Monday, August 19, 2013

The Business Card Boogie

I had a little dilemma before attending Pottery Fair, Cazanovia, NY, put on by the Syracuse Ceramic Guild, with my husband Bill Perrine this year.  That dilemma was a lack of business cards! 

Whoops!

I quickly (I work pretty well under pressure most of the time) researched the topic about four days before the show. I knew I would be designing one on Vista Print because that is where all of our other orders have been.

First, I went through our order history. Here is my first card from years ago:


I like it and I think it is pretty, but it is missing some very important information.  Many assumptions can be made after someone takes this card home and then (if they don't toss it) looks at it a week or a month later.  Chances are this one will find its way to the recycling bin.

Then, this one came next:


What this one has is the same background (too busy on a small card) that is on my website and all kinds of links........ too many! Instead of my business name, I have a description. At one time, before Etsy gave that one time chance to change the name you signed up with, I went by MACarroll.  When I first signed up for Etsy, I had no clue that I would eventually sell.  I think many people have made that same mistake, so it was great when they gave you one chance to correct that. I was able to change it to Artisan Beads Plus.

I then went to this blog post:


I cannot speak about whether or not the links attached to this blog post regarding purchasing are any good, but it was a great place to check out when I was in a pinch.

Next came the Vista Print site and came up with this design:

 
I took some advice from the blog link that I shared above. This is what I came up with. Now, if someone takes this card home (many were gone from my table), they will be able to look at it and get a good idea about who I am and what I do.  I ordered 500 and chose the glossy finish, but not the premium choices. I love them!

And...... they arrived in three days even though I picked the standard shipping.

After designing, I was able to see what they would look like before I made my final decision:


I think they do the trick. I think the total paid, including shipping, was around $50.


Have you done "The Business Card Boogie?" If so, what have your experiences been?

As always, thank-you for supporting artists who create handmade with handmade,

MaryAnn


8 comments:

Alice said...

I love your new business card. It's crisp and clean and tells the story without cluttering up the space.

I have hand the same business card since 2007 and am wanting a change. The only problem is I can't settle on a disign.

Cindy said...

Enjoyed reading the process of designing your business card. Your new design is modern and professional - and also so very attractive. You should be so pleased! You know, I have had the same business card for about 4 or 5 years! I'm still happy with it but have an update in the back of my mind - one day soon!

Karen McGovern said...

I use VistaPrint for my cards and have to stop myself from changing all the time. I like to fiddle with photos, and if I could I'd have a million different cards. Moo business cards have a great "mini" card option where you can get a selection of assorted images on cards, but the are quite pricey. I did it once and loved them. It's impossible to create the "perfect" card (in my opinion), so I just try to create something that pleases me. Yours look great!

Kathleen Lange Klik said...

Your new card looks great! I like your choice of font and the flush right layout of the text. It also shows off your work beautifully and in a professional looking way-well done!

stacilouise said...

looks great!

stacilouise said...

looks great!

Unknown said...

I think the main problem you need to deal with when making a new business card is the design. You have to be certain about it since whatever it is that printed there will reflect on your business. Don't complicate it. Just be sure that you put all the important details that your clients need to see. In your case, you did a good job. Your final choice is indeed better than your previous designs.

Retta Langevin @ Turf Signs

Unknown said...

This is very nice theme for to know about BUSINESS CARDS. Thanks for this site owner...

face
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...