Show us your business Card!

[ginger_55]

http://gingersnap.smugmug.com/photos/20342487-L.jpg

On the way to find a subj for the challenge, I happened on having done this photo, so I made a business card out of it. The info on it is all the info people need from me.

Where would you all suggest I get it printed inexpensibly on the internet?
Or as cheap as possible.

g

[ian408]

On the way to find a subj for the challenge, I happened on having done this photo, so I made a business card out of it. The info on it is all the info people need from me.

Where would you all suggest I get it printed inexpensibly on the internet?
Or as cheap as possible.

g
Go to an office supply place and grab a package of Avery's business card
stock. You can print what you need at home.

A package is something like USD$10.

Ian

[Andy]

i have mine done at overnightprints.com (http://www.overnightprints.com/?ONPSESS=64d42614a75993371a748f0b6a7ed976) the quality is excellent and the price is right.



http://www.moonriverphotography.com/photos/41894258-M.jpg

[lynnesite]

Like Andy, I have mine done at overnightprints.com. What I like best is the weight of the cards, and the small lots they'll let you do to proof. $14.95 plus shipping for 100.

Here's mine:

[luckyrwe]

Wow Lynne, that picture looks almost 3D!

[lynnesite]

Wow Lynne, that picture looks almost 3D!

Thanks--it's a reduced opacity version of the original image with a little color shift, the clouds were made with the plug-in Aurora 2.

[photoshow]

Thanks for the tip Andy, these guys are just a few miles down the road from my office.

[Tim Kirkwood]

Great Thread Ginger....I too like to see others cards never thought of starting a thread for it.



Here is mine, it too is a really bad scan of it. I need to figure out how to better use my scanner to get better results. The card looks great in person.

Anyways.....here it is...

[Sam]

Wow! Some great cards here, and I can really see the individual styles. Here is my ah...since i'm not in business, call it a contact card. My volume and use is such, that I just print them 8 up from PhotoShop as needed.

Sam

[Sam]

Like Andy, I have mine done at overnightprints.com. What I like best is the weight of the cards, and the small lots they'll let you do to proof. $14.95 plus shipping for 100.

Here's mine:
Lynn,

Great card! It shows your interest and capibilities well.

Sam

[Dee]

printing up some cards has been on the back burner so long.... I never know whether to put both design and photography on the card, or just photography... don't want to carry two cards around.

I get bored easily, so I set up a file with different cards.... wonder where I put that file now? :D

Neat thread idea Ginger!

[blackwaterstudio]

Great cards everyone, I'm looking to find some help on how to make these. I have something in mind but can't seem to get it to work on PSCS.

Any help would be great.

[ginger_55]

printing up some cards has been on the back burner so long.... I never know whether to put both design and photography on the card, or just photography... don't want to carry two cards around.

I get bored easily, so I set up a file with different cards.... wonder where I put that file now? :D

Neat thread idea Ginger!
Thanks, Dee. You all should I take the credit for this thread idea?

I asked a question about where to get card printed on the internet, included my card idea.

I came home, it was moved, it now had a great title and was a whole thread...................

I love the idea, too. But it really only derived from a question I asked. Someone else made it into a great thread.

ginger

[lynnesite]

Thanks, Dee. You all should I take the credit for this thread idea?

I asked a question about where to get card printed on the internet, included my card idea.

I came home, it was moved, it now had a great title and was a whole thread...................

I love the idea, too. But it really only derived from a question I asked. Someone else made it into a great thread.

ginger

Thanks, Sam, and Ginger, how about putting www. before gingersnap.smugmug.com? People are used to looking for the www. I know you weren't looking for a critique.

jds, overnightprints.com has a nice layout guide to make sure your layout works within their trimming parameters.

Like you, Dee, I have two businesses, like being able to run up small bunches of different variations, keeps it fun.

You guys that scanned your cards--you didn't create the originals yourselfs in PS or equiv?

[Sam]

Great cards everyone, I'm looking to find some help on how to make these. I have something in mind but can't seem to get it to work on PSCS.

Any help would be great.
All righty now....what can't you get to work? What are you trying to do. Name the task, and the guru's here will tell you in minute detail how to do it.

Just saying I can't get to work, doesn't give us anything to respond to. :D

Sam

[Tim Kirkwood]

You guys that scanned your cards--you didn't create the originals yourselfs in PS or equiv?
I scanned mine because the program that I used to make mine(before I knew the ins and outs of PS CS) does not do conversion to .jpg it will only save the file in its own format. So I just did a quick scan to share what it looked like. I plan to redo the card in PS CS soon though.

Tim

[simon bennett]

Thanks--it's a reduced opacity version of the original image with a little color shift, the clouds were made with the plug-in Aurora 2.
Woah... back it up, those clouds were 'made' with the plug-in: Aurora... what the? *heads to google to do some research*

The only Aurora I've had contact with flies using plasma and some help from my friends thanks to a little reverse-engineering.

Lynne, is your plugin for Photoshop:
http://photoshop.pluginsworld.com/plugin.php?editor=adobe&software=photoshop&plugin=220

... or for After Effects or Final Cut:
http://www.digitalanarchy.com/aurora/aurora_main.html

?

[blackwaterstudio]

All righty now....what can't you get to work? What are you trying to do. Name the task, and the guru's here will tell you in minute detail how to do it.

Just saying I can't get to work, doesn't give us anything to respond to. :D

Sam
Thanks Sam, I'm looking at a simple card, Company, name, address, phone, email, and website, then list all the stuff I do, I.E. Sports|Portraits|Wildlife etc

[David_S85]

FYI - Avery makes available its Design Pro software free. I have an older copy that came with a pack of tear-off business cards, but it is also a free download (52MB) from their site. Well worth the price if you have a printer that is up to it.

[Andy]

Thanks, Dee. You all should I take the credit for this thread idea?

I asked a question about where to get card printed on the internet, included my card idea.

I came home, it was moved, it now had a great title and was a whole thread...................

I love the idea, too. But it really only derived from a question I asked. Someone else made it into a great thread.

ginger

:nod ginger, i told you already i'm *everywhere* heheh well it was your idea, i just moved and retitled it :D

[Andy]

You guys that scanned your cards--you didn't create the originals yourselfs in PS or equiv?

yeah, of course.. but i don't have it online... so this had to do, i had scanned it a while back and it's sittin' in my forums stuff gallery :thumb

[Shay Stephens]

Here is one of my cards:

http://www.shaystephens.com/graphics/shay_card.jpg

Only difference with the real one is the addition of an email address on the card.

I also have a generic wedding card I use that looks like this:

(edit) the old cards are not showing up since I redid them. Sorry about that.

http://www.shaystephens.com/graphics/weddingcard.jpg

[Andy]

Here is one of my cards:

http://www.shaystephens.com/graphics/shay_card.jpg

handsome fella, innhe? :lol3

[Sam]

Thanks Sam, I'm looking at a simple card, Company, name, address, phone, email, and website, then list all the stuff I do, I.E. Sports|Portraits|Wildlife etc
I'm still unclear with regard to what your having trouble with. Is it the key strokes in PS to put all this together or the creativity to get that wow factor?

Creativity needs to come from within, the key stokes I can help you with.

Sam

[LiquidOps]

After I finish redoing the website to go with my Smugmug acct, I will print these...

what do you guys think?

http://wanderingthroughlife.com/stf/businesscardx800.jpg

Thanks,

Steven

[ginger_55]

I remember that shot, Steven. You have done something to it. Now it looks metallic and those reflections are even better.

Nice card.

ginger

[simon bennett]

Shay is a handsome fella from what his card presents.

[photoshow]

Here is mine

Front
http://realdealphotography.smugmug.com/photos/20462099-M.jpg

Back
http://realdealphotography.smugmug.com/photos/20462100-M.jpg

Someday I will have a real graphic designer do them. Design really is not one of my strong points

[mercphoto]

A business card I use for kart races (printed as a 4x6 glossy at CostCo):
http://mercphoto.smugmug.com/photos/18839222-M.jpg

A business card I use for motocross races (again, 4x6 glossy):
http://mercphoto.smugmug.com/photos/18839505-M.jpg

I then have a "normal" business card that I don't have scanned in at the moment.

[ginger_55]

I am going to have to go with 4 X 6s, if that overnight site doesn't e-mail me back.

Maybe it was all I had going on, but I just could not get the instructions yesterday.

g

[Shay Stephens]

I do all my cards myself using 4x6 prints. They look great, of course, and are easy to make on the fly. In fact I am prepping some to get made today.



I am going to have to go with 4 X 6s, if that overnight site doesn't e-mail me back.

Maybe it was all I had going on, but I just could not get the instructions yesterday.

g

[GerryDavid]

I scanned mine because the program that I used to make mine(before I knew the ins and outs of PS CS) does not do conversion to .jpg it will only save the file in its own format. So I just did a quick scan to share what it looked like. I plan to redo the card in PS CS soon though.

Tim
You could try the print screen button to copy the window, then go into ps, create a new document and paste.

Someone mentioned about not wanting to have 2 cards. One one side could be business A, and on the other side business B. You wont have any white space to write a note but you would reduce the number of different cards.

[gus]

I sleep with the manager of a printing company & a good mate of mine is a computer magazine art designer thing-a-me-jig

It makes for cheap quotes ...:dunno

[lynnesite]

Woah... back it up, those clouds were 'made' with the plug-in: Aurora... what the? *heads to google to do some research*

The only Aurora I've had contact with flies using plasma and some help from my friends thanks to a little reverse-engineering.

