In this digital age, with so many online platforms like email, LinkedIn, and other social media sites, people tend to think that the business card has become irrelevant as a product.
Indeed, back in the day, business cards were the only way to exchange contact information at a gathering.
But no matter how tech-based we’ve become, it seems that the business card is here to stay.
As long as there are industry events, social gatherings, and networking opportunities, these cards will remain useful.
In fact, Forbes asked several members of the Forbes Agency Council if people still need business cards today. While a number of them deemed that online sources are easier to access, a few still preferred having cards handy.
Especially if you’re going to an event packed with old-school audiences who may not be on the social media wave, you’d want something tangible to give out to potential networks.
It is still one of the key marketing tools you can have in your arsenal anywhere you go.
Top 10 Best Mini Business Card Designs Right Now
Aside from its practical function, you can use your business card to show off your distinct style. If you are looking for designs that will guarantee your card stands out, here are examples that will definitely inspire your next mini business card design:
- Go for a premium embossed design
Wendigo, a video production agency, features unusually vivid business cards that have meticulous detailing and embossed illustrations of a feather, a piece of wood, and a beastly skull. These illustrations can be seen behind the contact details, but even so, they do not distract from the printed info. On the other side of the card is a pair of copper antlers interlocked together to form a “W.”
https://www.the-distillery.com.au/gallery/wendigo/
Designed by The Distillery, the business card concept has an otherworldly charm that speaks to the creativity of the agency.
- Splash on a vibrant color palette
https://www.cardfaves.com/business-cards/tait-business-cards/
If you want a sleek look but you’re worried that the card may not make an impact, look at this set created for London-based design studio, Studio Tait.
The minimalist layout juxtaposed with a fun color palette – yellow, smoky blue, and azure – resulted in a stunning set of business cards that are sure to turn heads without being garish.
- Incorporate relevant materials
This limited edition handmade business card was designed for Montreal-based fashion brand Matière Noire Studio.
https://www.behance.net/gallery/21364925/Matiere-Noire-Handmade-Business-Card
The business card doubles as a spool of black cotton thread and features a minimalist, clean style.
Card designer Burak Kaynak explains that the concept and materials used highlight the brand’s high-quality products and its hard-working nature. https://www.oldhouseonline.com
http://huntand.co/work/mitsuori-architects/
- Focus on your expertise
The concept of this card design for Mitsuori Architects offers a clever representation of the company’s name, which translates as “threefold,” and the field of architecture.
The ingenious folds allow the cards to stand freely, much like an architectural form. The matte finish and utilitarian typeface complete the modern industrial look.
- Have fun
https://www.behance.net/gallery/43536455/Trick-Treat
Entertainment company Trick & Treat offers an original take on the business card.
Featuring perforated edges that can be pulled up to stand, what you get is a simple card that transforms into a mini tabletop game. The design accurately demonstrates the brand’s sense of whimsy and playfulness.
- Be bold
Depending on the industry you are in and the brand message you want to convey, you can be loud and proud in your business card design.
https://bigfan.agency/projects/nymbl/
Take this example from Nymbl, a 3D design and virtual reality studio. The firm wanted a more accessible image, and this flashy, two-tone business card featuring a vibrant shade of royal purple achieves a look that will resonate with the young.
- Impress with art
This business card design from Brazilian designer, Matheus Dacosta, puts art at the forefront with a hand-painted design concept for his business card.
https://design-milk.com/business-cards-by-matheus-dacosta/
The designer filled each card with abstract artwork, resulting in individually distinct designs. What you get are miniature paintings that are sure to make a memorable impression on the receiver.
- Boost your personal branding
For her business cards, graphic designer Claire Bruining developed a custom pattern that features splashes of overlapping colors and shapes.
https://www.behance.net/gallery/31176819/Personal-Branding
The design carefully avoids looking too busy by placing the contact information on the reverse side and keeping it tasteful with a minimalist sans serif font.
- Keep it simple but memorable
https://www.behance.net/gallery/5106257/MYLENE-POISSON-SOMMELIERE
This idea for a wine-stained business card design is probably the most affordable one on this list, but it certainly makes a bold statement with such a great concept.
Designer Levente Toth states that a great card will compel those who receive it to contact you, which is why it’s important to spend a lot of time thinking about the design.
- Keep it clean and professional
Your business card doesn’t need to be in-your-face flashy in order to stand out.
In fact, in this graphic-rich environment, a minimalist approach can be just as eye-catching as a colorful, detailed design.
Consider a two-tone palette using matte material just like this one for Mykee Dy. It’s utilitarian and conveys dependability and an organized work ethic.
Final Thoughts
These are just a few ideas you can apply to your own business card design. Now, if none of these ideas actually make you go, “Wow!” – that’s okay. After all, you have an individual style that may be completely singular.
The key takeaway here is that these businesses internalized their brand message, and it shows strongly on their cards. As a marketing element, your business card is virtually your way of saying hello to your potential clients, so you need to stand out and make an impression on whomever you will be giving the card to.
Whether it’s special paper, embossed details, bright palettes, or ingenious features, picking the right business card design that matches your brand can make the difference between getting a career-changing call and getting ignored. A great business card might just be what sparks the interest of your next client!
