Business card that light up, or makes a sound??
I am wondering if anyone out there has any experience of sourcing a truly unique and exceptional business card. My client wants something that interacts or lights up or glows (and I am not just talking about a card that has a light on the edge - like a torch). Or maybe, using a built in micro speaker that makes a makes a sound?
I've seen some wonderful and creative examples, but not seen anything approaching the uniqueness I mention above. Budget will not be a problem.
Anyone have any "bright ideas"?
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Greeting Card suppliers
I would try searching the net for suppliers of greeting cards. Hallmark and Carlton Cards have cards that light up and sing.
ttfn!
3dogmama
These guys can do the job.
www.structuralgraphics.com
Give them a call.
Thanks for the contact caoimghgin, will give them a buzz, but
as I am in the UK will email them first.....
Sounds interesting. You
Sounds interesting. You surely have seen these:
http://creativebits.org/cool_business_card_designs
Btw, I don't think a card that makes a sound or lights up is a good idea, unless your client is in the business of showbiz or entertainment or servicing these businesses.
Such a show-off card surely makes an impression, but not necessarily a good one. A simple and smart idea without the costly technology will work better. It's more subdued and elegant. What do you think?
You've got it in one, Ivan....
He is in showbusiness and it's not the normal stuff we would get involved in, but leaving an outrageous and memorable statement and unique, is what he wants. I have seen the contents of the link and yes, there are some really, really cool cards there, but none of those would fit in with his brief, unfortunately.
More waist
Sorry, but I feel this is one more useless piece of junk that most people are going to discard and again resources are going to waist. I think people need to to brake away from these kind of capricious ideas that leave a mark in our planet and land fields, not really in the mind of the clients.
Simple is better...
Waste
I agree with the "waste" opinion. It seems like a lot of investment and materials for something that will come across as cheap and just be thrown away, at least in my opinion. People won't keep things just because they light up or make sound, or there would be a large portion of family's houses taken up by McDonalds happy meal toys.
I think if you can come up with a business card that is memorable enough without lights or sounds, you've done your job as a graphic designer.
By the way, I hate those Hallmark cards that sing.
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Perfectly Lost Designs
stephanie seems bitter... I
stephanie seems bitter...
I hate those singing cards too
XD
Haha, I didn't mean to sound bitter, but maybe a rough day was coming through unintended. :) I much prefer simple business cards.
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Perfectly Lost Designs
Greenwash here we come....
I would like to thank all of those who have contributed by giving me helpful contact advice.
I did wonder how long it would be for the "GREEN brigade" to strike.
I too cannot stand the kind of cards "my client" is seeking and I would much rather produce something that is memorable, but with style. However, as a long standing marketing professional, who employs designers and has been in business for many many years, my interest is to try to direct my client in the right direction, but at the end of the day if the client is set on something, then my job is to give him what he wants in the most professional and carefully thought out way. There again, some of the extremists would prefer me to take the high moral ground and ditch him. To those who think this way keep it up, my business can only thrive as a result!
For those who are promoting the green message, ask yourself first, how green you are. Materials you use, every plane flight you take, every scrap of paper you have used - can you truly say you are "green"?
I think it's great that we do our utmost to care for the environment, but the only way to go 100% is to shut yourself off from current reality.
My first thought
My first thought was - cool a light up or singing business card - neat idea
My second thought was - I bet that would get annoying, and I'd throw it in the trash
If it's worth it, like it's totally the most amazing business card ever created - i'd say go for it. If not though, no amount of singing or lights are going to save it.
I believe it is our job as marketing and design professionals to ensure that our world is a better place. No one is totally environmentally safe - we all do things that hurt the earth. What is true, is that each one of us should at least TRY to be earth friendly. Doing good because you should and not because you get anything from it is called a mitzvah. Picking up some trash on the ground and throwing it away, is just doing good because you should. I personally think that if everyone on this earth did two things for the earth, and two things for society every day, the world would be a much better place to live.
About your argument about not taking a high moral ground, I can't say that it doesn't make you sound a bit money grubby. Personally, I might not ditch a client just because they wanted a certain paper or something a little more earth friendly. I have however told clients that I recommend they offset their impact by doing something good for the environment or the world instead. If they donated something to a charity or conservation effort, or planted a tree or something, it wouldn't exactly even out, but in essence, they would be offsetting a little bit.
On top of that, if we're talking about morality - if a member of the KKK wanted some business cards from me or a horrible slum lord wanted me to design them something, I can't say I wouldn't decline their business. I think each one of us has to have a certain set of morals and values and we should stick to them. Don't sell your soul for a few dollars.
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life is great; without it, you'd be dead.
Great response, melange
Very considered and you are right of course. There have been occassions in the past where I have had to really think about whether i would undertake certain work. We all set our limits, but i do know that a card that lights up, whilst crosses my good taste and possibly effectiveness barriers, doesn't upset me. I'm certainly not going to turn it down because of the environment because whilst we all have to make some effort, it will be slow and progressive shift that will win in the end.
Finally, just one point, small clients will take the kind of advice you will speak of, but large corporates, who form the majority of my clients, will not be preached to. Just imagine telling the VP of Marketing what he should and should not do!
Appeasement
Why not print the cards on an eco-friendly stock, with energy-efficient lights and have the Dixie Chicks belting out the tune?
ttfn!
3dogmama
Electroluminescent Tchnology
I think the light up card is a brilliant Idea
Walt Disney had a great way of making decissions he would ask people about his ideas and if he got 20 No's he would instantly set out to do it! Worked for him!
I am working on the same Idea Very Close and Very Very Cool want to know more E-mail me at sense others are not interested no use wasting there time with information they don't want!