Lynne, is your plugin for Photoshop:
http://photoshop.pluginsworld.com/plugin.php?editor=adobe&software=photoshop&plugin=220
?

Yep, Digital Elements. I'm not very accomplished at using it. Here's the first version, used for a slide header without the opacity tweaked.

[Shay Stephens]

Beautiful card, really good.

Yep, Digital Elements. I'm not very accomplished at using it. Here's the first version, used for a slide header without the opacity tweaked.

[ian408]

I sleep with the manager of a printing company & a good mate of mine is a computer magazine art designer thing-a-me-jig

It makes for cheap quotes ...:dunno
TMI there Gus...but if you were to take orders while here in the states for
delivery later, wouldn't that make Yosemite a business trip :):

Ian

[tmlphoto]

Here is mine, slightly cropped, but you get the idea. I got mine printed at Vista prints. They even print magnets.
http://tmlphoto.smugmug.com/photos/3502740-M-2.jpg

[gus]

TMI there Gus...but if you were to take orders while here in the states for
delivery later, wouldn't that make Yosemite a business trip :):

IanMate everything has now changed to 'performance based'....im buying a prog to do 'em myself next time.

[mercphoto]

I have all my b-cards online now.

A business card I use for kart races (printed as a 4x6 glossy at CostCo):
http://mercphoto.smugmug.com/photos/18839222-S.jpg

A business card I use for motocross races (again, 4x6 glossy):
http://mercphoto.smugmug.com/photos/18839505-S.jpg

And my generic business card (normal sized):
http://mercphoto.smugmug.com/photos/20543888-S.jpg

[gus]

Seriously...did you expect something normal ?
.

[Michiel de Brieder]

still working on it... it'll have this included :D
http://www.digital-eye.nl/images/logo1024.jpg
Digital-eye being a bit smaller and more of my personal data :D

[blackwaterstudio]

I'm still unclear with regard to what your having trouble with. Is it the key strokes in PS to put all this together or the creativity to get that wow factor?

Creativity needs to come from within, the key stokes I can help you with.

Sam
Thats the problem, I'm not sure what I want it to look like, if I want a picture or not. I'm just stuck

[Sam]

Thats the problem, I'm not sure what I want it to look like, if I want a picture or not. I'm just stuck
The only advice I can offer is to start looking at all the photography web sites, phone book adds, and magazines you can lay your hands on.

Don't wait for a stroke of lightning to hit. Start with what you know needs to be on the card. IE: name, phone, e-mail. web site, ect. size the card in PS. start typing, choose the font, size, think color. play with it. When you get tired, stop save what you have and try again tomorrow. Nobody I ever knew printed up the first try of thier business card.

Sam

[lynnesite]

Seriously...did you expect something normal ?
.
http://wadjelaphotography.smugmug.com/photos/20554952-S.jpg

'Gus yours has me thinking you've spent too much time listening to the Crumpler song. :rofl

Bill, great work, really sells what you do. Uh, Shay, so does yours. :clap

[lynnesite]

Here is mine

Front
http://realdealphotography.smugmug.com/photos/20462099-S.jpg
Someday I will have a real graphic designer do them. Design really is not one of my strong points

Very vivid, I like the front/why do you need a back?

(oughta spell portrait right on the front, though!)

[coldclimb]

This is a cool thread. I put a layout together a few months back that would fit with many of my photos, so here's one that seemed to work well.

[Angelo]

finally got around to it...

[Khaos]

And I still haven't finished the site.

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/30235989-L-1.jpg

[Sam]

That's all I can say after viewing these great cards. After looking at your cards my orginal one started looking prety sad, so, with your modivation, I set out to improve on it.

Remember I don't have a business, so it's just an informal contact card.

Critiques welcome. :D

Thanks,

Sam

[JohnR]

Man..some nice cards! Do you all actually print those? :huh

Here's mine..simple like me. :rofl :D

http://www.orangeinsider.org///jbrcard.jpg

[W.W. Webster]

It's clear that most, if not all, the cards discussed in this thread have been designed by amateurs. It's also clear that many of the cards are the products of well-intentioned folk with not the slightest knowledge or skill in the area of graphic design.

There's one design above which might best be described, with my tongue firmly in my cheek, as 'chaotic' (no offence intended), and when you go to the related web site, the same graphic design offences are repeated there! IMHO good graphic design is not assisted by having a multiplicity of colours (particularly garish ones), fonts for Africa, and uncoordinated and unnecessary design elements flung across the card, web page, or whatever.

I liken this situation to the reality of most camera owners having no concept nor intuitive understanding of what constitutes good image composition, and thus being totally incapable of creating any picture with any endearing quality whatsoever. We see more than our share of dog and child shots posted on this site which come into this category, accompanied by a plaintive plea to 'please give me some feedback'.

I'm not in business as a photographer nor do I buy services from photographers, but I ask myself regularly why I would want to deal on a commercial basis with any of the full- or part-time commercial photographers on Smugmug whose business card and/or web site looks like an unmade bed. Yuk! I'd prefer to deal with someone whose business image is professional and well organised - wouldn't you?

Flash or Dreamweaver can no more 'design' a web site, nor Photoshop 'design' a business card, than Photoshop can 'make' a good photograph if the underlying design or image doesn't already exist.

If you can't look yourself in the mirror and convince yourself you understand the principles of graphic design, then I highly recommend 'The Non-Designer's Design Book' by Robin Williams before you start to design your card or web site (or even customise a Smugmug site, for that matter). This book is succinct, and easy to understand and remember.

I do like the design idea which Angelo has been pursuing for his card. It's clean, crisp and professional. Design is, of course, always in the eye of the beholder, but I think Angelo's design might be further improved by selecting some stronger images which will reproduce better in such small sizes (a bit like designing a postage stamp - some images don't translate well to very small sizes). The colour and size of the bird, for example, just aren't suitable, and the overall colours of all three of the left-most images are too much the same.

I've also raised the suggestion previously of moving the block of text containing the contact details so as to simplify and strengthen the overall design, as attached below. And if there were only three photos, not four, the left margin of the text could be aligned to the left edge of the right-most photo to strengthen the design even more.

Angelo, I hope this is helpful as you finalise your design.

http://rosscollins.smugmug.com/photos/41943695-M.jpg

[Dee]

Tired of seeing the same old, same old, cliché fonts?

Were you around when desktop publishing tried to take over graphic design?

And now with digital cameras ANYONE can be a photographer AND a designer? :rofl :rofl :rofl

Do you know that most excellent illustrators make lousy designers?

I am a professional designer. I'm not so sure I'd be brave enough to post my non-existent business card (on my list of things to do) here for you to look at :D

It's easy to be critical isn't it? :):

Have you ever looked at what passes for business card design and logo design these days? Just do a search on the web for "business cards" and I'll probably feel your shudder all across the ocean :rofl

And with all these "make your own website" programs around web design is now feeling the pain that graphic designers felt when desktop publishing encouraged anyone with an interest in art to become a self publisher.

I suspect in a lot of cases, most photographers just want something to hand out, something they can change easily themselves, and they don't want to pay a designer $500 to design a card and another $500 to design a logo -- much less pay $1000 for a good offset printer to print their full color cards on industry standard business card stock. They'd rather buy some glass!

Probably a lot of photographers are too busy trying to perfect their skills, they don't want to have to study design also.

And -- have you seen what's coming out of some of these design schools?

Everyone designing the same way, with the same "designer" fonts and hopping on the latest design fad and color fad?

Sometimes I think photography is headed the same way. Everybody now, let's do IR (because we can) and selective color (because it's in)! My little rant -- oh yes, and make sure it's Black & White -- it's the new color.

:): :): :): :): :):

[Andy]

oh yes, and make sure it's Black & White -- it's the new color.


Right on, Dee! :lol3 Y'know what's funny? I've had to re-order cards like four times since first designing my card - I hand it to folks, and they ask for a few extras :D

[Khaos]

Look at my doggie picture and let know what you think! OK! Please! Pretty Please!

http://creative-khaos.smugmug.com/photos/19481370-M.jpg

First off, if your going to say it, say it. I have no problem with straight on hard criticism, but I do, and always have, hate the "no offence" tag. If you know your comments might offend and you don't want to, then don't say them. If you don't care, and trust me, I wasn't offended, say them without the tag. Own up to what you speak without having an escape route.

I definately am not a graphic artist, but that doesn't mean I don't know art, composition, and theory.

I will be changing how my site works, but like you said, dreamweaver won't do squat in building a site unless you know what you're doing in the first place. That's the issue. I will know, someday, but with work taking up 50+ hours a week, and wanting to have somewhat of a life, it's a long process.

The garish colors are on purpose. Yes, I said on purpose. I wanted to assualt the eyes. I wanted the eyes to see my card anywhere, on a bullentin board, on the ground, on a bar, anywhere and have it stick out like a sore thumb. I wanted the reaction of what the f%$K is that and have them look at it out of curosity just like rubber necking at a gory car wreck. When you hit my site I want it to jump at you. I want it to draw attention. People remember Khaos. They remmber pretty lines and great complimenting colors and beautiful professional looking sites, but too often forget the name. It will chnage and I want it more like an unmade bed. But I'll have the person not annoyed, but more wondering, who slept there and what did they do. I'll have them looking for clues and finding things.

In case you haven't guessed, I don't want the make my wedding day perfect crowd. I want the make my shots of what I want look different. And currently I'm working towards setting galleries for that. Something different, but until then, I'll show the generic stuff.

