Using Graphic Design To Achieve The Perfect Business Card (Part 2)

In part one of this article, we looked at the first three graphic design approaches that one can take in terms of putting their business cards together - the 'professional', the 'playful' and the 'reliable'. In part two, we look at the final two approaches and the elements that every business card needs to include.

The "Wise"

By showing clients and customers that you are wise and know exactly what you're talking about, you will instill in them a sense of trust. Use graphic design to convey this sense of wisdom and you are likely to have a much more rewarding relationship.

What to include?

The elements that you can use to convey a sense of wisdom include a muted, minimalist approach. Use abstract imagery or images that you have surrounded with white space, letter pressing and embossing, and sans-serif fonts.

Colours to use:

Purple and gold are considered the classic symbols of wisdom. You could also use black, which is seen as authoritative or grey which is seen as being timeless. Orange, which stands for endurance, could also work.

The "Jack of All Trades"

This sort of image is one that many freelancers would like to present. Did you know that you can use graphic design to show clients that you can do a bit of everything without including a full list of credentials? Your business card needs to display your passion for expanding your knowledge.

What to include?

The elements that you need to include for this approach include a much busier design than the others. Use a variety of fonts (or a variety of font styles), combine styles and elements, but don't go too far.

Colours to use:

Purple and gold can be used to weave the theme of wisdom throughout the business card. Yellow and blue, which represent idealism, could also be used to convey your 'jack of all trades' approach.

Business Card Elements

To ensure that the graphic design for your business cards is 110% successful, you need to include some basic information. This includes your name and your title within the company (such as John Doe, CEO or Jane Doe, Marketing Manager). You also need to include current contact information, including your company's contact number (and perhaps your direct line), your address, your mobile number, your fax number and your email address.

At the end of the day, it is important to keep in mind that it is the quality of your business cards that is more relevant than the quantity. Remember that contact details change, so ordering 100 business cards and then having to change your phone number when you've only given away half is going to be a complete waste of money. By following a graphic design approach that is relevant to your brand, you can ensure that your business cards are top notch.

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Know What Every Web Design Should Achieve

An internet presence is one of the most important tools that any business or organization has to effectively relay a message, hopefully translating it into sales, sign-ups and other types of conversions. Having a website that does not perform for whatever reason is detrimental to optimization efforts as well as the ability to gain and maintain followers. To create an efficiently functioning website, designers need to balance a number of important aspects to best represent each and every company or client.

Visual

Naturally, the first thing any visitor to a website notices is how it looks. Without doing too much with fancy fonts, images and other visual extras, a website needs to look appealing. Color palette is extremely important and should be chosen to fit the company, the mood to be projected, and the message. Design style should present the client as they wish to be seen, whether that is serious and business-like, fun-loving, or classic.

Use of images, type, and white space should be carefully balanced to create a presence that is pleasing to the eye without being too busy or conversely, too empty; neither case is better than the other and both will impede the visual usability of a site. The design of a site that is beautiful, attractive and easy on the eyes for navigating - and doing so without becoming overly obtrusive - is the key to a visually pleasing design.

Functional

While look is important on one front, site function is just as important on another; finding a way to make function and form work well together is always the trick. Navigation should be easy to find and easy to use, resisting the desire to go high-tech with all kinds of complex and fancy menu effects. Site content should be clearly organized so users do not have to go hunting, so that desired information can be quickly found.

Consistency throughout an entire website - using the same colors, fonts, link positions, etc. - adds greatly to function since users do not have face different aspects on every new page. Links that all work seem like an obvious part of any functional website; however, missing one can happen and ruin a user-website experience. Forms that are user-friendly and easy to compete as well as shopping carts that properly function is just another way to deliver a functional website that works right the first time.

Interesting and Informative

Once a design and all other elements have been determined, what remains is to provide concise, correct and interesting reader content. In order to become a highly regarded website, it is important to concentrate on quality content presented in an appealing fashion. Keeping information current with frequent updates will keep readers coming back, especially if that content does more than just state facts.

Engaging readers with interesting tidbits, interactive elements, and high-quality information must be a prime concern once look and layout has been designed. Keep viewers interested to return and recommend the site to others. Be sure to consider the targeted audience when adding content and design or user elements; it will be easier to keep people interested and informed when content is presented if an appealing and useable format.

Creating a well rounded, efficient website definitely takes effort; however, keeping these goals in mind during the building process can smooth out any potential problems. Designing a visually appealing, functional, interesting, and informative website takes time, a little trial and error, and a lot of forethought; however, such honest efforts will prove to be valuable. The end result will be a website that any business or organization can be proud to call their own, reaching the right people and encouraging viewers to become purchasing customers. It is indeed important to thoroughly know what every web design should achieve!

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