How to choose the colour of a Business Card

How many different types of business cards have you had since your career started ? We at Millfield Media Print and Design change our cards on a regular basis which is understandable because of the industry we are in, we like to showcase the different finishes. The question is when was the last time you changed yours and why?

Your business card is a talking point and an important stepping stone to a potential client or collaborate. So, whether you are a business owner, an entrepreneur or starting a new job/career it’s a very important choice. You have to remember it’s a first impression of who you are and the brand that you represent. Creating an amazing business card is not as easy as you think…sometimes you simply haven′t got the time which is when a Graphic Designer can help you.

Think to yourself how many business cards you have been given, how many have you thought "ooh this looks and feels fantastic", or how many have you put in the bin or drawer and forgotten about it. If your card looks just like everyone else’s card, then chances are you have probably failed and you’re in the bin. So, in our opinion it is worth the time and effort.

So, thinking about the colour and the texture will ensure you have a talking point that will catch people’s eyes, grab their attention and create a talking point. Images are also a good way to get noticed, either a photo or an illustration or design if that’s your line of work.

What does the colours for Business Cards mean ?

White is standard, safe and used by many to fit into their business stationery and is an easy option. This is fine but to stand out choose a logo and colour for your brand that will distinguish you from all the others in your field. If you want to make an amazing impression and to stand out with something really special and strengthen your brand credibility try adding silver or gold foiling or a spot UV to your card which will give a wow factor and create a talking point.

Red is bold, daring and exciting so the market leaders that spring to mind are Virgin, Lego, Coca-cola, Nintendo, Red Bull.

Orange is confident, friendly and warm you think Fanta, MasterCard.

Blue is the signifies reliability, peaceful, confidence, and trust. NHS, Facebook, Twitter, Intel and Skype spring to mind as the leaders in this field.

Pink is usually for feminine, symbolising sensitivity and love.. Barbie and Victoria′s secret are brands that use pink

Yellow is sunshine, bright, happy and cheerful – Mcdonalds, Ikea, Post-it, Shell and Snapchat are a few that have opted for this colour.

Green which is our brand colour and represents balance, growth and nature. BP, Holiday Inn for example.

Black and White signifies importance. Nike, BMW, Apple, Disney and Harley Davison are the brand leaders in this field. We chose black as a contrast colour to use for our brand identity and marketing strategy and in our opinion the black and green work well together.

Purple cards suggest imagination, dreams and spirituality. People from the holistic sector usually prefer this colour. Cadbury and Hallmark are brands that spring to mind for this colour choice.

Now think about the shape, everyone has a rectangle business card because it is the standard size, why? because they fit into a purse or wallet easily, but you want to be different right ? Although Standard business card sizes tend to be a bit cheaper why not think about dye cut, square or mini business cards which will bring a different element to your design? The shape of your business card should complement your brand.

Every detail from fonts/typography, which includes spacing between letters are an important factor to consider, do you go funky, traditional or elegant? Again, think of the message and your brand and choose wisely to compliment this. Deciding where you put your logo is crucial, another element to consider is the white space which is linked to sophistication .. less is more.

Make sure the contact details are there relaying your key message, less is more, make it easy for people to contact you. Proof read all the time to check for spelling, phone numbers etc and then save in a format that is compatible for your printer.

Choosing the right colour and combining with a specific paper choice can mean you either stand out from the crowd or your card will just be put in a drawer and forgotten about. We suggest you go for something different, perhaps a gloss, Spot UV or a decadent Foil finish,

Now you have got your colour and paper choice sorted ... think about the shape ! Everyone has a rectangle business card because it is the standard size, why ? because they fit into a purse or wallet easily, but you want to be different right ? Although Standard business card sizes tend to be a bit cheaper why not think about dye cut, square or mini business cards which will bring a different element to your design ?

The shape of your business card should complement your brand. Every detail from fonts/typography, which includes spacing between letters are an important factor to consider, do you go funky, traditional or elegant.. Again think of the message and your brand and choose wisely to compliment this. Deciding where you put your logo is an crucial and another element to consider is the white space which is linked to sophistication .. less is more. Making sure all your contact details are there relaying your key message. Proof read all the time to check for spelling, phone numbers etc and then save in a format that is compatible for your printer. 

So to recap, choose the right colour to compliment your brand, combine with a specific paper finish and shape to help you stand out from the crowd. Why not order one of our We FREE sample packs to help you decide. Or contact me for a discussion direct [email protected]