The Latest Design Inspo for Your Business Cards
adminThe dos, the don’ts, the colors, and the fonts
When it comes to building an image for yourself and your brand, business cards can take you a long way. However, for a small piece of paper, business cards can prove to be quite tricky to design. From brand identity to image to associated feelings, business cards stand for a lot more than just some information. And like with every other thing, the devil is in the details.
The more thought and detail you put into your business card design, the more impactful it will turn out to be. The worst part is, it’s hard to stand out. The best part: it is a blank canvas and you’re the painter. You have countless options to create a masterpiece. However, before doing that, it is extremely important to run through and know the basics.
The Dos
Like every person, business, and brand identity, your business card is unique. But chances are that it is as unique as the next business card. So make sure that yours is the one that strikes out, you need to remember a few things.
The first thing to remember is that your business card should emulate you and your brand identity. It should be carelessly designed. Instead, every colors, every design and every font style should say something. About you. So be authentic.
The second thing you must remember while designing the card is to not conform. Just because most business cards are rectangular, doesn’t mean yours has to be to. You can get creative with the shape and material of your business card.
Another thing which makes a business card look great are small and simple graphics. If there’s something you can say with a graphic rather than a sentence, do that.
The last thing to remember here, and perhaps the most important is, to say more with less words. The less texty your card is, the more interesting it looks. It also gives you more room to be creative without words.
The Donts
Like with the Dos, there are a few simple don’ts, when it comes to business cards.
The first rule to remember here is “less is always more”. When designing your business card, remember to not put too much information on the card. It’s a small piece and using too much text or graphics can create a messy look. Just state the information that you absolutely have to.
Don’t use a font that is too complicated or not easily readable. Business cards are made for convenience, not to show off your calligraphy skills.
The third rule, don’t try too hard. You don’t have to add all kinds of shapes and textures and patterns and fonts to make your card stand out. In fact, the simpler it is, the better!
The Colors
There’s no hard set rule or limits for the colors you can use. In fact, you have the opportunity to go all out with colors. But if you’re doing that, be clever. Use colors which are contrasting or complement each other while deciding the background and font colors. Using monotones can also give a very minimalistic, clean, and stylish look to your cards!
Using lighter colors for backgrounds will give the illusion of the card being more spacious than it actually is. Simultaneously, using dark colors for fonts will increase readability.
The Fonts
Since a business card often only contains information in the form of texts, choosing the right font is extremely important. With several options available, there’s a lot you can do with the fonts alone.
It is always recommended that you use a clean and clear font, which is readable and doesn’t clutter up the already small space on the card. However, that does not mean that you can only use a certain type of font. You can use bold, italics, straight, curvy, or funky, depending on your brand. There’s no rule that says you have to use one font. Yes, you can use multiple fonts on the same card, however, ideally they should belong to the same family.
A good font complements your logo as well. The font you use also says a lot about you. For example if you want to appear serious and organized, use a straight and simple font like Helvetica. If you want to vintage and classy, you can use Apple Chancery.
To help you decide fonts for your cards, we’ve made you a list of the fonts most used by professionals for making business cards. These fonts will definitely get your business cards noticed!
Helvetica
Helvetica is a classic! A favorite for designers all over the world, Helvetica is considered to be one of the most readable fonts ever. Simple but not boring, this font is a complete design in its own.
Riesling
Named after a classic wine, this is one of the most elegant yet simple fonts to exist. If you are going for a timeless, elegant look, this is the perfect font for you!
Gibson
Gibson is a clean and simple, easily readable font. Use this font if you want your card to be readable from miles away!
Centrale Sans
If you want to appear friendly but professional, this is the right font for you! Warm but serious, this font is becoming increasing popular amongst modern designers.
Garden Gnome
Like the name suggests, this a fun font. Unlike the sharp fonts mentioned above, this one is rounded and springy. This is specially suitable if your business involves working with children!
Trajan
Inspired by the Roman letter form, Trajan is a classic font which instantly bring a elegantly vintage vibe to your card.
KG Sorry Not Sorry
This font feels like conversation and is great for writing names. If you want your card to have an interpersonal, warm touch, use this font!
CODE
CODE is an all caps clean and elegant font which mixes details from traditional font with those of the modern ones. If you want to appear straightforward and to the point, this font is for you!
