Need to update Business Card
pmathews (77 points) | Wed, 2010-07-28 19:28Some of you might remember me posting some business card designs on this site a wile ago. Here is the business card I ended up with.I choose the image because I like the idea that design is a visualization to the designers thoughts. The card is printed with speciality printing as I am mostly a print designer and I wanted my card to streach that medium. I also thought the image and the way its printed would create a memerable card. However now I need to update my card and put my in the work website on it. The reason Im posting is im not sure wiether to use the same design or start over. I guess my question is in your eyes how effective is this card do I leave it behind with the design of my new website or do I create the website around this design?
Commenting on this Image is closed.
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Paul, as a friend I'm telling you to take these cards out back and set them on fire. Then design something new and fresh - something without the jellyfish and disembodied floating brains. Make sure the text is LEGIBLE because the purpose of a business card is to convey information and this thing is hard to read even when I look at the hi-res original. Once your new cards are ready, go back to everyone you handed this old card to and exchange it for your new, fresh, exciting business card (that we can READ). Then take all those old ones you collected up, take them out back and add them to the fire.
As always... jmho.
i agree and disagree with art.
i think a business card needs to be as memorable as it is legible. yes, this one requires a pause to read. but its also going to stand out in a pile. and you have to decide for yourself how far to each extreme your card needs to be.
i do agree that the brain and spinal cord is a little creepy. and may well turn off some people.
if it were my card id say redesign. but you know your target customers better than i do
Sorry, start over. This one isn't legible, and as for memorable, you want it to be remembered as "Hey, remember that neat card we got a while back..." and not " Ha, remember that card we got a while back?? Lol!"
I can kinda see the idea of the squid, but it needs to be shown in a non-H.P. Lovecraft kinda way. Also, the card has to be more legible.
Leaky Penny
Check out what I've been up to lately!
http://petersonjoseph.com
I'm going to print it out and eat it.
-Unknown Artist
I think that the legibility problem might have more to do with the picture then the actual card. The silver ink is a bit reflective and that combined with the spot gloss makes for a tough card to light.
Hi Paul,
I think you should start over, with less elements. Right now this card isn't working for me due to legibility issues and a bit too much going on in terms of the illustration.
Ricky Sam
www.rickysam.com
I love the illustration. I think it's a good concept. If legibility isn't an issue outside of this posting then stick with it, I say. It's very subjective this thing known as 'taste'. If you are comfortable not having everyone enjoy the jellyfish/brain motif then I don't see an issue. The clients who like and identify with it will ensure you get interesting work. My work, too, is thoroughly disliked by many, but the ones who enjoy it allow me to remain commercially viable without compromising what I create.
Write a wise saying and your name will live forever – Anonymous.
http://theghostwriterinthemachine.blogspot.com
If you're a graphic artist - the "compromise" (if any) has already been made. The client (who) describes the piece they want (what), decides the product, service, event, etc... that piece will feature (why), sets the schedule (when) and determines the final distribution area for said piece (where). Right? So the client decides the who, what, when, where and why - but because you stick to your guns and create a piece that only a small portion of society will understand - you've somehow maintained your artistic integrity? After you've already "compromised" on every pertinent point? No, my friend - the only thing you've maintained in this case is your illusory faux rebel "artiste" status.
That said, I liked the "pack of dogs" thing on your website. ;)
Art, I'm glad you enjoyed the pack of dogs piece. I hope Paul goes with the design he loves and which will appeal to the sensibilities of clients he wishes to engage. In this particular case, he is the client. I'm not sure what the rest of your post refers to... I sense frustration. Remember: If you can't say something nice say something to confuse the situation. The only thing faux about me is me.
Write a wise saying and your name will live forever – Anonymous.
http://theghostwriterinthemachine.blogspot.com
You sense frustration? Is your girlfriend nearby? OH! Alright, sorry... but you left the door open. Actually I think you understood my post rather well...
"I hope Paul goes with the design he loves and which will appeal to the sensibilities of clients he wishes to engage."
Paul is the client here (as you say) - but Paul pleasing Paul equals zero phone calls with paying jobs. So the design could be the most wonderful thing on the planet - but if the only person it affects is Paul - the card fails it's purpose... to bring in new business. Addressing the client's aesthetic is important - yes. But creating a piece that works is the higher priority (there lies the "compromise"). Remember - even the people responding to this thread who LOVED the jellyfish thought it would have very limited appeal - including you.
As always... jmho.
Art, no qualms with your assessment if that's the angle from which you're viewing this.
I believe, though, that 'working' versus 'aesthetic' is not a zero sum game and the two are not mutually exclusive. Targeted, limited appeal can be an attribute... and therein lies the conundrum. I'm sure Paul will prioritise according to his specific goals, and I maintain that to me (and others) it is a great design. Good luck with your conclusions Paul!
Write a wise saying and your name will live forever – Anonymous.
http://theghostwriterinthemachine.blogspot.com
Never said it was zero sum or mutually exclusive, anon. I said one was more important than the other. But I think this is where the real conundrum lies - you're either a fine artist, or you're a "graphic artist" who wants to be a fine artist. Is that how you consider yourself? Because I see all fine arts work on your website - no design at all. In fact, your website itself is kind of an interactive fine arts piece with the "reactions" choices at the bottom of each post. See the conundrum? I'm looking at Paul's piece from the angle of a graphic designer - you're looking at it as a fine artist. Two different skills resulting in two different answers to the equation.
Nothing wrong with that, btw. Just saying...
Anonymous you are totally right, at the end we can not design for all the people in the world, you guys remember the guy that was posting hindu or asian style designs, we didnt get it, maybe because of culture maybe because of taste but what the heck most people dont know shit about design principles and stuff they just like eye candy for their taste.
Note: dont use the camera flash to take the pics if you have some reflective paper , that will ruin any details that you want to show, i bet that silver over brown reads well without that anoying flash reflection.
im reasonably sure that no flash was used here. looks like available light to me.
Great design.
Thank you guys for your comments. Some real good discussions. I find that with these cards my friends love it but the response rate hasn't been great. Its tough because I just went with something I liked and in the end, that doesn't translate to money in the bank. Doing work for yourself is always the hardest. I might keep these cards and make some that are more conservative depending on who I am handing them out to. Thank you guys again for your comments a very helpful crit.
little creepy concept.
don't know if girls will appreciate xD
yes I'm brazilian xD
I like it.