Today we have the honor of featuring Stephen from Atomic Kid Studios. Each month we feature two of our customers to talk about their business, th
Stephen, can you tell us a little bit about your business and the projects you work on?
Atomic Kid Studios is the net result of combining forces with other motion graphic, audio and video production professionals. We're industry veterans who've come from long engagements at agencies and production houses – looking for a way to focus on projects that we can really be passionate about. We love telling stories through moving visuals.
The best stories are the unscripted, authentic histories that make up the fabric of anything or anyone from restaurant owners to non-profit organizations. We work with big brands to breathe life into, very often, static products, or provide exposure to the little guy who is desperate to get their story out.
We fell in love with your portfolio and style (hence why we're spotlighting you) can you tell us about the inspiration or general idea for your recent business card design? What inspires you in general?
We're definitely a nostalgic, sentimental group and huge pop-culture fan boys. Our brand story began with watching one of our 80's favorites Back to the Future. An obscure reference to the movie theatre marquee back in 1955 presented us with the name "Atomic Kid". It's actually a 1960's film, set in the heyday of nuclear science. The propeller hat is an homage to the late 50's kid who used to play with chemistry kits and erector sets in the basement and the common urge to set things on fire or blow stuff up.
We're all kids at heart, we like to play, experiment and be creative. If we aren't using the skills we already have, we're deconstructing what we see around us and in Star Trek Borg fashion, assimilating everything we can. We're inspired by really great work from our peers and this only pushes us to continue to perfect our craft.
Out of all the types of business cards offered, why did you choose Silk Business Cards in particular?
Having previously printed some consulting cards that were also square which were very well received, the most common response being "cool card!", I figured it made sense to keep going with what works. The design of this card immediately shows them that we look at things differently.
We like textures and contrasts and playing with light and reflection.The silk finish combined with the spot UV and hot foil just add to the overall craft. It looks like a lot of work and attention to detail was put into the design. And, we want any new business contacts we meet to leave with the impression that we can do the same for them.
Seeing as we deal with several thousand business card orders every year, we've come up with our own set of design rules specifically for the business card format. Do you have any special rules or considerations when you're laying out a business card design?
There common "rules" that apply to pretty much all designs. Watch your bleed lines, trim marks and font size and don't try to use every inch of empty space. You can find some consistencies, or self-imposed "rules", in just about all my designs.
First, go two sided unless it really becomes a cost concern. This solves two problems. First, you can present your logo cleanly and in a way that doesn't compete with your contact information. Your logo may show up better on a particular background color, whereas a large amount of contact information may not. With the logo on the front, the flip side can simply contain contact information, and as in the case of our cards, a conversation starter. Why not put one piece of your story on the card, it's how all conversations start.
Also, DO NOT try to say everything about your business on the card. This is meant to serve as a reminder, not a resume. If you are a physical business, put the most useful information on the card. It's OK if they have to email you or call to ask a question – in fact, you want to encourage those conversations, they often lead to business.
Any tips for our other clients to consider when placing their next business card order?
Don't be afraid to push the boundaries. If you are unsure about the end result, experiment with a small batch. Most importantly, order your cards as soon as possible. There will always be an unexpected meeting, conference or trip, where you'll wish you had them. Don't put it off!
