High Quality Business Card is the First Step towards Establishing a Credible Business

INDEX
Chapter 1: The Origin of Business Cards Unit 1: The History of Business Cards 1. Introduction 2. Advantages and Disadvantages of Business Card 3. Custom Business Card 4. Business Cards Terms 5. Business Card Construction and Dimension 6. Business Card Glossary Unit 2: Types of Business Cards 1. The Types of Business Card 2. Choosing the Best Different Business Card 3. Glossary of Business Card Printing Terms Chapter 2: How to make different Business Cards Unit 1: Methods to Make Business Cards 1. Make business card on a computer 2. Design a Business card in Photoshop 3. Make magnetic business card 4. Make plastic business card 5. Make business card with Ms-word 6. Make business card in open office 7. Make Business card in Ms-Word2007

Chapter 1: The Origin of Business Cards

Contents Unit 1: The History of Business Card Unit 2: Types of Business Card

UNIT 1 The History of Business Card

Content: 1.1. 1.2. 1.3. 1.4. 1.5. 1.6. Introduction Advantages and Disadvantages of Business Card Custom Business Card Business Cards Terms Business Card Construction and Dimension Business Card Glossary

1.1

Introduction
Business cards have an amazing history. They have a wide history that actually dates back in the 15th Century. Having originated in China, it began being used as a visiting card. The visiting card was mainly used for calling purposes. It was used under very strict rules and regulations. In fact, it was termed as a social convention card, hence for societal use ONLY.

It was later on introduced in Europe at the 17th Century when King Louis XIV WAS the head governor. Within that very century, the English men got a glimpse of it and decided to try using it for the purpose of business. At that time, there were no news papers and media services were nonexistent. The people at that time referred to it as a trade card and not a business card. It mainly contained the map of the trade place of the merchant. The ancient cards were printed by the aid of the letter press methods and wood cut. With time, the whole visiting and trading card issue passed away. The introduction of plastic material together with special paper made things easier in such a way that the massive production of the cards became less expensive. The cards have developed up to date and are still effective for use in the marketing strategy

Business cards are cards bearing business information about a company or individual. They are shared during formal introductions as a convenience and a memory aid. A business card typically includes the giver's name, company affiliation (usually with a logo) and contact information such as addresses, telephone(s), fax number, e-mail addresses and website. It can also include telex, bank account, and tax code. Traditionally many cards were simple black text on white stock; today a professional business card will sometimes include one or more aspects of striking visual design. Traditionally, most cards are normally made of the ordinary black font. Business cards are printed on some form of card stock, the visual effect, method of printing, cost and other details varying according to cultural or organizational norms and personal preferences. Today, modern business cards for professional purposes also include the email address of the card holder and the company together with the bank account and tax code. A visiting card, also known as a calling card, is a small paper card with one's name printed on it. They first appeared in China in the 15th century and in Europe in the 17th century. The footmen of aristocrats and royalty would deliver these first European visiting cards to the servants of their prospective hosts solemnly introducing the arrival of their owners. What to Include in a Successful Business Card Your name Your contact number E-mail and mail address (you could use a P.O.Box) Your website address Your Logo Your slogan Short summary of what you do

1.2

Advantages and Disadvantages of Business Cards

Business cards. The perfect representation of you and your business, and with many advantages. A simple and well-designed business card can send out a professional look, aid marketing and help you with networking. In this article I will cover five advantages of business cards for freelancers, what to include in a successful business card and recommend some business card printers/developers. Advantages:

Cards with a photo on them are often placed on top of any pile of cards and are easier to locate later due to the fact that they usually have more color than the typical business card.

Photos give prospects a chance to begin getting acquainted. People enjoy doing business with people they know. If you're in a business that requires a great deal of trust or confidentiality, anything you can do to seem approachable is helpful. A business card with your photo on it will help a new contact find you in a meeting or help to differentiate you in a group of people. If you often make initial contact with someone on the phone or via email, sending him or her card with your photo on it before you meet in person is a thoughtful gesture. Photos add color and interest to an otherwise boring card.

