Here's Why a Small Card is a Big Deal

Hello all,

If you've been following my design project for Diamond K Leather Co., you know I've been diving into creating a visual communication strategy for the organization. If you haven't, be sure to check out my previous articles so you can stay up to date.

Over the last couple weeks, I've been diving deep into the business card design. I design some drafts, get feedback, redesign and repeat! This may seem like a long process for a small card, but an organization's business card is like its elevator pitch. Most of the time, this card is the public's first form of contact with the organization- and you only get one first impression. A business card isn't just a small piece of paper with information, it's an opportunity to spark interest.

What to Consider

When designing a business card, you need to consider every element as well as the overall design. Color, font, placement and information all contribute to how the recipient will view the organization. Another thing to consider is how the business card works with the other designs of the organization. In order to achieve the goals of your brand, each element (business cards, advertisements, letters, social media posts, etc.) need to in keep a common theme.

Before you Start Designing

Here are a few things I do before sitting down to design that help me pinpoint what I want my business card to convey.

First, I made an Inspiration Board and a Mood Board on Pinterest. The Inspiration Board (left) is compiled of examples of business cards and other graphic designs from businesses similar to Diamond K. The Mood Board (right) is filled with pictures and quotes that I felt related to the overall feeling of the organization.

Another thing you'll want to do before you begin designing is review some common elements of design. You can find videos on YouTube, articles on the web or you can check out my blog post, Ten Design Elements Everyone Should Know. Happy designing!