Looking for opinions. Business Card

[Photographer557]

I am trying to come up with a decent business card and would like to get other peoples opinions. What are your thoughts about this card?

[toverman]

My first thought is that I really like the concept. Particularly, because of the type of photography you do, it might be hard to depict an example of your work on the card. I even like the way the end of the lens fades into the background. I'd be interested to see if it all works when printed, though, because things can go awry at that point.

One thing to consider is that you don't put your first name on the card.

[12stones]

I kinda like the concept too, but I think the outfit might be all wrong, especially if you're trying to market to the corporate/professional market. I'd go no sunglasses, no leather jacket. Maybe something a little more creative along the same idea that you have. The other problem is the spacing of the text to the edge of the card. I don't know if the image you posted allows for the bleed or not, but if the image is a mirror of the card, you'll want some space between the edge and the text.

[Photographer557]

Thanks for the replies so far. 12 stones, you brought up a good point about the spacing on the edge of the card. I will have to adjust for that or talk with the printer when I get it printed.

[Photographer557]

Toverman, I am still debating whether to put my first name on the card or not. I am still not sure.

thanks

[Hikin' Mike]

Originally Posted by Photographer557

I am trying to come up with a decent business card and would like to get other peoples opinions. What are your thoughts about this card?

Lose the name 'phone' and 'e--mail'. Everybody knows what a phone number and e-mail address looks like. The spacing on your specialties are way off. You should have your name there someplace.

EDIT: I'd also lose the photo. I don't care for photos on a business card, but that's me.

[toverman]

Who are people going to ask for when they call you if they don't know your name? Just asking!

[Photographer557]

Here's another look. I don't know that I care for the specialties in the middle. I may need to just do away with those. What do ya'll think?

Mike, thanks for the suggestion on the "phone" and "email".

[LDB]

I like the second better without phone/email but I think the specialties are indented too far on the second one. Given the large amount of center space would expanding a little on the specialties generate more ideas with potential clients or would it make it too busy? I also agree to at least not have the sunglasses. Also, if there's one specific area you prefer, perhaps move the phone etc. up to just below the heading and in the lower left show that subject being shot?

[CaptainTom]

It's getting better with the revisions. It seems you are liking the photo. I don't think it works very well, but business cards come and go, so you don't have to live with this one forever. Have some made up and as you give them out you will find out if people like it or not.

My card is VERY SIMPLE, but I get lots of comments becuase it is an unusual size (3X4).

[Hikin' Mike]

A few more observations...

IMO, it looks like you took a photo and threw some text on a card. The photo is a BIG distraction. All I see is the photo, you almost have to try and find the info on this card. I'd use a different font on the "Industrial..." and your contact info. The word "Industrial" is set apart from the others.

[Photographer557]

Thanks for the replies. I am still debating with myself about using this photo. I've been using some business cards I made a year ago that are text only and have no picture. I was wanting a change and thought a photo on the card would be nice. That lead to a whole other dilemma, what photo? What photo would represent what I do? I guess that lead me to a photo of me taking a photo as opposed to an industrial or workplace type photo.

So if I am understanding correctly. It is a general opinion that photos on cards do not work well? or Is it that this photo on a card does not work well?

[Hikin' Mike]

For me, I don't like photos on a business card.

It looks like you are targeting 'professional types'. Your card needs to look professional and right now I think it needs some work.

[LegacyPhotographic]

I wouldn't necessarily mind the photo so much, if it weren't for the glasses. Mind you, I LIKE the glasses, as I even have a pair very similar in color.. but it draws my eye to them, and my guess is the glasses isn't your intended target. My suggestion on the name would be to just have Cutler Photography at the top, then above your e-mail/phone info, put in a similar small font Greg Cutler. Much like you would see on a signature in an e-mail.

[Dakinetx]

Looks cool but with the market you are going for, is it abit "bling"? I like the photo but A.having just had cards printed am curious to the actual finished product going this route and B.Would'nt simpler be abit more astute with your demographic? The photo takes up ALOT of space thus relegating pertinent information to be downsized me thinks.