Tips for Designing Business Cards that Showcase Your Skills and Personality

How bland are your business cards? If the answer is “very,” consider that while a functional but boring card may be getting the job done (if that job consists of sitting in someone’s rolodex), they may not be landing you very many design jobs.

Ideally, your business cards should be able to communicate instantly what you do and something about you. They should help your contacts remember who you are and what your skills are. With that in mind, here are a few tips on designing a card that’s both practically and beautifully designed.

[m2leep]

Engage in personal branding

Your business card is one of your most important personal marketing tools. The same techniques that you use to market your clients’ brands can be used for yourself—you may want to create a personal logo or tagline that sets you apart. The same branding should be used on all your business documents, from your resume to your letterhead, to create a sense of unity.
Find ways to display what you can do
A business card is, admittedly, a very small canvas, but that shouldn’t stop you from designing something that shows off a little of what you can do. If you’re a web developer, for example, you could include a snippet of CSS as one of your design elements. If you work in WordPress, find an easy way to convey your specialty.
Use the right paper weight and texture
There are a large number of options when it comes to paper, coatings, printing methods, and more. A silk-lamination can give a luxurious feel to the card, for example, while foil can make specific details more noticeable. Explore what’s available and what will work best for you.
Don’t be afraid to go beyond the standard business card box
Who says that you have to use the standard business card size? For that matter, why does your card have to have the shape of a rectangle? Or made of paper? Or flat? Don’t hesitate to color outside the business card lines to make your card more memorable—adding the right embellishments can really make your card stand out. That being said, there are plus sides to going with the standards—it’s more recognizable as a business card and it fits better in business card holders. Try to strike the right balance between functional and unusual.
Include your information
Of course, while you’re busy creating a beautiful design for your card, don’t forget to include your all-important personal information. In addition to your name, phone number, and email address, you may also consider including a URL to your online portfolio, your social media accounts, and any special skills or certifications you may have.
Look for inspiration
There are plenty of examples of beautiful business cards out there. Get creative and have fun!