Freelance Writer - Business Card

Right now the image is competing with the text. You'd probably be better going with a solid or subtle print background. If you want it to correspond with her site, why not incorporate somehow the green and orange that are prevalent on the site? Or notice the subtle print background of the site? While the picture looks nice on the site, it's a supporting element. Presented here on the card, it is overwhelming.
Also maybe play with the layout. Everything centered creates a static composition.

You should not use any more than two fonts on a design. You can use within the families but narrow it down to just two. It is redundant to have writer and a picture of a hand. why not fade the image back or try using something less obtrusive. I don't think you will need the glows also. it makes it look very inexpensive or "Cheap". you want something of this nature to represent her writing as elegantly as possible.

The client is very attached to the hand so it's a non-negotiable.

I thought about a fade, but communicating luxury is key and a fade loses the richness provided by the saturated colors. Plus, a fade makes the background even lighter. Won't that prove even more troublesome as far as popping the text is concerned?

I'm stuck. Neither of us is happy with it as is, but she's unwilling to lose the hand or the top two fonts.

I agree with the criticisms you've already read. In addition, I would recommend against such wide spacing between the words "luxury lifestyle writer." As they stand, they appear to be three distinct things, rather than a cohesive phrase.

Almost everything about this card fights the definition of "luxury." It has a Las Vegas-ness about it that you would do well to tone down considerably. I like the idea of choosing two colors from the Web site (or this photo) and working them into a clean, elegant design that you will of course have printed on the very best quality paper. The coated stock required for the design you're showing us would not fulfill this last requirement. I suggest a soft white or cream stock with a high percentage of cotton content.

On second thought, perhaps the "Las Vegas-ness" that I find objectionable would be just the ticket in Fort Lauderdale. My orbit is a far more traditional one, where a card such as this would be received as tasteless. Only you can determine what the market will find attractive and thus best serve your client.

Mara

ps: I just took a look at your client's Web site. You might want to point out that her French diacriticals need work. Not to be catty or anything. ;-)

Non-negotiable, huh? Hm, maybe it's just my stubborn attitude, but I doubt it. Did they say "I must have the picture of the hand, or I'm taking this to a different designer"? Or did they just say "Aww, but I like the hand picture"? My point is, you're the designer, and you're the professional. Background pictures on business cards are a no-no in my opinion - they are distracting, they make it difficult to read (even with stroke or dropshadow), and they have become somewhat of a designer's "lazy-way-out." It's your job to discuss with the client why it's a bad idea to have things like this, and some alternatives (Like Fabio suggested.) Communication with clients is key - otherwise you'll end up continually designing pieces that compromise your design sense and skills.

Just a thought. ;)

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Perfectly Lost Designs
"…the Web design community is hopelessly distracted by technical fetish." ~Andy Rutledge

I think this picture is not artistic enough to ever work for a business card. Simply changing the fonts or placement of text will not be enough to make it work. Seraphim is right. It sounds like your client has already decided on a design and just wants you to do the technical work to get it printed.
Maybe you can show your client a comparison of cards with photos vs elegant, well designed cards. You might be able to open her eyes to other possibilities. Sometimes people just need a little inspiration.

I think the picture makes it look cheap.. does not make me think luxury at all. I know its pricey but if it was a letterpressed card on a really nice neutral organic stock it would really show "luxury" but thats just me..

On her website there is a picture of her silhouetted typing on a laptop with big open sky to her right. That photo might be more appropriate for this single-sided business card because it allows some uncluttered space to place the type. That photo actually makes her look good, youthful & modern ... not stodgy ... assuming she actually writes on a computer rather than an antiquated ink quill on torn & burnt-edged manuscript paper by candlelight.

:)

You can send your message with out that obvious picture. Be creative and do research on writing, maybe something will click. Its amazing that simplicity is the key to great design.

Interesting feedback. Thanks to all who posted comments.

FYI: Client is tech-savvy, but uses traditional fountain pens and Moleskine journals to bring some much-needed low-tech balance to her otherwise full-speed-ahead high-tech life. So yes, she does write on a laptop---she spends about ten hrs/day online---but she also enjoys the tactile pleasure of writing the old-fashioned way with fountain pen and fine paper. Mara, you can probably relate to that since you collect vintage fountain pens.

Due to your collective feedback, the business cards have been tabled until the dust has settled and a constructive direction emerges.