important parts of the design, text and images, AWAY from the edges... not only does it run the risk of being cropped by the printers but it also just looks awful.
- the standard size of 85mm x 55mm cards should be designed (with most UK printers, maybe the same around the world) at 91mm x 61mm. This is to include a 3mm bleed all the way around for cropping purposes... your design work should be ANOTHER 3mm inside the card at least to give it some leeway.
- Avoid images that could pidgeon hole you... if you do use one specific image, it is sometimes a good idea to list other services (not too many) on the back of the card
- If your using a black background set it to 100% Key, the printers will thank you for it
- If you want a professional look... don't skimp out on the printing. Matt laminated 400gsm cards look great and are fairly inexpensive. Crappy thin paper ones with no finish don't look like you've put any time into them, even if the design is good.
