When you design business cards there are a few important things to keep in mind such as text size, typography, and content. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you when designing your own business cards. Keep in mind that graphic design is an art not a science. Certain situations call for certain designs. Therefore, these guidelines should not be considered rules.
Text Size
The first thing to consider when designing a business card is the size of the text. In general, the contact information and address should range between 7 and 8 points. The phone number should be at least one point size smaller than your name. If there is a title on the business card, it should equal the size of the address and phone number. It is also acceptable to make this line one size lower in point size. The company name on the business card should be printed in 12 point font or higher.
Minimum Text Size
Do not design business cards with a text size of five points or less. When the text is this small it is nearly impossible to read. If you are using capitalized text, five point will work, but it is still fairly hard to read. Also, if you are using a white or light colored type add an additional point to it because it will be harder to read if you don’t.
Typography
The term typography refers to the font you plan on using. If you are employed by a large company, odds are they have specific design requirements to align with the corporation’s brand. It is important to remember that fonts printer in various sizes regardless of point size. For example, an eight-point font in Copperplate is not the same as an eight-point font in Times.
Content
Finally, when you design business cards consider the content that will go on the card. Information most often found on a business card includes the company logo and name, your name, professional title, telephone number, e-mail address, web site address, fax number, and address. It is up to you to decide how much content should appear on your card. For example, if you own an Internet-based company your Web site address is a critical part of the business card whereas your physical address is not.
In conclusion there are many guidelines to follow when designing a business cards. Keep these tips in mind as you craft your next card.
