AC - Business Cards

Research:

In order to ensure I was creating the correct standard business card for the type of industry which the card would be placed in, I decided to look into some similar businesses and designers who have created promotional materials such as business cards. It is evident through the visual research as seen below, that the work must feature on the card itself. Due to the enlargement of the size of the worker discussed with the designer herself who authorised me to image trace over her work using high fidelity photo tracing in illustrator to be able to create the most accurate factorisation of her work, in order to be able to enlarge it to the correct scale to be used within promotional materials.

Visual Reference 1

Visual Reference 2

Visual Reference 3

Initial Design Ideas: 

Trial 1

Trial 2

Trial 3

Within my initial design ideas for the business card experimented with a couple of different layouts and placements. As can be seen in trial one I decided to use a white background and the black logo overlaid. This allows the logo to come to the forefront of the piece and I like the name of the artist herself. Although due to the nature of the designer’s business I decided that this cover too much of the work in which she was trying to have a represent her. Therefore, I decided to remove the box and use the white logo which contrasted more with the pieces of work, making the work the focus of the business card was also retaining the clear visual brand identity (as can be seen in trial two and three). I believe these were best for the business card due to the large contrast between the types of print behind them and the smooth sleek lines of the logo itself. The considerations such as wider kerning that was taken into place with the designing stage are crucial when overlaying typography onto prints that need to be evident in outcomes such as these.

Front

Back 1

Back Two

Back 3

Trial two was selected as the best representation of the designer’s work, this was after a discussion with the designer herself in which you pick the design due to the various styles that can be placed on the card within a small space showing what skills she has within a field. To progress with the design the print in the background was a mistress of the high-fidelity photo, this meant as enlarged as the image may become it will always remain a factor therefore ensuring the best possible representation of the work itself in print. In terms of the reverse of the card, the information will contain the logo itself as well as a small description of what the designer does (surface print designer). Information such as the phone number, email address, and arts-thread page will also be added, this will be done in a contrasting colour against the background itself, picking the colour from the background making it slightly darker. The background colours have been picked up from the front of the card itself, this has been done to keep visual consistency throughout the front and back, due to the fact that the back does not contain any images of the work itself. Currently, only one design was sent to print due to costing issues. Although all three will be sent to print when deemed viable by the designer.

Printing Considerations: 

Due to the large quantity in which the business cards needed to be printed, we decided to have them printed externally. This gave me the opportunity to think about specialist printer fax it could be added to the cart to enhance the branding. Due to the fact that there is a high contrast between the logo itself and the Prince in which their place on top of on the front of the card, I decided to have them printed with a raised spot gloss above only the logo (as the visual example below shows). Meaning this is not distracting from the print itself, getting certain positions and lighting the debossed gloss effect will be evident on the card. This pointed difference will make the business card different to others within the industry of the same field, making Abigail Curtis stand out as a brand and also remain memorable in her audience.

Raised Spot Gloss Examples

Order Details

This order was completed with moo.com, due to the high-quality reviews in which they have received of this special type of printing. As well as quick turnaround time from production to delivery. Order details can be seen above.

Business Card Update: Unfortunately due to an error with the printing company the cards delivery date has been pushed back after this module deadline, so no physical cards will be submitted. This was despite the delivery date being before the deadline as can be seen in the invoice above.

Mockup

UPDATE: The business cards arrived, after consulting the printing company they were able to have them sent through private courrier.

Final Business Cards: please find 2 cards within the physical submission of this module.

Overall, I am extremly happy with the final result, the print is of high quality, and the desire finish has been achieved. The designer herself is also extremly happy with the outcome and feels the design represents her work in a successful manner, and is proud to have such a polished finished promotional material to be able to represent her as a brand.