Hello, Magi-

I'm putting together a new card (gosh, after watching the Joel Bauer vid on YouTube I'm embarrassed by my current card ) and wonder what you like to see on a card.

Is there an element that immediately catches your eye? A minimalist approach that grabs your attention? Something unique that doesn't cost a bundle (like die cutting, wind-up automata, or individually brush-painted cards)?

Not interested in cribbing YOUR card, just want a peek at what catches your eye. Links helpful, thanks.

(Yes, I've heard of Google, thanks, and there are numerous images I've searched already; I'm interested in what you've seen, and why you like it.)

Thanks,
Leland

Personally, I am a minimalist when it comes to business card design. My card has my name, title, phone, email and web.

Foil stamping and/or embossing always catches my eye and I've used each (and both) in various versions of my card. If I can get a decent picture, I'd be happy to show you what I've got. The emboss costs a little more than a basic card, but nowhere near the cost of JB's card.

My all time favorite card is Kevin Mitnick's. It's a thin sheet of steel with functional lock picks that you can pop-out. It's very apt as he's a security consultant, plus the steel cards are very eye-catching. http://farm1.static.flickr.com/48/106709219_6c8be9703b.jpg

Less is more. Name,title (ie: Mindreader) e-mail, website, cell #

I can't stand people's cards that are filled with text and list eleven things they do.

Thanks, Magi, really appreciate the help!

"Magicians helping Magicians," yep, that about says it all.

Leland

I love Mitnick's card.. I have a few of them, and show them off when I goto meetings on Branding...

and umm the 4th one I had.. well the picks work.. (=

another one I LOVE
is
Paul Colligahn
its a picture of Google's Homepage
with his name written in the search box...

he is a Internet Marketing Consultant and Web2.0 guru
great card... it's not his only card but it's what he gives if someone asks "How do I get a hold of you?" his answer as he gives the card "Just Google me"

but as far as Mitnick goes.. his card matches his brand SO WELL
I wish I could come up with a card to match my brand half as well as that one

Best thing you can put on your card: the handwritten results of a trick, on the back. A prediction, a name or word you divined, or (alternatively) a 'personal offer' done right before the recipient like '10% off'.

Hi leland,

I too like less is more.
I have a 2 sided card full color witha picture front and back front basic info my logo,pic, website phone
back coupon and a few other details including repeating phone and website and email you want ot make it as easy as possible for them to contact you. you don't want them "looking" for the phone # or website.

on a side note whenyou are ready to go to print contact me as I like to help my fellow magicians ever now and then with my print guy. get the prices you can and hten contact me I am thinking I will get you better ones.

if I can help great.

sam

Go here and scroll halfway down for my front and back designs.

JB of Theory 11 has a steal card (or did). He had dropped me a letter in the mail and when I opened the letter and removed his card, I sliced my finger open on it. I think the steal cards are a BAD IDEA...

My 2 cents...

I like glossy cards on THICK card stock. I like the magi's photo on the card too. Mine is two sided...see below. Good luck to ya...

http://i345.photobucket.com/albums/p377/......RONT.jpg
http://i345.photobucket.com/albums/p377/lylemagic/back01.jpg

Sorry for double post. Reading this topic prompted me to get off my rear and pop my card online. As I write this, I also just got a PM asking if I could do this (darn mind-readers).

So here they are.

Front
Back

Wow, my first post after a veeeeery long absence from "The Magic Café" ...

If you want to have a look at hundreds of unusual business cards check out this website:

http://www.itevenhasawatermark.com/

I am working on a new one myself and will be posting it here once it's ready.

@Derek and Christopher: Thanks for sharing your cards here, guys.

Just thought of another idea for a business card that is different.

I used to do the PR for Yupo Corporation America. YUPO is the 100% recyclable, tree-free Synthetic Paper with attributes and properties that make it the perfect solution for a variety of marketing, design, packaging and labeling needs.

If you print your business card on YUPO it will have the following attributes:

+ Super-smooth
+ Prints consistently and effortlessly
+ Holds ink with razor-sharp precision
+ Durable
+ Wipes clean
+ Waterproof
+ Will not tear
+ Bright White

I vividly remeber my first encounter with a business card printed on YUPO: shortly after I joined the Yupo PR team I met one of their representatives at the Fall Paper Show at the Art Directors Club in New York City.

On the table in front of his booth was a clear plastic cup filled with water. In the cup of water stood one of his business cards. We introduced us to each other, he took the card out of the cup, wiped it clean and handed it to me.

How is that for an introduction?

But be aware that Synthetic Paper will cost you a lot more than regular card stock and that you should always turn to a professional printer that has used Synthetic Paper before.

I think it’s worth it. But don’t listen to me, I am biased ;-)

You will have a beautiful business card that won't soil, can't be ripped, is water proof and feels very smooth and unususal.

My agency came up with an annual award for all things printed on YUPO, the WALLY AWARDS. In 2003 a business card won one of the WALLYS. Here is a link to see what it looked like:

http://www.yupousa.com/paper/past-winner......ss-cards

What do you think?

WOW!

I'll take that as a compliment.

That's probably my 8th card design in about 27 years in the business. I think it's my best yet.

Derek

Yes, it most definitely intended as a compliment. As with the cards of other Magi here, yours both perfectly brands you and captures the recipient's attention. Again, "WOW!"

Thanks, guys -- clearly, I've got my work cut out for me.

Thanks for that, that's a big compliment.

I prefer a minimalist approach to cards as well ... as a magician there's so much you can do WITH them, they don't need to the do tricks themselves.

A business card is for business. If YOU are memorable, they'll keep your card.

The only embellishment I recommend is a well crafted USP statement.

Oscar

Hi,
Check out our design page for a few business card ideas.
Ade

Another link to some more examples of creative and unusual business cards.

Enjoy.

http://dotcommogul.net/branding/really-crazy-business-cards/