How to Create Any Shape But the Rectangle in Business Cards Design
- Filed under: Articles
- Date: Jul 25,2010
Tired of the regular and predictable rectangular business card? Explore alternatives in business cards design. Let the shape add character and vivacity to your card!
The shape is just one aspect of business card design but it can make a lot of difference in terms of recipient response, e.g., are you worth calling or referring?
Most business cards follow the 2 inches by 3.5 inches size rule. Notice the word ‘most’ at the beginning of the sentence? This means that some do break from the traditionally accepted
shape and size, and experiment with the look, just as they do when they try on new outfits for themselves.
And many of these achieve the success by establishing their brand and identity, reaping the recognition they need, even with a small win such as a business cards design.
Geometric and Symmetrical
If you want to try a different style but still want to be conservative with your approach, try simple geometric shapes and symmetrical cuts.
• There are the polygons that you learned in elementary such as pentagons and octagons. There are also the three-dimensional shapes like cylinders, cubes and pyramids. If you’re into food manufacturing and canning, you can pick a cylindrical business card that, with a little play of shading and probably embossing, would create a tin can effect.
• Geometric shapes ensure symmetry in your design. This means that half of your card is a mirror image of the other. This is important if you are after balance in your design. A symmetric card has equal size and proportion on both sides.
aSymMeTRicAl
For an uneven look, go for asymmetrical cuts. For instance, your card could be cut according to the outline of your graphic or illustrative logo.
• You can also create a design inspired by certain patterns or subjects like an art deco-inspired or nature-themed design to give your business card a more artistic and unique touch.
This cut is a little more risky but it does give you, the designer, a lot of credit if you could pull it off.
How’s that for a challenge?
Existing Objects
This is where you get a lot of chance to merge design and profession. You can choose from the number of symbols or things that represent or are closely associated to your line of work. For example, if you’re a car salesman, you can have your card follow the outline of a car.
Aside from adding character to it, you can tap a little humor to make it more appealing. There are numerous design possibilities if you look into this option. Here are some outline ideas according to jobs:
• Dentist – A set of pearly whites that is all smiles
• Electronic Appliance Shop – Television
• Engineer/ Construction – hardhat
• Plumber – Sink
• Artist – Canvas, color palette
• Chef – Toque
• Carpenter – Hammer or Saw
• Clothing retailer – Jeans or Shirt
• Wedding gown designer – dress
• Personal trainer – Dumbbells, flexing biceps
• Dog groomer or breeder – Poodle
• Children’s party organizer – party hat or a donkey (add a string for a pinned tail)
With these ideas, you know you don’t have to stick to one shape. So the next time you weigh your business cards design options, think out of the rectangle.
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