As a designer, freelance or otherwise you’re expected to churn beautiful designs on a regular basis. If that wasn’t challenging enough you’ve got the trouble of landing clients. Freelancers and Design Agencies can relate to the pains they need to go through while roping in a new client. So many variables to consider. You’ve got to have the price right, your portfolio, matching the clients design ethos are super critical. But allow us to tell you a little secret, all that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Those are obvious things, important but not necessarily clinchers. You need to do more and in these times of stiff competition you’ve got to shine baby!
One key item that a client, at times even unknowingly considers is your Business Card. It’s the first look at your operation. When you pitch to a client it’s expected that you’ll put your best foot forward. Wear your best attire, bring the best designs, talk the talk about delivery deadlines and so on. But all that can go bye-bye if you don’t pay attention to the details.
Imagine a designer with a bad looking website, criminal mistake no? A shabby Business Card is no less. Businesses get pitched everyday, they’re not inclined to give you their business if they don’t trust you enough. Think of a barber with bad hair. Bad for business right? No ones going to trust him with their mane. Apply the same principle here. The expectation is you’re going to do your best on yourself. If you’re site, card or any such collateral is not 100% then you’re not going to land that big client.
It’s all about looking the part you want to play. You want to be a designer make sure your designs, wherever visible are nothing short of awesome. Spend time on it – they’re yours in the end. Here are few tips to help you beautify your cards:
* Content comes first, design later: Structure design around content and not the other way around. Focus on what works for your brand ethos. Don’t go with flat colors only because it’s cool these days. Do what works for your brand.
* Pick the right Printer: Just because there’s one close to your office doesn’t make him good. Spend time finding the right guy, do trial runs and go with the one who’s got the best finished product. Take into account everything, starting with the actual
* Talk to the Printer: A good printer will be able to help you pick the right material, suggest things basis new trends/techniques.
* Be careful with Fancy Materials: If you’ve decided to go with metal, plastic or any other fancy material be extra careful with the details. Make sure you get enough samples, verify colors are right, consistency and so on. Details are often missed when working with fancy cards.
* Some potential Options:
Letter-pressed Cards
Metal Cards
Scented Cards
Plastic Cards
Foil Stamped Cards
Plexiglass Cards
Options are plenty but we’d always suggest going with the one that creates the best output and not just because it sounds cool. Let your creative juices flow and chalk out a beautiful card for yourself.
