For making a powerful and memorable impression, nothing tops letterpress business cards.
By itself, this venerable printing method – which has been used since the 15th century – speaks volumes about who you are and what you have to offer. But, when you combine letterpress printing with great design, your business cards will truly stand out for anyone who sees or holds one in their hand.
So how do you go about designing a custom business card that is as unique as you are? Today, the design team at The Mandate Press shares some of our best pro tips with you.
Think About What You Want to Convey
The first step to creating a unique business card design is to look beyond the obvious.
Sure, you know your cards need to have your name, your contact information, etc., but what do you really want them to say, from a design perspective. Fonts, graphics, paper or cardstock, ink colors, embellishments, etc., all speak volumes as compared to the letters and numbers your cards will include.
Even the way your cards lay out is important. Landscape or portrait orientation? Do you want a logo or graphic of some type? If so, where does it go and how large should it be? You want your cards to tell the world who you are and what you stand for. This will make them read the phone number or email address and reach out.
Remember That Less Is More in Custom Business Card Design
As tempting as it might be to fill up your card design with pertinent info, stick with the KISS principle and Keep It Simple, Stupid.
The power of white space (those areas without printing) not only makes your card easier to read but it sets a clear tone and directs the viewer’s focus where you want it to go. Whether you want to convey a tone that suggests luxury, artsy, modern, understated, etc., the way your design lays out makes that possible.
Identify the absolute minimum information you can get by with on your card and don’t be tempted to overshare.
Check out our custom letterpress printing portfolio for some great examples of how powerful a clean, simple design can be.
Find a Letterpress Business Card Printer Who Gets You
Unless you’re a legit graphic designer, it’s probably safe to say that you don’t have the full “secret sauce” recipe for outstanding letterpress printing design – nor do you need to, if you work with a print studio that does.
Small, locally owned letterpress printers – like The Mandate Press – approach every design and print job with the diligence and care of a true craftsperson. So much so, in fact, that you can pick up the phone and chat about what might work best.
Our team can assist you as much or as little with your design as you’d like, including layout, paper selection, ink colors and more. Or, if you’d like something a little more simple – yet just as impactful – check out our custom business and calling card templates.
When making the best possible impression matters, call on The Mandate Press for help with your custom letterpress business cards.