my name is...

No matter how long you have been in design, business cards always present a little bit of a challenge.

Do not be fooled into thinking that they are easy by their reduced size, quite the opposite in fact. To represent a corporate style, contact details and other essential information, in such a small area is no mean feat.

Usually business cards are added to another job, as the time necessary to create successful graphics for your design is often out of proportion to the value of the card. If you are spending money on print you want it to work as hard as possible for you.

Don't be tempted to try and make what is essentially an attractive holder for your contact details, into a little brochure. This confuses your message with clutter when you just want the card holder to call you. You can make it work if you reconsider this space as a little advert, but invite a response instead of trying to make the sale with the card.

BUSINESS CARD TIPS:- Consider the reverse, but make it look like the back. Logo on the front only and support information on the back.

Make the back work. Add a map or directions, add reference information like conversion tables or paper sizes. Add related information like useful website links, or partner companies.

When you hand out cards, give two at a time, making it easier to pass on your card to another contact.

BUSINESS CARD CDS:- When considering this format, bear in mind the important stuff is what is on the cd. Just having a groovy computer based card isn't enough - it should really do something to justify itself.

They don't work very well as business cards and can't be used by all computers, so you need to judge your market right. There is little point in going to this expense if you are only going to put your website on it, when your cheap and cheerful standard card would have your web address on it anyway...