Quote:
Originally Posted by 00silvergt
In a way, we are sort of saying the same thing, maybe I am not communicating my idea very well. I guess what I really intended by my post is that moderation and control is mandated when you want to communicate your professionalism via your business card. People tend to get pretty radical and "go off" on their designs when designing their business cards. I've seen photog's cards with pictures of their camera, their lenses, etc. Bottom line is to keep it moderate and control the clutter and fight the urge to get too artistic with your cards. Your portfolio will communicate that, your cards will get you the phone call.  |
Agree on one point, half agree on other.
Design: you bet. If any given document, whether it be a business card, a flyer, a brochure or a website, is too complex, busy, wordy, and in every way does not invite a person to read it - they won't. As far as "...too artistic..." is concerned, if you mean bizarre, abstract or artsy-fartsy, again I agree. But then again, it depends upon the demographics of the market you attack. A business card designed to capture the attention of an editor catering to a young demographic (the MTV crowd) will be different than one presented to the editor of a magazine serving retired seniors.
However, your scenario twice has assumed you are presenting a portfolio that speaks of your work. That is not always the case. First, there are those who prohibit unsolicited portfolios. Then there are those where an introduction and an invitation to view your portfolio is the first step. In situations like these, your business card, and the professionalism with which you write you intro letter is the sole representation of who and what you are.
One other thing for anybody reading this that I forgot: the art director also used the word "creative" when describing business cards that capture attention. But creative doesn't necessarily mean abstract - it just needs to be something that looks like it was designed and presented by a professional. Which also means no $15 Office Depot plain black text on white cards - please.