Now that I explained my crap, I'll comment on your site. To me it's boring. Not one thing when I see that page says, hey, look, this might show you something exciting, different or just damn good.

I agree professionals looking to be professional for professional work in the public should have a well designed, simple but elegant site, but not everybody is selling vanilla, some of us are gooing with the upside down tequila shot with a boiler maker chaser.

If you think my stuff looks non-professional now, wait until I learn more. It will probably make your eyes bleed. Which will mean I succeeded in my goal.

Hearing someone thinks my stuff is shit is fine. However, many aren't ready for that because THEY ARE AMATEURS. You come off as I'm really good at this and you guys suck so bad it's pitiful. That would be fine if everyone was actually asking for it. It would also be fine if they were paying you to teach them. They'll take the I know more than you approach as long as you show them what you know. So, can you teach, or do you just make someone buy a book, take a test, and move on to the next person who knopws less than you?

[Shay Stephens]

I am going to mostly agree with you on your points. And I especially like your edit to Angelos card. It makes it stronger and bolder.




I do like the design idea which Angelo has been pursuing for his card. It's clean, crisp and professional. Design is, of course, always in the eye of the beholder, but I think Angelo's design might be further improved by selecting some stronger images which will reproduce better in such small sizes (a bit like designing a postage stamp - some images don't translate well to very small sizes). The colour and size of the bird, for example, just aren't suitable, and the overall colours of all three of the left-most images are too much the same.

[gus]

You know what ? I used to hire a lot of contractors to pump/clear sewage. Yep ...pull all those things out that everyone & their kids throw down there.

There was one old guy that i got from the last page of the local rag one day because my usual contractors couldnt get to the job in time. I ended up using him almost always for the next 3 years & when i left i made sure the new chap knew whom to contact.

I could ring & get him on site at 3am sunday morning...i could ring him 4pm fri afternoon when he was having a beer at the pub. I could ring him in the middle of a bloody thunder storm & he would always help me out.

I always liked to see other peoples faces when they asked for his biz card & he would pull a bit of the silver paper from a cigarette packet & write his name & number on the white paper stuck on the back of it & hand it to them.

Give me him anyday over the half page yellow pages advert with the 20 plumbers on call 24 hours. Im amazed that some people really think that just because you paid some money for some flashy print job that the person that turns up for the job or is on the phone is somehow better or more worthy of a 1st contact than the person that did it on a budget ?

[Andy]

& write his number on the back of it & hand it to them.

Very cool, 'Gus. Do you notice a phone number on my card? :nah I always write my number on the back - Why? Becuase it allows me to have a moment or two more interaction with the person I'm giving my card to.

[Angelo]

Wow! I'll tell you what's in the eye of the beholder, it's EGO!!!

How dare you presume to preach professionalism and impose your self-righteous opinions on others. And to do so publicly is simply abysmal.

I'm not interested in debating detail points with you on good or appropriate design but know this... I just happen to be the creative director for a multi-million dollar corporation with many a design industry award under my belt.

I also sit on the boards of three design schools in California.

dGrin is for the most part a forum of amateurs and is a very relaxed medium for sharing ideas. I am not going to make apologies but if I knew you were going to take a position so overheated with ego and opinion I would not have posted such an early draft of the card.

No one wants and certainly doesn't deserve to be hung out to dry by anyone with an attitude like yours.

[Angelo]

That's all I can say after viewing these great cards. After looking at your cards my orginal one started looking prety sad, so, with your modivation, I set out to improve on it.

Remember I don't have a business, so it's just an informal contact card.

Critiques welcome. :D

Thanks,

Sam
Sam I love the two photos you chose. I have some suggestions about your use of fonts and balance but in the current air in the forum I refrain from stating them here. I'm happy to assist privately if you wish.

[Angelo]

Seriously...did you expect something normal ?
.
http://wadjelaphotography.smugmug.com/photos/20554952-S.jpg
Gus, I like this a lot.

[LiquidOps]

I highly recommend 'The Non-Designer's Design Book' by Robin Williams before you start to design your card or web site (or even customise a Smugmug site, for that matter). This book is succinct, and easy to understand and remember.

Give a man a meal and he eats for a day, teach the man to fish, and he eats for a lifetime.

man... i'm glad I didn't come to you when I was hungry... I would have had to read a book titled "Feed Yourself for Dummies"

[snookman23]

Blah Blah Graphic Artist, Blah Blah, no one else can be creative, blah blah, I know how to kern, blah
Don't you dare try to design things unless you are a licensed, verified, homogenized, pastuerized, nuedered graphic artist.
I just turned in my camera because I don't have a degree in photography. Im an engineer, oh crap, nobody told me that Im not allowed to be creative. I guess its back to the slide rule for me... if you know what that is.


snipped ...

[W.W. Webster]

Khaos

I take it your latest post is directed to me?

Let me say at the outset that I'm sorry you've reacted the way you have. This was not intended.

If you know your comments might offend and you don't want to, then don't say them. If you don't care, and trust me, I wasn't offended, say them without the tag. Own up to what you speak without having an escape route.I referred to my comments as not being intended to cause offence because they we not intended to cause offence - no code, nothing between the lines. I've got better things to do than spend my time rarking people up. I thought I was providing some useful input into the discussion. That you've interpreted my motive as setting out to attack you is a little sad and as I've said, I'm sorry.

I'll comment on your site. To me it's boring. Not one thing when I see that page says, hey, look, this might show you something exciting, different or just damn good.I'm not trying to attract anyone, nor to sell anything from my site. I'm paying for the basic Smugmug service only, because that's all I want. I didn't think this thread was to do with Smugmuggers like me, but of particular interest to those in business. I've got no CSSs, no banner of any kind, just a straightforward implementation of the basic features. It's purely for my interest. But like you, I can take the 'criticism'.

I agree professionals looking to be professional for professional work in the public should have a well designed, simple but elegant site ....I consider all people selling photography as a business as being 'professionals'. I've also said good design is in the eye of the beholder and, furthermore, there's no single approach to 'good design'. What's suitable in each case depends on the business objective and market segment, otherwise soap powder ads would be indistinguishable in style from those for funeral homes.

If you have worked out you are going to be more successful in your target market by making the eyes of your prospective clients bleed, then that's your judgement and your decision. The issue is not to do with whether the style is 'button down' or 'acid rock'. It's about whether the design is effective for the purpose - and there some fundamental principles of good design irrespective of the market target. That's all. Seriously, I wish you luck.

Notwithstanding your reaction to my post, I trust there is someone out there who appreciated my comments in the spirit, and for the purpose, that they were provided, and that the reference and business card example I took the trouble to post will be helpful.

[snookman23]

If you can't look yourself in the mirror and convince yourself you understand the principles of graphic design, then I highly recommend 'The Non-Designer's Design Book' by Robin Williams before you start to design your card or web site (or even customise a Smugmug site, for that matter). This book is succinct, and easy to understand and remember.
Does that mean that none of us are designers because we didn't go to design school?

[Sam]

Sam I love the two photos you chose. I have some suggestions about your use of fonts and balance but in the current air in the forum I refrain from stating them here. I'm happy to assist privately if you wish.
Angelo,

I would gladly accept your input publicly or privately. I worked on the fonts and balance but couldn't get what I wanted. That's one of the reasons I posted it.

So yes please when you have time show me your ideas.

I will admit I was taken back, and offended by one of the posts. I think there are a lot of really good cards posted here. Perfect, no, .....good, distictive, yes.

If anyone anywhere can show me a perfect business card please..........show me! I have never even heard of it, much less seen one.

The idea here is to offer opinions to help, not denigrate. (Oh boy am I bitting my tounge at this point.) :D

Hey, i'm a step up from writing my name on the back of gum wrappers. :):

Sam

[Angelo]

Angelo,

I would gladly accept your input publicly or privately. I worked on the fonts and balance but couldn't get what I wanted. That's one of the reasons I posted it.

So yes please when you have time show me your ideas.

I will admit I was taken back, and offended by one of the posts. I think there are a lot of really good cards posted here. Perfect, no, .....good, distictive, yes.

If anyone anywhere can show me a perfect business card please..........show me! I have never even heard of it, much less seen one.

The idea here is to offer opinions to help, not denigrate. (Oh boy am I bitting my tounge at this point.) :D

Hey, i'm a step up from writing my name on the back of gum wrappers. :):

Sam
hey don't knock gumm wrappers!!! :):

email me your primary background pic and I'll give it a whirl.

[PossumCorner]

From a previous thread:

Quote:
Originally Posted by luke_church
Hi Webster,
I don't usually get involved in technology slagging matches, my life is too short. However I feel this is a little harsh. MS employs some extremly (sic) smart people .....

No offence or aspersions were intended! Where I come from, this is considered as merely 'taking the piss'. In the context of this forum as taking a 'wide angle', I just thought the comment was a little telling, but I'll be more circumspect if others take umbrage.
__________________
DubDubDub


Respectfully 3Dubs, if we come from the same place, there is also "cheap shots" and you have done embarrassingly well there. And as you were thus obviously holding back so circumspectly in your comments in your Paragraph 3, God help those of us who photograph children and pets if you had said what you really think of us: thank-you for holding back when you said.


"... most camera owners having no concept nor intuitive understanding of what constitutes good image composition, .... totally incapable of creating any picture with any endearing quality whatsoever. We see more than our share of dog and child shots posted on this site which come into this category, ...."


So I remain as you would prefer unoffended, and do not take umbrage. (And did not read that paragraph out of context with your entire posting).

