Business Cards

THE BASICS

A business card’s look can be divided into four elements: Size, Colour, Finish and Stock. Additionally, you can add some optional extras (as detailed below) and customised choices of one of the elements above.

First of all, lets us explain what each of the elements of the cards means to you.

CHOOSE YOUR SIZE

Standard: We offer two choices of standard sizes: 90mm x 54mm and 90mm x 55mm

The standard dimensions of a printed business card are 90mm x 54 mm. That’s the finished card size.

Many printed designs include bleed. This is a business card design that gives the impression that the printing “bleeds” off the edge of the card, rather than having white borders.

This is done by printing the cards slightly oversized. An extra 2mm of space is added to each side of the chosen size for design elements or backgrounds that extend beyond the finished edges of your card and then the card is printed and cut back to standard size.

Die-cut rounded corners:

A ‘Die’ (in printing) is a very thin, extremely-sharp steel blade that has a particular shape or pattern.

So, Die-Cutting is using this die to cut business cards into a non-standard shape, in this case with rounded edges.

Business cards with rounded corner have a distinctive look that is a little different to the normal cards you see. They can look more stylish and modern – a little ‘edgy’, but not on the corners!

CHOOSE YOUR COLOUR

Full Colour Front and Back

Did you know that not only does using colour make your business cards stand out, but experts say certain colours tell your customer something about you and can have an impact on them.

Think about what reaction you want your business cards to create. Do you want your potential customers to feel enthused, restful, or appreciated? Think about this small guide to colours and emotions.

Red: Picked mostly by extroverts, red is a spirited and impassioned colour. Some say it increases willingness and interest. Red on a business card can stimulate your customers and prompt them to follow you.

Pink: Pink can give a sense of caring and approval. You might pick pink for your card if your business is about making people feel considerate and supportive, such as a charity etc.

Brown: Brown often conveys feelings of convention and tidiness. On a business card brown will make a professional impact, and says you are serious and steady.

Orange: This colour is generally appreciated by those who are genuine and considerate, even though the colour, itself, has connotations of innovations and a zest for life. Orange might look good on a card for a more artistic professional.

Yellow: Yellow represents wisdom, as well as happiness. Experts say that it sharpens memory and concentration. Use this on your cards if you want to give the impression of making decision-making easier and relieving anxiety.

Green: Natures ideal place – green is equitable and secure. It is also the colour of progression and liberty. Green also has connotations of the environment and wealth.

Blue: Blue is traditional and soothing. When you want to give the impression of calm, use blue. Blue is the colour that begins communication and innovation.

White: White represents virtue and new starts. Use this colour to declutter the mind and to communicate transparency.

Black: There are times when no colour can be a relaxing thing. Black can also pique interest and boost readiness for new and exciting things to come.

Above all, pick the colour or colours that complement your business and character. Your business cards represent you and your company, and are part of your brand identity.

Black and White / Grey Scale Back or Unprinted

We also offer cards in black and white or grey scale (a range of shades of grey with no colour).

You can also choose whether you would like one of our colour choices on the back of your business card or you can leave it plain. Talk to us about any options you are unsure of.

CHOOSE YOUR FINISH

Celloglaze in Matt or Gloss

Celloglazing will give your business cards a professional look and feel. A thin sheet of film is added to the entire surface area of the card under heat and pressure. This gives your business card a smooth, silky feel and offers added protection and durability, especially from moisture.

Cello glazing comes in matt and gloss options.

Matt celloglaze is non-reflective and is good if you’re one of those people who like to write on your business card.

Gloss celloglaze gives your cards a clear and shiny finish that brightens and enriches your card’s colours.

We can celloglaze your cards on just one or both sides.

Cards are also available without Celloglaze

CHOOSE YOUR STOCK

In printing ‘stock’ means the type of paper you would like to use for your business cards. You might think this is not that important, but stop a moment to consider that these small tactile business tools are going to be passed between people, so how it is important how they feel.

This means choosing the right paper for your cards can make the world of difference when it comes to first impressions. We offer choices between:

• 400gsm & 310gsm LEP Deluxe Artboard OFFSET
• 350gsm & 310gsm Deluxe Artboard DIGITAL
• 350gsm Loyalty Card
• 400gsm (0.4ums) Plastic
• 350gsm
• Recycled is also available

PUTTING IT TOGETHER

Now you’ve got the basic printing decisions made you are ready to go ahead and add the artwork and then order your cards!

Talk to us about your final wording and art. We offer some guidelines on the next tab or, if you need more personalized help, our team is ready to discuss this with you and to help as much (or as little) as you would like.

EXTRAS

Is there something you would like on your card that is a little different: for example, holes that would make it easier to include in a filing system? Talk to us about this. We have a range of extras that we can include, such as:

• Custom Trim
• Custom Size
• Custom Die Cutting
• Hole Drilling: 3mm, 5mm, 6mm, 7mm or 8mm
• Round Corners Standard: 6mm or 10mm
• Round Corners Die Cut: 3mm, 6mm or 24mm

TURNAROUND TIME

Do you need your new cards straight away? We offer next day dispatch at no extra cost on 400gsm with Matt cello both sides or Gloss cello one side – contact us for more details.