In
the film American Psycho, a classic
scene shows a group of Wall Street stockbrokers comparing the quality of their business
cards. This iconic scene establishes how business card design can be associated
with status.
By
Carla Stanton, graphic designer
“Look at that subtle off-white colouring.
The tasteful thickness of it. Oh my God; It even has a watermark.” The
entertaining scene highlights how careful consideration of font and material
can affect personal impressions of you and your brand character.
A business card can help you make a good
first impression, but a unique business card will make you memorable.
The
right dimensions
A standard business card is 3.5 x 2 inches,
but there’s nothing stopping you from showing off your brand character with a
cut out shape, pop up area or slimline design.
While opting for a smaller design is
acceptable, choosing an over-sized shape might make your card difficult to
store in a wallet or business card holder. If you want your new contact to hang
onto your card, its best to opt for a wallet-friendly size.
Material choice is just as important as size.
Using a textured paper or adding a high gloss area over uncoated stock can
create intrigue. Technology today also means that metals, rubber and other
unusual materials can be used for business cards to add a twist. The
possibilities go as far as your imagination and creativity, with options to
suit a variety of budgets.
Clear,
concise, comprehensive
Your card must include key information in a
clear and concise way. If you are going for a detailed illustration or
background image, ensure your name and contact details don’t get lost in the
noise.
Make sure your images work in harmony with
your brand colours, so that text is still legible, and the most important
information stands out clearly.
The fonts Silian rail and Romalian type may only
exist in American Psycho, but there
are plenty of fonts to pick from. Take the time to look through the options and
pick one that resonates with your brand.
If you want to chat about American Psycho or are interested in a business
card redesign, get in touch on 01785 225416 or e-mail me at carlas@stonejunction.co.uk.
