Business Card Design Key Terms

Understanding and applying the business card design key terms

Having a great business card is an essential part of any business marketing plan. A successful business card design should fulfill certain criteria. The card should be appropriate for the given industry, as well as representing the personality and unique qualities of the business. The card should also portray the image the business is trying to convey. The following business card design key terms should all be considered during the design process.

 

Font

A font is a unique character set of typeface with a specific style and size, and should be carefully chosen when planning the text for a business card. The text on a business card should include minimal relevant business information.
Try: Read the information at PSPrint to learn more about what role font text plays in business card design.

Image

The image on a business card is anything printed on it other than the text, such as a small business logo or picture sample of work. It should be kept small and simple as to not overpower the information on the card.
Try: Learn about the best way to use a business logo on a business card from Southworth.

Texture

The texture or finish of the business card is the paper or card stock on which the card is printed, and may vary from rough and bumpy paper to glossy and smooth.
Try: See some examples of the textured business card paper choices available from a place like The Paper Mill Store.

Color

Color may vary on a business card in the text, image, or paper itself. It should be attention grabbing but simple, with contrast between text, image and background color for visibility.
Try: Find excellent information on color theory and its use in business card design at GreatFX Business Cards.

Layout

The layout of the business card is the careful consideration of placement of the text and image on the business card, and should be unique but visually simple for reading the information.
Try: Visit PrintPlace.com to learn more about successful layout of business cards.

Size

The size of the business card refers to the length and width dimensions of the card (standard business card size is 3 1/2-by-2 inches) and size is one area that being unique does not benefit.
Try: Look through the information at Entrepreneur Media that includes why business card designs should stick to the standard size.

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