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Searching for advise from Activerain Members (even Jason Crouch)

I am having 5000 new business cards made for one of my businesses and I need some honest opinions from one professional to another.

I sent a bunch of photographs to one of my designers to design a business card for me. This is what they came back with!

Front of the card back of the card

Front of the card Back of the card

In your opinion, does this look like a real professional card?

Or would you put some of your own photographs on the front and back of the card?

Or do you think that would be to busy?

Most of my photography work is going to be for Architectural Commercial Buildings, cars, boats, airplanes, etc., some portraits, nature and different countries.

Would you attach photos like this -

Photo taken by Robert Swetz - Las Vegas Nevada

I figure if I am getting 5000 business cards made, I want it to be a card I enjoy looking at or handing out. What is your opinion?

Posted by ROBERT A.SWETZ - Commercial Real Estate on 11/18/2008 08:14 PM

Comments (24)

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Originally posted at: ROBERT SWETZ/ LAS VEGAS - NEVADA: Searching for advise from Activerain Members (even Jason Crouch)

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24 Comments on Searching for advise from Activerain Members (even Jason Crouch)

NOV

2008

I really like the front of the card but I think one of your photos would be great on the back. Looks a bit plain on the back.

Tammy - Thanks for the comment, I left the back open so customers can write on the back where they met me, etc.

That is a good idea so I would leave it as it is :)

Hi Robert...I like the front as well. Maybe a small example of one of your photos on the back - still leaving some room for people to write...? It would be nice to show at least a small example of an impressive photo.

I think it looks good, go with it.

Do you think a photo of the ocean, building or people would be the best?

Photo taken by Robert Swetz - Las Vegas Nevada

I like it go with just one photo on the back. leave space for writing.

I don't like it, sorry, it's not the quality that you provide...it's plain, and not you...I would like to see one of those fantastic pictures of Vegas that you have in your portfolio., you are better than that picture... I agree that the back of the card is great for writing, but why not leave a space like...

_____________Robert met you at this location., or something like that with a light picture of the sky or something in the background.,..you are so way better than this...

You know your one of my fav's and this is just not the quality you provide...JMHO...sending you and email... (((hugs)))K

Karen - Thanks for stopping by with your comment and I do have to agree with you. I am thinking the front would be alright and then the back, maybe one of my California Ocean pics or something breath-taking.

Robert

The color contrast makes it hard to read the card. Otherwise look professional.

Question is, what do you want your card to do? Most of us put them in a binder, pocket, rolodex, scan it into a computer.

You can make it look good or you can make it work for you. Sometimes both.

On the back, I'd tell your story and give them a reason to call.

I like the first idea. I think your photos would be too busy for the front, but on the back would be great. I think the back is a little plain also.

I like the card. I think it looks very professional and even a little slick but in a good way. I think the back looks a little plain. I would have the text moved up to the center on the rear of the of the card. Other than that I think it looks great.

Robert I think that the card looks very professional. I would, however, rather see you use a black and white study that you have done of a high rise. It is so much more personal and it is yours. The grayscale adds an heir of class to the whole thing As for the back, I like it but would like to see the writing bolder or a different font.

Mike - Thanks for the comment and the you can read it better once it's printed.

Chastity - I will agree with you that a photo on the front would look to busy.

Justin - I really like your comment and thank you for coming around!

Russ - Thanks for your advise.

Brad & Angela - Thank you for your advise.

Tammy - Thank you for coming around with your comment, it is a good one.

Cindi - Thank you for your advise.

Thank you Gayle for your comment and you might have something there!

I prefer the one you had designed, It delivers the message that your a Pro, and that you specialize in architecture. I know you do othe rwork but to try and portray all of your endeavors would be superfluous and make the card to busy.

Bill

Thanks for your comment Bill and this is great advise. And I think that is what my designer was thinking also.

Robert - I like the top left photo myself (with the gondola). I would consider incorporating this into the design somehow. Just my two cents -

NOV

2008

what is it with designers putting cards sideways these days? They do not fit nicely into a Rolodex. I like the gondola also, btw.

Jason & Tammy - I am putting the (gondola) on the back of my business card.

Robert, no. the card is too dark. Too sad looking. Tell the designer to design something at least happy looking.

NOV

2008

How about your building picture (one on the right with no tree) on the front with the same concept the designer provided but faded out somewhat so the text is legible. And if you want folks to be able to right on them make sure they are not the slick/shiny option. I've had several try to write on my cards and it doesn't work.

Robert, I was a graphic designer for 22 years and these are both horrible in my opinion. Perhaps you haven't invested enough in a professional. The problem with using a photo is that it will limit your prospects in that you will be identified and remembered as a photographer that shoots people or buildings but not both. That being said, I really liked the photos of the buildings and cars. If you are going to use a photo pick one from which you would prefer to specialize. If you care to change designers, I can recommend someone.

Thanks Robin, it is being changed and I will post a blog with my new changes.

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What does the graphic say?