|
Building a Better Business Card: Careers in Graphic Design |  |
March 8, 2007
by Kelly Richardson
Design Programs Columnist
Because it is one of the first points of contact between a business person and a client, the business card is a critical marketing piece. If you're a budding graphic designer, here's how to create an effective business card that puts your client's best foot forward.
Business Card Tutorial
- Keep it simple. If there's one tip you need to remember, it's keeping the design simple. Business cards with too many graphics or complicated designs look cluttered.
- Business synergy. Build from your client's current business designs. Ask for samples of letterhead, envelopes, and other marketing materials and then incorporate those designs into your business card design.
- Listen to the client. Even though you are the graphic design expert, the customer wants what the customer wants. Make the client happy by incorporating her ideas of the image she wants to project with her business card.
Once you've earned your graphic design degree, it's time to find clients and start that flow of income that every freelancer needs to survive. Here are some simple ways to find and keep clients.
Finding Graphic Design Projects
- Start with your own business card. You can earn a great deal of business by designing your own business card and passing it out to potential clients. When they see good work on your own card, it will sell them on you as a design expert.
- Call printers. Many card printers get requests from business owners who have no idea what they want on their business cards. See if these printers will direct your services to the client in need.
- Trade journals. Post your business card to printed and online trade journals for maximum visibility. With a huge number of business starting every day, you will likely see a return on this marketing investment.
This graphic design tutorial is simply a starting point. Consult other design pros for real-world advice--and make sure you've got the right training for this exciting career.
Source:
About the Author
Kelly Richardson covers the local education and technology scenes in major cities across the country. His articles appear in educational journals, periodicals, and e-zines.
| |
|