[DavidTO]

http://rosscollins.smugmug.com/photos/41943695-M.jpg


I ended up catching up with this thread from back to front. I read the last three pages, and I'm going to stay out of the fracas, but I did want to add a comment on Angelo's card. I was able to quote the change that WWW made, but Angelo's was an attachment, so you'd have to go find it to compare.

Anyway, I saw this one first, and I thought...proximity, put connected information together so that the eye knows what goes together. This layout confuses me on that level. I wanted the words angelo and photography together.

When I went back and saw Angelo's original, however, I got it. The name of the company on the right, the address on the left. It makes sense that way.

[dragon300zx]

Here's what I have been using typically I will change the "photography" part to fit the event where I'm handing them out.


http://www.zxstudios.com/pics/businescard1.jpg

[Angelo]

I ended up catching up with this thread from back to front. I read the last three pages, and I'm going to stay out of the fracas, but I did want to add a comment on Angelo's card. I was able to quote the change that WWW made, but Angelo's was an attachment, so you'd have to go find it to compare.

Anyway, I saw this one first, and I thought...proximity, put connected information together so that the eye knows what goes together. This layout confuses me on that level. I wanted the words angelo and photography together.

When I went back and saw Angelo's original, however, I got it. The name of the company on the right, the address on the left. It makes sense that way.
Thanks David. That was my thinking. I tried it the other way myself but considered the balance too heavily skewed to the right.

[StevenV]

Nothing fancy but it gets the point across
http://img328.imageshack.us/img328/7421/businesscard4ad.th.jpg (http://img328.imageshack.us/img328/7421/businesscard4ad.jpg)

[USAIR]

Here's mine use overnightprints too they do fine job

http://riverbend.smugmug.com/photos/32305741-L.jpg

Thanks
Fred

[rutt]

I hired Dee to design a card for me, since I'm a graphics design zero at best. I'm really delighted with it and I asked Dee if I could show it off:

http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/42725697-L.jpg

[Sam]

Here's mine use overnightprints too they do fine job

Thanks
Fred
The card looks good, and thanks for letting me know about Overnightprints. I helped my next door neighbor work up a simple card for his hobby, and he ordered a box. I'll let you know what I think of the quality. I know it's about half the price of having them printed locally.

Sam

[Sam]

I hired Dee to design a card for me, since I'm a graphics design zero at best. I'm really delighted with it and I asked Dee if I could show it off:


Nice card. A little knowledge, and skill goes a long way. :D

Sam

[CSwinton]

I recently made some cards for my brother (I fill the role as the family computer-geek) ;) Overnight prints did a great job with them. I'd use them again.

Front:
http://swintonphoto.smugmug.com/photos/42775822-M.jpg

Back:
http://swintonphoto.smugmug.com/photos/42775806-M.jpg

[Nikolai]

I ran out of my old cards, so I decided to make a new batch.

Actually, I made two different designs.

First is the "enhanced" old one, for generic purposes (double sided, UV gloss):

http://nik.smugmug.com/photos/43629018-S.jpg http://nik.smugmug.com/photos/43629028-S.jpg

And another - brand new one - for what I hope to be a somewhat profitable business:

http://nik.smugmug.com/photos/43629007-S.jpg

500 black ones and 1,000 white ones cost only $39 each, plus tax - and I got free shipping:-). Overnightprints (http://www.overnightprints.com/) rules!:clap

[risource]

This has been very encouraging as I do a new card.

As for "old skool" designers with attitude, I had to laugh. On my first job (around when the PC became a useful thing for us techies) the CEO had a designer doing the company's cards. The logo was two triangles. The ink was a blood red color. The card was gray. As a new employee, I asked for cards.

The cost was $600 for a set of 1000 cards and a 5 week lead time! I looked further... the ink color was "custom" and licensed by the "artist" for use on the business cards. The logo was similarly licensed, special paper, etc etc. The printer even told me the artist had him reprint one set 7 times because he didn't like the "patina" of the ink once it had dried.

Yeah, okay. I'll call you if I need that. In the mean time....

[brandofamily]

OK, I post the example below with the idea that many will think it to busy....If not I'd love to hear what you think.
My real intention is to throw out an idea I have...

In case you wonder, as others did, the pic's actually the ruins in Rome, near The Collosium.

http://brandolinofamilyimaging.smugmug.com/photos/51207562-M.jpg
I'm working on a new idea......here's the concept.....

white background, black, text...(how do you feel about the current text style and arrangement?), take an image from one of my play shoots (crop out the performer only) then do the same with a dancer and an athlete.

So 3 people doing there thing cropped out of the surrounding original background....

Now if I can only get it to work...

[winnjewett]

Here are my two business cards. I ordered 1000 of the first card before building my studio, which is why there is no address on that one. The second one is primarily for prospective wedding clients.

http://brilliantphoton.com/forums/business-card-v2.jpg
http://brilliantphoton.com/forums/business-card-weddings-v2.jpg

[PalusMus]

http://www.thesnellings.com/swampcard4.jpg

I use several different photos and print them out myself on Avery glossy card stock

[binghott]

i have simple text cards with a clipart from staples for like $20 for 1000. they get the job done. if i need to get the word out about my photography, i usually print up flyers appropriate to the event and hand them out. i'll probably start making some cards with pictures on them, but right now this works great.

http://binghott.smugmug.com/photos/51385687-M.jpg

[DanielB]

just whipped one up the on PS :thumb

[babybluetx23]

Here is mine:

[brandofamily]

Here's my newest effort. The back was basically given to me by someone and I reproduced it and added a few of my own ideas to make it fit card sized media. The front is my own...

(front)

http://brandolinoimaging.smugmug.com/photos/51443012-M.jpg
Back

http://brandolinoimaging.smugmug.com/photos/51342743-M.jpg

[ShannonW]

This cards size is 4x6

[Digital-Perfections]

:):

[CalfeeRider]

Interesting topic and some awesome looking cards y'all have! I've just made my first card (only 30 variations to get here)... so critiques are always welcome. :D

Like Sam, for me this isn't a business either. These are more to hand out to folks and get some added credibility for when I want to stick a camera in someone's face, or get somewhere that may need permission etc.

I like the idea of only getting 100 so I can change the featured pictures from time to time. Unless opinions on overnightprints.com have plunged, I'll be giving them a call.

Jack

http://JBuchanan.smugmug.com/photos/52390816-M.jpg

[brandofamily]

I agree, there are a lot of awesome creations here. I only wonder how they look at actual card size (2.5x3 inches). I had set up a few real neat ideas in photoshop, only to find they were...well, let's just say not so good at card size...The pics become too small and the text becomes un-readable. (Too small, or overwhelmed by the "real cool effect" that looked sooooo good large.)
Here's my latest revision on the front:

http://brandolinoimaging.smugmug.com/photos/52405223-M.jpg

and the back:

http://brandolinoimaging.smugmug.com/photos/52405229-M.jpg

I'm thinking about these alternate version for the front too. Maybe a few different versions...

http://brandolinoimaging.smugmug.com/photos/52406767-M.jpg

or possibly...

http://brandolinoimaging.smugmug.com/photos/52406769-M.jpg


Seeing all the ideas is great, but have not seen to many comments lately....Come on folks...I can take it....

[Michael Landry]

http://michaellandry.smugmug.com/photos/35390975-L.jpg

My business card is above, a shot from this past summer on Cape Cod. My two biggest tips once you've designed your card are:

- At Staples you can get business card stock that SNAPS out of the paper; there are no perforations. This makes a huge difference in the professionalism of your card.
- Second, get glossy business card stock. For the exact same reason as above.

There is a noticeable difference in the reaction on people's faces when you give them cards of high quality.

Hope you guys like my card!

Michael

[DavidTO]

Hope you guys like my card!

Michael


I like it, but maybe I could make a couple of comments?

You don't need the words gallery, email or contact. It's obvious what those are, and if it's not obvious to someone, then they'll never use them anyway!

Canon is a distracting and unnecessary detail, IMO. Not to mention the possibility of legal concerns...

[DavidTO]

So, it's not really a business card, since I don't run a photography business. Think of it as a business sized card that I might want to hand out if I happen to take someone's picture.

I'm about to send it off to get printed, but I want to get any and all feedback before I waste my $10 on a big, fat mistake. The look is from the banner I designed for my pathetic little website. Be harsh, cruel, and unexpected, please.

http://davidrosenthal.smugmug.com/photos/52669847-M.jpg

[W.W. Webster]

Be harsh, cruel, and unexpected, please.I wouldn't use so much capitalisation which can be very heavy and harder to read, and would prefer smaller font sizes generally.

However this is one of few examples of cards in this thread which demonstrate how a clean, uncomplicated design can achieve the purpose with some real style - and thereby lend credibility to the photographer.

[CalfeeRider]

So, it's not really a business card, since I don't run a photography business. Think of it as a business sized card that I might want to hand out if I happen to take someone's picture.

I'm about to send it off to get printed, but I want to get any and all feedback before I waste my $10 on a big, fat mistake. The look is from the banner I designed for my pathetic little website. Be harsh, cruel, and unexpected, please.



David, I like the design! My only concern would be how will your pictures reproduce when they're shrunk down. Have you tried printing this out in a 2 x 3.5 format?

Jack

[ian408]

So, it's not really a business card, since I don't run a photography business. Think of it as a business sized card that I might want to hand out if I happen to take someone's picture.

I'm about to send it off to get printed, but I want to get any and all feedback before I waste my $10 on a big, fat mistake. The look is from the banner I designed for my pathetic little website. Be harsh, cruel, and unexpected, please.



