No matter what type of business you're in, your business card should reflect your style and character, but this is especially true for creative people. When your business is an art form, your marketing materials should reflect that. Artist business cards must also be useful, in addition to being imaginative. Many artists struggle with this, but it does not have to be an issue for you.
When was the last time your artist business card was updated? Whether you like it or not, a cool business card is still an important aspect of your art marketing plan. Having stunning, distinctive, and original artist business cards is much more likely to entice someone to visit your website, so keep reading for tips on how to make yours stand out! Searching for some unique business card ideas for artists? Get your foot in the door with an artist business card that will help you attract new clients and increase your sales.
What Should an Artist’s Business Card Contain?
Maybe you already thought of, “what are some good business card ideas for artists?” While the design and material are crucial, the content on your artist's business cards is the most crucial aspect. These are the things you'll want to include on your artist business card to make sure people don't have any questions about who you are, what you do, or how to contact you.
1. Your Name and Brand Name
This may seem self-evident, but make sure the name you employ corresponds to the name you've used throughout your brand identification. For example, If you've won an art competition under your first and last names but use your first and middle names on your business card, people who are looking for you might not see or recognize your impressive achievements. It's a good idea to use the same name—the name with which you sign your work—everywhere.
Artist's business cards need a name on them. Make sure the name on your business card matches the identity on your website and social media accounts if you use a pseudonym to advertise your art. It should be the same name as the one you used to sign your work – or at least similar (signing your art with your initials is different from signing your name "Kim", but using "Bana" on your business cards).
A brand name will be associated with the work of some artists. Many jewelry designers or ceramicists, for example, will have a tradename, although a painter or illustrator is unlikely to. Make sure your brand name is clearly represented on the artist's business cards, this is to ensure that prospective clients can easily remember you.
2. Contact Information
The days of squeezing a ton of contact information onto a single business card are long gone. It's best to keep things straightforward. Is e-mail your preferred method of communication? Then, all you have to do is put that on your artist business card. If you want to provide your phone number as well, that's okay, but it's not required unless it's the easiest way for others to contact you. You can also include a publicly accessible studio location if you have one.
An artist's business card is useless if it does not provide information on how to contact you. You'll "continue the conversation" with anyone who is interested in your work if you include your phone number and e-mail address.
3. Your Website
If you have an online portfolio or an online shop, you'll want to make sure the artist's business cards get more eyes on it! Your website should be a central location where people can obtain the most up-to-date information about your work and profession, therefore it should be easy to find on your artist business card.
4. Your Profession
Business cards have a habit of ending up in forgotten heaps or at the bottom of bags. Someone might forget what you do or where you met by the time they find yours. Don't make them wrack their brains, guess, or, worse, toss the artist business cards out. On your artist business card, be sure to put graphic designer or sculptor, or whatever your profession is.
5. Connect your Instagram
Whether you like it or not, Instagram is a must-have for today's artists. An Instagram account should be included on an artist's business card. You’d want to appear in someone's feed on a regular basis, and that is a great way to stay top-of-mind to your clients.
Business Card Design for Artists
We'd argue that if there was a conventional design for an artist's business card, you should disregard it. Make artist business cards stand out among the rest. After all, it's your art that does it. However, there are some design components to consider. Otherwise, your business card may alienate more people than it attracts.
1. Select a Thicker Paperweight
Any printing firm will have various paperweights to choose from, and if you can afford it, it's a good idea to go with a heavier weight. If you want a fine-looking artist business card, using a luxury, a weighty business card is a wonderful approach to indicate to your customers that your work is worthy of a premium price tag.
This will be more expensive, but strong paper lasts longer and creates a more professional impression. It demonstrates to others that you value your work enough to invest in a high-quality business card. A strong paper also has a superior color retention rate, so your artwork will appear fantastic.
2. Experiment with Different Shapes
Oddly shaped business cards can be inconvenient at times, but if kept small enough to fit in a typical wallet, they can be helpful. There are some pretty creative artist business card examples out there that don't follow the traditional rectangle format. Even a folding business card with greater printing area and weight can help you stand out from the crowd. Keep in mind it will cost more to print, but upgrades are occasionally worthwhile.
