Here is mine. I tried to keep it clean, simple and to the point. Also wanted to create a logo that could go on letterheads, images, website...etc. Plus it works great in both color and grayscale (something many people don't consider).
Personally, I find actual images of cameras and photographs for a photographer's business card to be extremely high on the cheese factor. While the odd such card works, 99% of the time it looks amateurish.
I also agree that you should hire a designer if you can. However not all of us can afford it and need to do it ourselves (as I did). If you do design it yourself, send the drafts to as many people you know and ask them for some serious critique. Take what they say to heart and check your ego at the door. Remember, what matters in a card is how the public reacts to it and their perception, not yours.
Here is mine. I tried to keep it clean, simple and to the point. Also wanted to create a logo that could go on letterheads, images, website...etc. Plus it works great in both color and grayscale (something many people don't consider).
Personally, I find actual images of cameras and photographs for a photographer's business card to be extremely high on the cheese factor. While the odd such card works, 99% of the time it looks amateurish.
I also agree that you should hire a designer if you can. However not all of us can afford it and need to do it ourselves (as I did). If you do design it yourself, send the drafts to as many people you know and ask them for some serious critique. Take what they say to heart and check your ego at the door. Remember, what matters in a card is how the public reacts to it and their perception, not yours.
No offence, some of the business cards here really don't impress me. If any"pro" photographer handles me cards like some of the cards posted here. I'll be very very disappointed and even doubt him to be a professional.
My job is a graphic design and i do mainly print design. I agree with what filmchaser said - "image is perception". Clients don't bother what kind of equipment you used, whether you have a 20K setup or not. From your business card or portfolio(layout, arrangment, etc..), they can tell whether you have a eye for beautiful things. As a photographer, he/she need to have the eye to capture the beautiful moment. If your business card cannot convey that... Most likely, client wouldn't even spend time to view your portfolio too.
Spend that extra time when you are in a bookstore. Flip through some design books or magazine to source for ideas and adapt ideas that suit you and your business card. Or simply go and consult a design studio if budget is not a problem.
Cartin wrote:
No offence, some of the business cards here really don't impress me. If any"pro" photographer handles me cards like some of the cards posted here. I'll be very very disappointed and even doubt him to be a professional.
My job is a graphic design and i do mainly print design. I agree with what filmchaser said - "image is perception". Clients don't bother what kind of equipment you used, whether you have a 20K setup or not. From your business card or portfolio(layout, arrangment, etc..), they can tell whether you have a eye for beautiful things. As a photographer, he/she need to have the eye to capture the beautiful moment. If your business card cannot convey that... Most likely, client wouldn't even spend time to view your portfolio too.
Spend that extra time when you are in a bookstore. Flip through some design books or magazine to source for ideas and adapt ideas that suit you and your business card. Or simply go and consult a design studio if budget is not a problem.
Hm, true ... it's surprising the number of people who feel that being a photographer qualifies them to be a graphic designer, but it doesn't always or even usually carry over ...
I printed with overnightprints.com, 14pt stock, full color on the front, blank on the back (handy for being written on if necessary). It feels more solid and looks better than 95% of the cards I see from most photographers.
filmchaser wrote:
I am a "pro" designer as well as a photographer. I make my living designing and I offer photographic services as part of my company. I agree alot people label themselves that.
Any suggestions on an appropiate price for a logo design and business card?
I am going to re-open a studio sometime this year. Starting from scratch in a sense. Not exactly sure what niche yet.
One I have the basic design I can expand it to my web site, etc.