In a Land Far, Far Away...In A Time When Text Was King... how'd i do?

I'm not a big fan of embossed text. I might leave off the e-mail address. Why?
As someone said earlier, it's a way to spend an extra moment with a
potential client.

Here's my idea for a card.

http://ian408.smugmug.com/photos/52674474-M.jpg

[DavidTO]

I wouldn't use so much capitalisation which can be very heavy and harder to read, and would prefer smaller font sizes generally.

However this is one of few examples of cards in this thread which demonstrate how a clean, uncomplicated design can achieve the purpose with some real style - and thereby lend credibility to the photographer.


Thanks for the comment. The font I chose for my banner on smugmug is Trajan, which is only caps. There is no lower case in the font. Not sure I want to change that, but in general, I also do not like all upper.

Funny about the font sizes. I was worried they were too small.

[DavidTO]

In a Land Far, Far Away...In A Time When Text Was King... how'd i do?

I'm not a big fan of embossed text. I might leave off the e-mail address. Why?
As someone said earlier, it's a way to spend an extra moment with a
potential client.

Here's my idea for a card.

http://ian408.smugmug.com/photos/52674474-Ti.jpg


Ah, but they aren't potential clients. Like your card, Ian. Nice and clean.

[DavidTO]

David, I like the design! My only concern would be how will your pictures reproduce when they're shrunk down. Have you tried printing this out in a 2 x 3.5 format?

Jack

No, I haven't. I should though, huh?

[W.W. Webster]

Thanks for the comment. The font I chose for my banner on smugmug is Trajan, which is only caps. There is no lower case in the font. Not sure I want to change that, but in general, I also do not like all upper. Funny about the font sizes. I was worried they were too small.Some fonts are like that! I like the way you have carried the style of your Smugmug page across to the card to provide a consistent look and feel.

[DavidTO]

I knew there was a reason that I put this up here.

So here's two more. I like the idea of getting rid of the big friggin' name, I mean, who really cares, anyway? It's in the URL, right?

First is Trajan, the font on my site, the second is Optima, stretched out a bit.

http://davidrosenthal.smugmug.com/photos/52711301-M.jpg

http://davidrosenthal.smugmug.com/photos/52711328-M-1.jpg

[Andy]

In a Land Far, Far Away...In A Time When Text Was King... how'd i do?

I'm not a big fan of embossed text. I might leave off the e-mail address. Why?
As someone said earlier, it's a way to spend an extra moment with a
potential client.

Here's my idea for a card.

http://ian408.smugmug.com/photos/52674474-S.jpg

be nice if www.408views.com landed at your smugmug site, eh Ian? Lemme know if you need any help with that...

[3rdPlanetPhotography]

http://3rdplanetphotography.smugmug.com/photos/52715653-M.jpg

[JamesJWeg]

Thanks, Sam, and Ginger, how about putting www. before gingersnap.smugmug.com? People are used to looking for the www. I know you weren't looking for a critique.

jds, overnightprints.com has a nice layout guide to make sure your layout works within their trimming parameters.

Like you, Dee, I have two businesses, like being able to run up small bunches of different variations, keeps it fun.

You guys that scanned your cards--you didn't create the originals yourselfs in PS or equiv?

This is a big sore point for me, I have sites with and without www. and constantly I have trouble with people not getting my site because they add "www." to one that shouldn't have it. I have a hard time keeping my cool with these people. The DNS system is so simple why can't people understand it? On the other hand I understand that most people are just users and never try to understand what they are doing, but do people just add names/numbers to a street address that they are given just because some other address uses them? Why then to do those same people do this with an internet address and then act like it is my fault that the site is not at this new address that they just made up?

James.

[CookieS]

mine

[W.W. Webster]

http://davidrosenthal.smugmug.com/photos/52711328-M-1.jpgNow you're cooking!

[Andy]

Now you're cooking!

http://davidrosenthal.smugmug.com/photos/52711328-M-1.jpg

Dub dub dub now I know why you like David's Card So Much! :lol3

[GerryDavid]

There is no lower case in the font. Not sure I want to change that, but in general, I also do not like all upper.

Funny about the font sizes. I was worried they were too small.

Photoshop has an interesting feature in the text layout pallet thingie. Not sure of the proper name. It lets you use all capital letters, but it looks like there is an upper and lower case to it. The capital case letters are a larger font. Let me know if this does or doesnt make sense. I could look up the pallet name and the feature name, and paste an example, hehe.

This is a big sore point for me, I have sites with and without www. and constantly I have trouble with people not getting my site because they add "www." to one that shouldn't have it. I have a hard time keeping my cool with these people. The DNS system is so simple why can't people understand it? On the other hand I understand that most people are just users and never try to understand what they are doing, but do people just add names/numbers to a street address that they are given just because some other address uses them? Why then to do those same people do this with an internet address and then act like it is my fault that the site is not at this new address that they just made up?

James.

one way to solve this problem is to add the exact url. Like http://username.smugmug.com . This way they can type it exactly as it is and it will work. Or you could buy a domain name *I guess they are $3us on yahoo* and have it redirect them to the site you want automatically.

[Andy]

Photoshop has an interesting feature in the text layout pallet thingie. Not sure of the proper name.


It's called "Small Caps"

It's the fourth box in from the left

[GerryDavid]

It's called "Small Caps"

It's the fourth box in from the left

Ya, what he said, hehe. Thanks.

[ian408]

be nice if www.408views.com landed at your smugmug site, eh Ian? Lemme know if you need any help with that...

It eventually will. I need to finish a few things first :)

BTW DavidTo, I like the second where the text is a bit stretched out.

Ian

[DavidTO]

It eventually will. I need to finish a few things first :)

BTW DavidTo, I like the second where the text is a bit stretched out.

Ian


Yeah, me too. I ordered it. Just wish I had move the shot of my boy in the blue slide a bit to the left. Oh, well.

Thanks all for the help!

[W.W. Webster]

Dub dub dub now I know why you like David's Card So Much! :lol3OMG! Just when he was doing so well!

[vangogh]

Here's my business card




Nicola
Iconic Creative

[vangogh]

And here's one I've designed but haven't had printed yet due to cost

Nicola

[DavidTO]

Here's my business card




Nicola
Iconic Creative


Very nice!

[GerryDavid]

Here's my business card

Nicola
Iconic Creative

I also really like your design. At first I read "ironic" and was trying to figure out the front of the business card and how it said that, hehe.

I tried to go to your smugmug account but the link doesnt seem to work for me in mozilla. It just takes me to smugmugs front page.

[mslammers]

http://www.dgrin.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=10211&stc=1&d=1137542956Here is mine.
Mel

[wxwax]

This is a big sore point for me, I have sites with and without www. and constantly I have trouble with people not getting my site because they add "www." to one that shouldn't have it. I have a hard time keeping my cool with these people. James.
If it's that big a hassle for you, why not put http:// in front of the address? Or do you already?

[JamesJWeg]

If it's that big a hassle for you, why not put http:// in front of the address? Or do you already?

I have it that way already, that is what blows my mind, why can't people just try it as written.

James.

[vangogh]

I also really like your design. At first I read "ironic" and was trying to figure out the front of the business card and how it said that, hehe.

I tried to go to your smugmug account but the link doesnt seem to work for me in mozilla. It just takes me to smugmugs front page.

Ironic!! I like it! Maybe I need a rethink :rofl

That's weird cos I'm using Mozilla too (on mac) so it should be fine. Try http://iconiccreative.smugmug.com again, it should work as I log in myself using that address on mozilla.

Nicola

[Angelo]

Here's my business card
Nicola
Iconic Creative

very nice!

[GerryDavid]

Ironic!! I like it! Maybe I need a rethink :rofl

That's weird cos I'm using Mozilla too (on mac) so it should be fine. Try http://iconiccreative.smugmug.com again, it should work as I log in myself using that address on mozilla.

Nicola

Thats probably why it doesnt work. The one in your bio says http://vangogh.smugmug.com (http://vangogh.smugmug.com/) . :0)

[flyingdutchie]

I've seen some very nice b-cards in this thread!
It was time to make my own :D . Here it is; whadda you think?

http://www.streetsofboston.com/photos/53004108-M.jpg
(you'll see some JPEG-artifacts due to resizing by smugmug to 'Medium'-size)

The card follows my blue/yellow-sky/water/sand theme from my site.

I decided to not include an e-mail address. My e-mail is on my site and people can find it there.

Update: E-mail and description included

[vangogh]

I decided to not include an e-mail address. My e-mail is on my site and people can find it there.[/quote]

As a designer I would advise you to put an email address on your card, rather than just rely on someone going to your site. For whatever reason, they might not want to go to your site immediately, but an email address on your card will enable thme to make direct access. You are cutting yourself off from a potential contact route. I've never ever designed a business card for someone without an email address on it & I've been designing for 15 years.

As to my profile being vangogh, Yes orignially it was, but I changed it to iconic but haven't yet got round to changing it in the setup yet. When I get a minute I will, but thanks for pointing it out.

Nicola
Iconic Creative
http://iconiccreative.smugmug.com

[jrykowski]

http://itzphoto.smugmug.com/photos/53065529-L.jpg

The circular lens/eye logo was my own idea - had a logo designer actually render it. the background I purchased for $2 at iStockphoto.com and the layout I blame on myself.

Seriously though, these haven't gone to the printer yet - so any feedback is definately welcome! (don't spare any punches!)