The size and style of a business card might vary, but it should never be larger than 3 1/4′′ by 2 1/2′′ (8.5 cm x 5.5 cm). This is due to the fact that most ordinary wallets and pockets will accommodate this size business card. If you print a business card that is larger than these dimensions, it may be too much for the recipient to handle, and they may toss it away.
3. Use Alternative Materials
You don't have to limit yourself to paper! How amazing would a wooden business card be if you're a pyrographer? Metal, acrylic, leather, cork, and various other materials can be used as well. Get creative and come up with a true one-of-a-kind business card design that shows your artistic endeavors.
4. Experiment with Different Paper Colors
If you choose to print on paper instead of more environment-friendly material, you can still make a unique business card by using a color other than white.
5. Multiples are a Good Idea
Another great business card idea for artists? Get various cards produced. You may, for example, have a few distinct cards, each displaying a different piece of art. That way, your potential clients can pick the one that appeals to them the most and feels like they're getting something unique. You may even take it a step further and personalize it by allowing a space for a quick doodle that fits your artistic flair.
6. Keep It Neat
For artist websites, artist statements, portfolios, and pretty about every blog post we've ever written, we've always given the same advice. Overcrowding your business card with too much information will make it unappealing and confusing.
7. Keep It Simple
Use simple, easy-to-read fonts, particularly for your e-mail address. If you ever want someone to contact you, they must read your e-mail address clearly, or you should not have given them a business card at all.
Business Cards in the Digital Age
We are all aware that technology and social media have progressed far beyond our wildest expectations at the turn of the century. Even so, artist business cards can leave a lasting impression on potential clients. An artist business card gives you or your brand a personal touch and serves as a physical reminder of who you are many others overlook.
Artist business cards are also a reflection of your personality and brand. They help you stand out from the crowd and provide you an advantage when it comes to generating a positive first impression on potential clients or employers. The combination of visual and tactical representations, as well as tactile involvement, produces a connection impossible to achieve in the online world. Furthermore, artist business cards allow you to be creative while establishing your brand.
Here are some artist business card examples:
1. Isabel Mercado Artist Business Card Example (One Side)
2. Crescent Craft Shop Artist Business Card Example (Front & Back)
3. Vita Verde Inks Co. Artist Business Card Example (Front & Back)
Business Cards and Online Portfolios
With the digital advancement businesses are currently facing, aside from having artist business cards ready, an online portfolio puts you a step ahead of your competition. Make a free portfolio website to show off your skills. With Strikingly portfolio website builder, you can create a stunning online portfolio to showcase your work.
This image is taken from Strikingly’s Website
1. Choose From Various Website Portfolio Template Styles
Whether you're making a personal portfolio website, an online gallery, or an online brochure, you'll need to be creative. Our website layouts can help you promote your own brand and showcase your portfolio. Remember to look at your artist business card examples, because your portfolio should also have the same vibe and tone as your artist business card.
This image is taken from Strikingly’s Website
2. Share Your Work
For anyone trying to stand out in any field, an online portfolio site is a must-have. Strikingly's platform empowers individuals, which allows them to create free portfolio websites that house all their work for prospective clients, staffing recruiters, and organizations to view.
This image is taken from Strikingly User’s Website
3. Customer Support At Its Finest
Strikingly ensures you are never alone. Chat with one of our highly-trained Happiness Officers for specialized assistance. We are available 24/7 to assist you at any stage of your website project.
This image is taken from Strikingly’s Product
4. Clients Can Contact You
Remember to include a feedback form or contact form. It's critical that potential and current clients understand how to communicate with you.
This image is taken from Strikingly User’s Website
Make sure your artist business card matches your portfolio's design. Because they're all marketing tools for you, keeping everything appearing consistent and in line with your brand image is advisable. In the context of these suggestions, you can use your innate artistic ability to personalize the artist business cards you'll be making so that clients remember you even after the meeting is over.