Business Card Worthy?

[eyeofthekat]

I am making new business cards and am putting a shot of mine on the back side. I would love to hear if you think this photo is worthy of being on the back of my business card.

P.S.- I noticed when clicking on the image to see it larger, clarity is lost. Most likely from doing something funky in the process of uploading it to here. Sorry, I am new to this forum.

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[Designer]

Hi, Kat. Do you also have a photo planned for the front side? IMO, this looks like unnecessary expense. Usually, the back side is left blank for a very good reason; to write on. Either you or whoever else wants to write something on the back.

I think a photo on the front would be to your benefit, providing it was a photo that showed your photog skills, or perhaps a self portrait. What is your business model? What type of photography do you specialize in?

Also, in my opinion, the photo of grass is fairly undefined, in that there is no particular one subject.

And what about the text? Do you already have the text and font in mind? Why not start with that, then fiddle with the layout some to give you some ideas about what kind of photo will enhance your message?

[Cameron]

What the image has going for it is the fairly uniform colour which makes it easy for the company to print out the cards correctly. The image also would not distract from any text that would be present and you can pick a text colour which contrasts with or compliments the green such as gold for example. The small card size would be a problem for any scene with objects or people in it and if the lighting scene had a too extreme tonal range than it would not work either.

Given the size limitations and the fact that it is a background for text, you did fairly well, working within the necessary logistic and technical restrictions.

Cameron

[Dazzaone]

Personally being in the graphics industry for so long I don't use images for business cards a clean typographic solution gives a more professional touch. Have you a web site or display images on line anywhere? I would put the link on your card and let people see your range of skills rather than giving them a first impression of one image, plus it keeps costs down, mine is 2 colour black and a touch of magenta, very cheap but highly professional in look and feel (the card stock printed on is textured and the first thing people do is rub it), sticks in their mind and they keep the card

[eyeofthekat]

Hi, Kat. Do you also have a photo planned for the front side? IMO, this looks like unnecessary expense. Usually, the back side is left blank for a very good reason; to write on. Either you or whoever else wants to write something on the back.

I think a photo on the front would be to your benefit, providing it was a photo that showed your photog skills, or perhaps a self portrait. What is your business model? What type of photography do you specialize in?

Also, in my opinion, the photo of grass is fairly undefined, in that there is no particular one subject.

And what about the text? Do you already have the text and font in mind? Why not start with that, then fiddle with the layout some to give you some ideas about what kind of photo will enhance your message?

Thank you for your response, everyone. I appreciate the input. Sorry, I didn't get back earlier. I swore I made my options email me when I got responses, but I guess not!

I specialize in nature photography and I have chosen fonts and text. I like your input of keeping the back blank, also because like Dazzaone said, it is only giving them one impression. I do have a portfolio that they can go to.

[John B.]

Hi, Kat: I agree with Dazzaone. Keep it clean. A plain white card with clear text, perhaps in two color, is, in my opinion, the best way to go. I wouldn't even put a picture on the back. A photo may or may not appeal to the recipient. If it doesn't, it could possibly cost you work.

I used to be in the electrical business and printed my own cards from perforated stock from an office supply store. I used a text processor to create the cards. It's a little bit of effort but easy once you get the hang of it, and you can be as creative as you like, then print them onto regular paper to see how they look. There are also software programs for creating business cards. I tried the picture background and never liked anything I created. If it confuses the eye, the card may not be given a second look in the future.

[eyeofthekat]

Thanks John. I agree a clean, simplistic design is most always the way to go.

[Cameron]

Well, looking through the pile of business cards that I have acquired, I noticed the following:

1. The oldest cards and those representing non-image or design oriented businesses such as dentists, etc. are clean with a white background.
2. Those representing galleries, music businesses, hospitals, vets, etc. are in multiple colours often with graphics
3. Those belonging to car oriented businesses, renovation centres, deck design, police, realtors, graphic artists have photos.

Cameron

[eyeofthekat]

Thank you, Cameron for your empirical data!