[DavidTO]

The circular lens/eye logo was my own idea - had a logo designer actually render it. the background I purchased for $2 at iStockphoto.com and the layout I blame on myself.

Seriously though, these haven't gone to the printer yet - so any feedback is definately welcome! (don't spare any punches!)


You need to go to the gallery settings where this image is and enable external links, because we can't see it.

[flyingdutchie]

You need to go to the gallery settings where this image is and enable external links, because we can't see it.

Strangly enough, i CAN see his business-card picture.
The first time i viewed his post, the image was broken.
Then i copied/pasted the URL of the image in the address-bar of my browser and the image showed up.
After that, the image showed OK in the posts.
Strange....

[DavidTO]

Strangly enough, i CAN see his business-card picture.
The first time i viewed his post, the image was broken.
Then i copied/pasted the URL of the image in the address-bar of my browser and the image showed up.
After that, the image showed OK in the posts.
Strange....


Not at all. It's in your cache now. Empty your cache and you'll be back at square one.

[flyingdutchie]

Not at all. It's in your cache now. Empty your cache and you'll be back at square one.

Exactly; and how did it get into my cache? If the image can not be shared, it should not be in my cache to begin with.

[DavidTO]

Exactly; and how did it get into my cache? If the image can not be shared, it should not be in my cache to begin with.


It can't be linked from a forum, but you accessed it directly.

[flyingdutchie]

It can't be linked from a forum, but you accessed it directly.

Oh!! I did not know that was possible! :D

How does that work?
Does Smugmug check for a HTTP_REFERER:
- If there is none, the image is allowed to be shown?
- If there is (forum's URL), the image is not allowed to be shown?

But if you can directly link, and the image is put in your cache, disabling images in forums does not really work... (browser reads from cache).

(update: Link came from blogspot... so something else was going on.... ah well.. :dunno )

[flyingdutchie]

The circular lens/eye logo was my own idea - had a logo designer actually render it. the background I purchased for $2 at iStockphoto.com and the layout I blame on myself.

Seriously though, these haven't gone to the printer yet - so any feedback is definately welcome! (don't spare any punches!)

I like the overall design, with the lens/eye logo and the background.
However, there seems to be a little too much text. Makes it too busy.

[jrykowski]

I like the overall design, with the lens/eye logo and the background.
However, there seems to be a little too much text. Makes it too busy.

Good point. After reviewing the other examples on here... I may go to a double-sided design.

And, sorry for the bad link above. I should have taken the time to throw in my smugmug gallery and do the link properly (that link comes from blogspot). I was lazy. My bad.

Here's link again (to smugmug url):
http://itzphoto.smugmug.com/photos/53065529-L.jpg

[DavidTO]

I just got my cards back from overnightprints.com, and I am REALLY happy.

Ordered late monday, got them today (thursday). They look great.

[Angelo]

Good point. After reviewing the other examples on here... I may go to a double-sided design.


Why?

A card should be simple, yet memorable and not mistaken as a silent salesman.

Your double lens logo is quite nice and fits with your company name. Hand something out that is elegant and well designed for the subconcious reaction of "oh, this guy has style". You're not going to sell more product because you have a laundry list printed on your card.

Let me know if I can be of assistance.

[Angelo]

A little advice based on new experiences. (primarily for U.S.)

My office produces a lot of marketing materials that include my firm's toll-free telephone number. Those materials are distributed all over California.

We, like many, have often left off the 1- (example 1-800-xxx-xxxx) as a stylistic choice to accomplish a cleaner look.

Lately I have received several calls from people in various parts of the state advising me that they are receiving calls originally intended for my company.

What's happened is, with further deregulation and less oversight by the PUC there are municipalities and providers who now use "800", "866", as well as historically recognized area-codes such as 212, 213, 916 etc., as
ordinary prefixes.

So, if your number is 1-800-123-4567 and someone dials that number, NOT using the (1-), they could make connection with a telephone in their area with the number; 800-1234. Get it?

The moral of this story... always use "1-" in your graphics.

[jrykowski]

A card should be simple, yet memorable and not mistaken as a silent salesman.

I appreciate the feedback. Like I said in my original post - I blame myself for the layout. Knew it needed work. This was version 0.03 basically.

You're making me re-think what my business card is for.... It's NOT a brochure and it NOT a sales pitch. It should be a reflection of the product/service we offer and be more of a "link" to us. If people want to get a hold of us, then they can visit the site and click the "Contact Us" button (or pick up the phone - cuz our numbers are on there as well).

Our clients aren't in the design field, but clearly anybody will appreciate a "cleaner" business card rather than a busy, "laundry list" layout.

Again, appreciate the comments - I'll re-work the card tonight (will replace old so it'll just change above).

[DavidTO]

Again, appreciate the comments - I'll re-work the card tonight (will replace old so it'll just change above).

I wish you'd leave it so that others can see the evolution of your card and learn from it...

[flyingdutchie]

I decided to not include an e-mail address. My e-mail is on my site and people can find it there.

As a designer I would advise you to put an email address on your card, rather than just rely on someone going to your site. For whatever reason, they might not want to go to your site immediately, but an email address on your card will enable thme to make direct access. You are cutting yourself off from a potential contact route. I've never ever designed a business card for someone without an email address on it & I've been designing for 15 years.

As to my profile being vangogh, Yes orignially it was, but I changed it to iconic but haven't yet got round to changing it in the setup yet. When I get a minute I will, but thanks for pointing it out.

Nicola
Iconic Creative
http://iconiccreative.smugmug.com

Sounds like a good enough reason for me! :D
I'll add my e-mail address.

Question: Should i also add what type of photography i offer on my web-site (e.g. Street Scenes & Fine Art)? Or should i just leave it out and have people discover it when they visit my site? (also, i don't want to add too much text)

Thanks for your feedback!

[jrykowski]

I appreciate the feedback. Like I said in my original post - I blame myself for the layout. Knew it needed work. This was version 0.03 basically.

Here's version 0.04 - with "less is more" i.e. sans-laundry list and 1- on telephone number, etc:

http://itzphoto.smugmug.com/photos/53116349-L.jpg

I also tweeked the website a bit with the same concepts in mind.

[CalfeeRider]

Here's version 0.04 - with "less is more" i.e. sans-laundry list and 1- on telephone number, etc:

http://itzphoto.smugmug.com/photos/53116349-L.jpg

I also tweeked the website a bit with the same concepts in mind.

Hi Joe, I like the new cleaner design. I'd also suggest you may want to consider reducing the number of typefaces and font sizes and see what that does for you. - Jack

[DavidTO]

Yes. 2 typefaces. One for your logo, one for everything else.

You also could try moving "Sports Event Photography" under your logo, and move your website down to be with the rest of your contact info. I would move your name and all the contact info to the left, put the type all in black and left justify it., so it's all aligned. That will leave the water drop clear to be enjoyed. I also think you might want to try periods instead of dashes for the phone number. Less obtrusive, kinda stylish, IMO.

[flyingdutchie]

Yes. 2 typefaces. One for your logo, one for everything else.

You also could try moving "Sports Event Photography" under your logo, and move your website down to be with the rest of your contact info. I would move your name and all the contact info to the left, put the type all in black and left justify it., so it's all aligned. That will leave the water drop clear to be enjoyed. I also think you might want to try periods instead of dashes for the phone number. Less obtrusive, kinda stylish, IMO.

I have one font-family (type-face) on my business-card design. Is 2 better, like you said, to get a bit more attention to the main title? (see also my previous posts)

[CalfeeRider]

I have one font-family (type-face) on my business-card design. Is 2 better, like you said, to get a bit more attention to the main title? (see also my previous posts)

I think having the main title in a different typeface does help it stand out. I also noticed you have dashes and a period in your phone number - was that an oversight?

[flyingdutchie]

I think having the main title in a different typeface does help it stand out. I also noticed you have dashes and a period in your phone number - was that an oversight?

Thanks!
The dash should go. It should just be a 'wide' space (wider spaced than the rest of the digits).

Now i have to come up with a different type-face ... lemme think :D

[flyingdutchie]

I updated my business-card to include my e-mail (anton at streets of boston dot com) and description (Street Photography & Fine Art)
What do you all think? Comments very welcome. :D

http://www.streetsofboston.com/photos/53004108-M.jpg
(you'll see some JPEG-artifacts due to resizing by smugmug to 'Medium'-size)

[jrykowski]

Hi Joe, I like the new cleaner design. I'd also suggest you may want to consider reducing the number of typefaces and font sizes and see what that does for you. - Jack

This has been Design 101 for me, eh? I appreciate everyones feedback - as well as the other cards that have been shared here.

Ok, I think this is "the one"... (sick of seeing this card yet?)

http://itzphoto.smugmug.com/photos/53245395-L-1.jpg

[W.W. Webster]

Ok, I think this is "the one"...As you settle on your new card design, are you planning a makeover to your present website design (below) to your business card imagery? I suggest this will be important to ensure visitors directed to your site from your card are not confonted by an entirely different look.

http://rosscollins.smugmug.com/photos/53249768-L.jpg

PS I notice your homepage doesn't appear to be displayed correctly by Safari 2.0.3 under Mac OS 10.4.4.

[DavidTO]

This has been Design 101 for me, eh? I appreciate everyones feedback - as well as the other cards that have been shared here.

Ok, I think this is "the one"... (sick of seeing this card yet?)

http://itzphoto.smugmug.com/photos/53245395-Ti.jpg


I still think "Sports Event Photography" should go beneath your logo, and the URL should go down by your email, beneath your name.

