At Printing Solutions, each client we work with is a special experience. Our clients are of all different walks of life, from barbers to bloggers to body sculptors, and each project brings its own rewarding journey. But each year, some projects rise above as shining examples of our best work. Our favorite business cards from 2015 are no exception.
We sat down with Printing Solutions’ Creative Director Justin Ketchum and Graphic Designer Chris Danner to get the lowdown on the top cards of the year.
BONUS:
1. The Love Designed Life
The Client: The Love Designed Life
The Design: Client’s own
Printing Solutions: What was the biggest challenge about this project?
Chris Danner: For us, we were really trying to make sure the client was getting her visual needs met, but we also wanted to make sure we were getting the perfect stock she was looking for. The finish of a business card can say a lot about your business. After a couple meetings, we were finally able to choose a stock that was perfect.
PS: Which stocks, finishes, and extra features does this card include? I think I see a bit of embossing there.
CD: This specific card was a cotton card. It has an uncoated finish that is lightweight, luxurious, and absolutely different from anything out there. Cotton cards also come at a very heavy thickness. It was a 45pt card. She also upgraded to having a debossed logo, foil stamping, and metallic colored edges. It really is a one of a kind card. We know she is more than proud to have her name on a piece like that.
PS: What was your favorite part of this project?
CD: I think the best part about working with Paige was knowing that she had a vision and that we were a part of making that vision come to life. After going over different options here and there, the end result was a memorable one. We use her business card as a sample piece in our office now for other clients.
PS: What was the client like to work with?
CD: Very easy going. Because her vision was clear and on point, so was the print job. She also had a really fun and creative mind that is always admired.
PS: Why does this card beat all the others as one of Printing Solutions’ favorite business cards of the year?
CD: This specific card was not only designed well, but it was printed onto one of the most unique materials out there. Her card is going to stick out above all other cards. Because she was in a creative environment, she was free to present creative ideas, and that is what makes this all worth it.
2. Launch Financial
The Client: Launch Financial
The Design: Client’s own
Printing Solutions: What was the biggest challenge about this project?
Justin Ketchum: I think the biggest challenge was making sure we could get all the content to fit on a smaller business card. Sometimes we need to rearrange the layout or take out verbiage for someone’s card based on the size.
PS: What was your favorite part of this project?
JK: Being able to see the end project is always a win for designers. Taking something from a computer monitor and being able to hold it and feel it makes it all worth it.
PS: Which stocks, finishes, and extra features does this card include?
JK: This business card was a silk laminated finish on a 48pt card stock. We also added an embossment and Spot UV on both sides to give it that extra flare. This card also was not your traditional size. Most business cards a 2.5X3 size. The client in this case wanted a perfectly square card that was 2.5X2.5.
PS: What challenges come with a square card that don’t exist in a standard size card?
JK: Very limited with space obviously. The solution? You use a minimum amount of contact information. In this case, web address, email, and phone number.
PS: What was the client like to work with?
JK: Eazy peazy. The client knew what they wanted and we knew how to give it to them.
PS: Why does this card beat all the others as one of Printing Solutions’ favorite business cards of the year?
JK: This card is unique in the sense that it is not traditional is shape, there were upgraded features, and the design itself really worked will with the upgrades that were added. It is a bombshell of a business card. You are going to want to keep this card as a reference for your next business card.
3. City Looks Barber Shop
The Client: City Looks Barber Shop
The Design: Printing Solutions
Printing Solutions: What was the biggest challenge about this project?
Chris Danner: This particular project had a lot of moving parts. It is one of the thicker card stock options, so we needed to make sure everything was flowing and made sense. Not everything needs to be over the top when it comes to design. A lot of times, simpler is better. With a company like City Looks Barber, we needed to make sure the design was not getting lost in noise.
PS: What was your favorite part of this project?
CD: Seeing the end result of a product is always the most exciting part. When all was said and done, it was really great to see the card come to life. That first time the clients sees the finished product is always such a proud moment for a designer, especially when the client is ecstatic about the result.
PS: Which stocks, finishes, and extra features does this card include?
CD: This card was a silk laminated finish with a 48pt card stock. One side has a silver foil stamp while the other has a debossed cutout of their logo with a white background in the second layer. It’s a very intricate card.
PS: What was the client like to work with?
CD: Simple, direct, and knew what he wanted. It was nice to have a firm hand in the process. We had room to be creative without being limited, but we were given some direction, which is always helpful.
PS: Why does this card beat all the others as one of Printing Solutions’ favorite business cards of the year?
CD: This card was such a intricate card that we had to make it a top choice for the year. This card in particular has so many fun and interesting features to it. It’s a card that will surely stick out and be remembered.
Have a business card you’d like updated? Our talented team can help take your card to the next level. Give us a call today at 480-596-6300 to start the journey.