Even in this digital world, there is still a need for business cards. While social networking sites like twitter, MySpace and Facebook make it easy to create a profile about you and your business, it helps to have a business card. Even for photographers. If you are called to interview, you can leave your card, along with a photo CD or small portfolio with your interviewer so that they can quickly get in contact with you. What are some ways that you can create a stunning card that will attract clients? There are several do’s and don’ts of business cards and this post will look at several of each.


Do:

• Make your card unique.
If you have any form of creative skills, use them in your business card. Your business card is your first impression you give to your employers or clients if you freelance. Let them see your best work and make your card unique and memorable so that they will give you a call to at least inquire of your services. You can use your marketing and persuasive abilities after that one call.


• Use a stunning and memorable photo from your collection.
Do you have a photo you’ve taken that’s received a lot of compliments? What about one on your website or gallery that’s gotten the most comments or downloads. Use that photo on your business card to command attention. Business cards come in small sizes, so your photos used can make a huge impact. You can choose to encompass the entire front of your card with the photograph, or a small section and make a border around it. Its your choice. This is your chance to be creative!

• Make use of the card’s space, both front and back.
If you decide to use one of your photographs for your business card as a suggestion, you can print all your information on the back of your card, with your company name or your name on the front of the card. Another suggestion would be putting half of your contact information that you want everyone to use on the front and additional contact info on the back. This comes in handy if you want people to use your email address and website as the main point of contact and your phone number and address on the back or vice versa. Remember to make it memorable, and easy to read. Do not over clutter your card with information.

Don’t:

• Overclutter your card
I have seen very tasteful minimal cards and cards that have a lot of information on them but are balanced fairly well throughout. I have also seen business cards that have so much information; you would think you were reading a novel. A business card should only have enough information to get in contact with you and not your life story. Save that for a profile or website.

• Use contrasting, hard to read graphics and fonts.
A lot of photographers do not like to use Photoshop and that’s fine, but all artists should have a basic understanding of color theory. Ie: complimentary and contrasting colors. What colors work well together and what colors are just garbage if used together. If you are creating your own or having someone print them for you, a good tip is to use colors in the photo you are using for your card. That way, you can be sure you get a good clean color scheme and not harsh contrast.

• Be boring.
The opposite of over cluttering is being boring. Minimalistic art can be gorgeous if it is tastefully done. If all you have on your card is one or two colors, a plain background and times new roman font, your card may be forgettable. Your card represents you and your talents. Make it stand out. This way, you can wow employers as you discuss how you made your own card. This gives you an advantage over other potential employees who do not have graphic and photo editing skills.

Your business card should represent you and your talents to your potential clients and employers. Even if you do have a website, it doesn’t hurt to have a business card. You can list your website, email address or even add one or two social networking profiles. This way, you can show off your skills, be memorable to an employer and ensure that you will at least get a call back.

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