[DavidTO]

I updated my business-card to include my e-mail (anton at streets of boston dot com) and description (Street Photography & Fine Art)
What do you all think? Comments very welcome. :D

http://www.streetsofboston.com/photos/53004108-Ti.jpg
(you'll see some JPEG-artifacts due to resizing by smugmug to 'Medium'-size)


I wish your card wasn't quite so busy.

I like the image, not sure about the border. A simple straight line border would be cleaner, IMO, and more to my taste (but it's not my card now, is it?)

Is the name of your business "Streets of Boston" or "Streets of Boston Photography"? If it's the first, then why add photography, especially with the descriptive line beneath? If it is a part of the name, then you should treat it the same as the rest of it.

Maybe "Streets of Boston" on one line, and then "Photography and Fine Art" on the next? Do you need to say street photography again? I don't think so.

I would also reduce the size of your name and URL to match the info below, and group them together in one grouping. Lose the "+" before the phone number, it's unnecessary.

Lastly, I'm not sure that the building in the lower right is helping, but is adding to the busy-ness of the card. I like simple.

[flyingdutchie]

Thanks for your comments!

I wish your card wasn't quite so busy.

I like the image, not sure about the border. A simple straight line border would be cleaner, IMO, and more to my taste (but it's not my card now, is it?)
A straight line border may not be in balance when the cards are cut (more margin on the left than to the right, for example), and i like the 'ripped' look. :)

Is the name of your business "Streets of Boston" or "Streets of Boston Photography"? If it's the first, then why add photography, especially with the descriptive line beneath? If it is a part of the name, then you should treat it the same as the rest of it.

Maybe "Streets of Boston" on one line, and then "Photography and Fine Art" on the next? Do you need to say street photography again? I don't think so.
I agree with you here; the first photography is redundant and not really part of the name. The name is "Streets Of Boston", nothing more.

I would also reduce the size of your name and URL to match the info below, and group them together in one grouping. Lose the "+" before the phone number, it's unnecessary.
The '+' is the standard international sign for 'international access number', different for each country: 011 for USA, 00 for most European countries, etc.

Lastly, I'm not sure that the building in the lower right is helping, but is adding to the busy-ness of the card. I like simple.
My verdict on this building is also still out. :)

[DavidTO]

Thanks for your comments!



You're welcome!

The '+' is the standard international sign for 'international access number', different for each country: 011 for USA, 00 for most European countries, etc.


But you're not using the international code...or were you just saying why you're in the habit of including it?

Looking forward to seeing the next version.

Oh, just wanted to mention that the cutting on my overnightprints.com cards was very even...

[flyingdutchie]

You're welcome!



But you're not using the international code...or were you just saying why you're in the habit of including it?

Looking forward to seeing the next version.

Oh, just wanted to mention that the cutting on my overnightprints.com cards was very even...

The '+' sign is the international access code. In different countries, it means a different set of numbers. And GSM will automatically translate it for you. E.g. my cell-phone's contact-list contains numbers that all start with a '+'. Wherever i am (in USA, roaming in Holland, in France), i don't have to worry wether the international access number is 00, 011, 0, 9 or something else. It all happens automatically. E.g. if i would have my business in Holland, the number would look something like this: +31.72.1234567

I'm thinking about using GotPrint.com. Is this company any good? :D

[brandofamily]

Oh, just wanted to mention that the cutting on my overnightprints.com cards was very even...

I have never had cards printed on line. IF I use any of these printing companies listed here, such as OverNightPrints.com....do I submit to them the finished product in 2x3.5 card size?
Thanks

[Andy]

I have never had cards printed on line. IF I use any of these printing companies listed here, such as OverNightPrints.com....do I submit to them the finished product in 2x3.5 card size?
Thanks

You just follow the simple instructions they give you. Couldn't be easier :deal

[DavidTO]

I have never had cards printed on line. IF I use any of these printing companies listed here, such as OverNightPrints.com....do I submit to them the finished product in 2x3.5 card size?
Thanks


overnightprints.com has a photoshop template all ready to go. Just download it.

[brandofamily]

overnightprints.com has a photoshop template all ready to go. Just download it.
Is one file type "better" to use than another? I have access to all the ones they accept.

[DavidTO]

Is one file type "better" to use than another? I have access to all the ones they accept.


Dunno, I just used PS.

[brandofamily]

Dunno, I just used PS.
Do you just flatten the image layers, save as .psd and send?

[DavidTO]

Do you just flatten the image layers, save as .psd and send?


jpg, but yes..

It came out darker than I thought, but aside from that it was beautiful...

[flyingdutchie]

jpg, but yes..

It came out darker than I thought, but aside from that it was beautiful...

Soft proof it with some printer-profile. Overnight and GotPrint do not provide you with any soft-proofing profile, but just try ezprints.icc and maybe some other soft-proofing profiles. You'll see the image turning darker/muddier a little bit... paper is not a monitor :)

[flyingdutchie]

Another try :D

http://www.streetsofboston.com/photos/53318329-M.jpg

- I removed 'photography' after the name "Streets Of Boston"
- I grouped the contact data together in a 10pt black font.
- Removed building from background and replaced with partially transparent map of Boston.

updated 22 Jan:
- Moved name above URL
- Changed 'Of' into 'of'.

[W.W. Webster]

Another try :DThe word 'of' is not normally capitalised in a title (similarly 'the', 'and' etc), which gives it an undue prominence in your card, IMHO. The 'In the Zone' card discussed earlier in this thread follows the usual convention to good effect.

[DavidTO]

Another try :D

http://www.streetsofboston.com/photos/53318329-Ti.jpg

- I removed 'photography' after the name "Streets Of Boston"
- I grouped the contact data together in a 10pt black font.
- Removed building from background and replaced with partially transparent map of Boston.


Looking better, IMO.

Here's the rest of my thoughts.

Yes, the O in Of should be lowercase.

I still don't think you need "street", just "photography".

I would put your name first, before your URL, not only because it's more important, but also because then you'd have a pleasing angle to the left edge of those lines.

And maybe soften the shadow a bit.

[Andy]

is not normally

What's normal? How about a little free-thinking? Thinking out Of the box is a good thing. That's what makes us all so different. I think Anton's got a nice balance in his logotype.

[Andy]

Yes, the O in Of should be lowercase.

Only if Anton want's to be an automaton.

[W.W. Webster]

What's normal? How about a little free-thinking? Thinking out Of the box is a good thing. That's what makes us all so different. I think Anton's got a nice balance in his logotype.That's why I said 'normally'. Rules are made to be broken, so they say, but it's the result or outcome that's important. If flyingdutchie agrees, on reflection, that the capitalisation detracts from his card, that's all that's important, and all I was drawing his attention to. He's seeking comments, I offered mine.

BTW Flyingdutchie, does the cut edge of the imitation foldback look a little strange when the rest of the overlay has a ragged edge?

[Andy]

He's seeking comments, I offered mine.

BTW Flyingdutchie, does the cut edge of the imitation foldback look a little strange when the rest of the overlay has a ragged edge?

And I, mine :D

Good catch on the fold back. Anton, here's another effect I like (not a business card, but you get the idea):

[flyingdutchie]

That's why I said 'normally'. Rules are made to be broken, so they say, but it's the result or outcome that's important. If flyingdutchie agrees, on reflection, that the capitalisation detracts from his card, that's all that's important, and all I was drawing his attention to. He's seeking comments, I offered mine.

BTW Flyingdutchie, does the cut edge of the imitation foldback look a little strange when the rest of the overlay has a ragged edge?

Thanks Andy, Webster and David,

About the 'Of', i decided to make the 'O' lowercase. I noticed that the capitalized S, O and B form "S.O.B".... well, you get my drift.:D

The ragged edges and the smooth flip over: I actually did that deliberately. It 'underlines' my contact-data (especially the horizontal edge).
My latest attempt:
- Changed 'Of' into 'of'
- Made the ragged edges a little more papery, less plasticy.

Thank you all very much for your comments! :thumb

(BTW: The picture is a shot at Sandy Neck, Cape Cod, MA. The bottle of water and the shoe are my dad's. He visited me that summer)

[Andy]

Thank you all very much for your comments! :thumb

(BTW: The picture is a shot at Sandy Neck, Cape Cod, MA. The bottle of water and the shoe are my dad's. He visited me that summer)


Nice, nice Anton :thumb

http://williams.smugmug.com/photos/53329076-L-0.jpg

[flyingdutchie]

Nice, nice Anton :thumb

http://williams.smugmug.com/photos/53329076-L-0.jpg

Thanks!
But when was this picture taken!!?? :rofl

[DavidTO]

Soft proof it with some printer-profile. Overnight and GotPrint do not provide you with any soft-proofing profile, but just try ezprints.icc and maybe some other soft-proofing profiles. You'll see the image turning darker/muddier a little bit... paper is not a monitor :)


I checked it out with CMYK, and it's still nothing like what I got back. Not that I'm unhappy, but if I was looking for color accuracy I would be.

[flyingdutchie]

I checked it out with CMYK, and it's still nothing like what I got back. Not that I'm unhappy, but if I was looking for color accuracy I would be.

You probably selected 'Working CMYK'? If so, do 'Custom...', select for 'Device to Simlute' the value 'Working CMYK - US... ...' and check the 'simulate paper color' and 'black point compensation'.
Especially when checking 'simulate paper color', you'll see that the proof looks much darker.

[AprilVisel]

My first contribution...first post...first.....
Figured this was a good place to say "hey" and that Smugmug rocks!

Here are the cards I have been currently using. I have them done at Overnightprints as well. All was good until the last two orders. It took two weeks to get them as compared to 2 days and customer service bites!
When I DO get them, they are good quality and crisp.
The backs of the cards are the same without the type, but with reduced opacity, and matte instead of glossy, so you can write on them. So far people have been stoked.

[vangogh]

Another try :D

http://www.streetsofboston.com/photos/53318329-M.jpg

- I removed 'photography' after the name "Streets Of Boston"
- I grouped the contact data together in a 10pt black font.
- Removed building from background and replaced with partially transparent map of Boston.

updated 22 Jan:
- Moved name above URL
- Changed 'Of' into 'of'.

Sorry I haven't replied to your other question. Been busy missing the deadline for the Air challenge & entering another photo comp here in the UK lol. This looks a lot better. Now a prospective client has lots of ways to contact you :clap

Nicola

[gus]

My first contribution...first post...first.....
Figured this was a good place to say "hey" and that Smugmug rocks!

Here are the cards I have been currently using. I have them done at Overnightprints as well. All was good until the last two orders. It took two weeks to get them as compared to 2 days and customer service bites!
When I DO get them, they are good quality and crisp.
The backs of the cards are the same without the type, but with reduced opacity, and matte instead of glossy, so you can write on them. So far people have been stoked.

April...i took a while & strolled through your album here (http://sphereequine.com/). I recon a lot of people here would be richer for looking also. You do exceptional work.

Gus

[Shay Stephens]

No kidding! I'm not even into horses but found it outstandingly beautiful.

April...i took a while & strolled through your album here (http://sphereequine.com/). I recon a lot of people here would be richer for looking also. You do exceptional work.

Gus

[wxwax]

No kidding! I'm not even into horses but found it outstandingly beautiful.
You can't tell me you never said to yourself "Saaay, that's a cute horse." :uhoh

[wxwax]

April...i took a while & strolled through your album here (http://sphereequine.com/). I recon a lot of people here would be richer for looking also. You do exceptional work.

Gus
:thumb Agreed, thanks for the link. April, there's some true art there, lovely work.

[AprilVisel]

Thank you SO much!
I am a hosrse freak! :D

[flyingdutchie]

Thank you SO much!
I am a hosrse freak! :D

Yes, you are!! :D :rofl

But not only your horse-pics are stunning. I've been looking at some of your other pictures as well. You got an artistic eye. I found some beautiful images.

[zacker]

Wow! Awesome cards all...

Just a quick thought... Whats your opinion on web sites.. i was reading this thread and someone said your site shouldnt be so plain (ie..smug mug site) to be proffessional. I was reading the 2006 Photographers handbook and they state in it that your site SHOULD be a bit on the plain side... no confusing links to chase, no flash animation or less animation... nothing to make searching the site confusing or long.. huge files take longer to download and too much animation takes time to load too and ..god forbid, a potential client has to download the latest video player or flash player to view your site, you most likly have just lost a sale.

just a thought..

so, would you say your card should also be more plain that busy with pictures and fancy fonts that make it harder to read? not trying to "step on toes" here..just wondering what the general concenses might be.
-zacker-

[mslammers]

Wow! Awesome cards all...

Just a quick thought... Whats your opinion on web sites.. i was reading this thread and someone said your site shouldnt be so plain (ie..smug mug site) to be proffessional. I was reading the 2006 Photographers handbook and they state in it that your site SHOULD be a bit on the plain side... no confusing links to chase, no flash animation or less animation... nothing to make searching the site confusing or long.. huge files take longer to download and too much animation takes time to load too and ..god forbid, a potential client has to download the latest video player or flash player to view your site, you most likly have just lost a sale.

just a thought..

so, would you say your card should also be more plain that busy with pictures and fancy fonts that make it harder to read? not trying to "step on toes" here..just wondering what the general concenses might be.
-zacker-
Works for me. All the points you mention are valid. Fancy sites are selling the site, not the photos.

[Art Scott]

Wow! Awesome cards all...

Just a quick thought... Whats your opinion on web sites.. i was reading this thread and someone said your site shouldnt be so plain (ie..smug mug site) to be proffessional. I was reading the 2006 Photographers handbook and they state in it that your site SHOULD be a bit on the plain side... no confusing links to chase, no flash animation or less animation... nothing to make searching the site confusing or long.. huge files take longer to download and too much animation takes time to load too and ..god forbid, a potential client has to download the latest video player or flash player to view your site, you most likly have just lost a sale.

just a thought..

so, would you say your card should also be more plain that busy with pictures and fancy fonts that make it harder to read? not trying to "step on toes" here..just wondering what the general concenses might be.
-zacker-
Something to think about also is....If you have a real fancy flash or video oriented site that takes tons of work to keep up...as a photog where do you want to spend your time...upkeeping a fancy site or shooting and 'shopping your product.......

Cards need to be EYE CATCHING......different from Joe photog...even if you do not consider your self a TRUE PRO....make that card Look like YOU ARE THE TRUE PRO YOU ASPIRE TO BE.....

jmho


For Business Card softeware I really like Moss Bay Software....only like $15.00 downloadable and works like a dream.......

[vangogh]

I'm not so hot at Photoshop, and JUST started getting enough business to NEED cards, but I made this prelim-card until I create more professional ones.
(aka, no one jump down my throat about the quality of it :smooch )
http://katecrafton.smugmug.com/photos/55074814-S.jpg
I won't "have a go at your design" , but will offer a suggestion if you don't mind, being a professional designer & designing business cards etc on a regular basis. What I would say is that you text is too close to the edges. You need to allow a minimum of 5mm, between the edge of the card and any important details such as text. This is to allow for "slippage" in the printing process. Sometimes the print stock can slip on the press & then when the printer comes to cut out your card the text is too close to the edge & gets cut off. Also just from a visual/design perspective it is a little too close. You need to allow a little bit of space to allow your text to "breathe", so see if you have anymore of the wall at the bottom so that your phone numbers aren't touching the coping of the wall. The numbers will then sit in their own space & stand out more. If you need anymore advice, just ask :):

[dancinkate]

Great advice! :)
I do have more of the wall and will re-crop and try again. Thanks!

[ReneesEyes]

Here is a special one that I had made up for my veterinarian's office where they asked me to put up an exhibit:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d21/resumner/petbusinesscarddog.jpg

[ReneesEyes]

Oh my, it's HUGE!!!! Sorry! At least she's cute :rofl !

[bkiter]

I took the pics :D

[photocat]

What do you think? Is this better then the ones I posted earlier this evening?
I tried to implement the comments I got, thanks to all of you who took the time to guide me. I would be pleased with feedback if someone has time...

http://photocat.smugmug.com/photos/59635427-L.jpg

[Diane S]

Hi all,
It was very helpful and interesting to see all the different styles of business cards. I have a few and here are 2 of miine. http://dianes.smugmug.com/photos/59627694-S.jpg

http://dianes.smugmug.com/photos/59636695-S.jpg

Another idea ... I now create a 'client business card' on an 8x10 photo paper (metallic works GREAT) which holds 10 cards ...I use one of the images from their shoot and add my information on the card as seen above. They are thrilled to see their photo on 'my' business card and are quicker to pass out my cards when their picture is on the card.

[ian408]

Another idea ... I now create a 'client business card' on an 8x10 photo paper (metallic works GREAT) which holds 10 cards ...I use one of the images from their shoot and add my information on the card as seen above. They are thrilled to see their photo on 'my' business card and are quicker to pass out my cards when their picture is on the card.

Excellent suggestion. Not only will they be eager to hand out, but their friends
will see them and think of you. Not bad at all :thumb

Ian

[Dee]

I think I'll "borrow" it!

[Diane S]

I think I'll "borrow" it!
Go for it! And of course, the idea is not original, I "borrowed" this idea from another photog friend....and the cool thing is, I save in photoshop a 'template' card with just my business information and then just 'slip' in the image for each client and create their own personal cards, which I give them when I deliver their print order. I have already had 2 clients call and ask for more business cards... never had that happen before :D

Here is another example of a 'client business card:

http://dianes.smugmug.com/photos/59714596-M.jpg

[LiquidOps]

so i'm working on a re-design of my website and figured I needed a card to go with it...

what do you think?

http://WanderingThroughLife.smugmug.com/photos/60005986-L.jpg

Sneak Peak to the site - http://wanderingthroughlife.com/ver3

Thanks,

Steven

[DavidTO]

so i'm working on a re-design of my website and figured I needed a card to go with it...

what do you think?

http://WanderingThroughLife.smugmug.com/photos/60005986-Ti.jpg



Nice shot, don't like the type or the layout. Too busy. Move your name down to the lower left with the rest of your contact info. The scripty font for the name of your business is too much, as is the outline. Make the phone number the same size as your URL. I pretty much know you're a photographer, so I'm not sure you need that info.

[LiquidOps]

Nice shot, don't like the type or the layout. Too busy. Move your name down to the lower left with the rest of your contact info. The scripty font for the name of your business is too much, as is the outline. Make the phone number the same size as your URL. I pretty much know you're a photographer, so I'm not sure you need that info.

Awesome feedback!!! Thank you sooo much...

I always get caught when it comes to picking the right font....

I hate choosing fonts.... any suggestions as to which one would be a good one?

I will move my name down to the lower left with the rest of the stuff and make it match on size and such.

I could really use some thoughts on fonts though for the heading...

Thanks,

Steven

[DavidTO]

How about the font you used on your proto-website?

You could use weight or color to distinguish between WTL and Photography. Maybe not even