Five Advantages of Business Cards 1. Personal touch 2. Sending the right signal 3. Highlight your message 4. Break the Ice 5. Viral Marketing 1: Personal Touch A business card given to somebody by hand has a much more of a personal touch than a logo of a website slapped onto a website when youre searching for a developer of some kind. Place yourself in the shoes of a potential client. Think of the catalogue of worries that may arise when you first interact and are looking to potentially hire this person to do set work for you. Is he/she reliable? What if they run off with my deposit? What if they do a shabby job? And the odd one will think What if I want to date her/him?! (and no, I will not discuss that later as an advantage!) Passing on a business card can help reduce these worries. Imagine a well-dressed, smart girl who walks into a office passively, offers her card to you for your potential custom after noticing an ad in the window. 2: Sending the right signal Designing a business card is crucial as it leaves a lasting impression on the potential client. For example, I once met an accountant who gave me her business card. I never used her custom, but only because a very close friend of mine is my accountant (very reliable in dodgy bookkeeping, a joke, by the way) but I always kept her card. It oozed respect. Looking the part can sometimes not be enough if you hand over a dull 1990s style business card then as that, in their eyes, would mean you make shabby

1990s style websites. If youre a designer, then your business card should be able to speak volumes about you and could be seen as one of your key marketing points. 3: Highlight your Messages A potential client can go on a freelancers website searching for past work, or trying to find what the designer does exactly, only to end up not knowing whats going on. For example when they want to commission a website to be created they may not know what coding is and how it is different to the design of the website. A card can help clear this confusion up, and if it doesnt then they can just call you on the number which you have put on there and ask. Remember people are unpredictable, someone may ring you and say My company needs a thing on the internet. A very vague statement, but a few simple questions and you could probably derive what hes talking about (a website, maybe). This person may then go on to trust you when you explain jargon to them which they previously had no knowledge of. This may lead to further referral leads and a strong relationship. 4: Break the Ice In intimidating situations when it may be hard to sell you services, a business card could do that part of the talking for you. For example, if you were to meet the CEO of a company, it may be hard to say Do you have a job vacancy for me?. A business card could not only offer a good impression as discussed before but also break the ice in the conversation making it easier for you to ask when he/she says So you are a freelancer, what do you do?. Now he/she is asking you as opposed to you pitching to them. 5. Viral Marketing Similar to an eBook you may publish online, or any kind of video or MP3 you publish, a business card has an opportunity of becoming somewhat viral. People do pass business cards around and they do keep them, so they are helpful for sustained marketing campaigns. Disadvantages:

People make judgments based on the way we look, and it's more than just professional attire or the expression on your face.

Photos add cost, not only in printing, but also in having a good quality photo taken. Your appearance in your photo can become out-dated through your hairstyle, clothing, or the combination of both. New cards would need to be made regularly in order to avoid that dated look.

1.3: Custom Business Card

Custom printed business cards are an essential tool in business communication. Business cards are the primary way to promote your business through the distribution of contact information. Business cards traditionally come in the standard size of 2 x 3-1/2 and are commonly printed on 100# card stock. Designing Custom Business Card: When designing your custom business card follow a design technique called symmetry, which is combining graphics and text to create balance in the design. This balance allows the viewers eyes to flow from one point to another on the business card causing movement. A good design will contribute balance and movement in order to direct the viewer subconsciously to read and react to the business card. Tip: Keep it simple. Limit your card to only one or two graphics; any more could be distracting from the overall purpose of the business card. Dont forget the essential information: Name, Email, Address, Website, Phone number, Fax number, and Cell phone number. The whole reason for a business card is to communicate to a customer your contact information. Business Card Check List

Check your existing business card against the following list; it might be time for a new one. Does your card have current contact info? Address, phone number, email address, website address Does your card have your business slogan? Give the reader a reason to remember you. Does your card say what the company does? The more specific the better; you can't assume the cardholder knows what your product and/or service. Is the card visually pleasing? Does the design make you proud, does it draw in more customers; maybe it is time for a new business card? Is your card legible? Is your information clear; you know the information so dont assume it is clear. How does it function? Is there enough white space to write on, is the important information hidden on the back?

Is your card printed on good card stock? No one wants their card thrown out, but if it tears on a customer its garbage and home made cards smudge and bleed ink. Is your card memorable? A business slogan, an innovative design, and your business as a whole should unite on your business card so the customer will remember youdoes your current business card does that for you?

Updating and improving your business card is no longer a financial burden. An updated and improved custom printed business card reflects the way your business works now and in the future. Reflect your mobility, and flexibility while at the same time helping your business realize time and cost savings with a custom printed business card

1.4

: Business Cards Terms

Definition: A small card identifying a person in connection with his or her business, given to a client, potential customer, etc. A good business card should convey the overall image of your business, which isn't always easy, considering the card measures just 2 inches by 3 inches. So how can you possibly get a message across in such a small amount of space? Don't expect your business card to be able tell your company's entire story. What you should expect it to do is present a professional image people will remember. The color, wording and texture of your business card have a lot to do with its appeal and its ability to convey your company image. Use common sense when you're designing your card. If your business markets children's toys and games, you might try using bright, primary colors and words written in a child's script. On the other hand, if you run a financial consulting service, you want your business card to convey professionalism and reliability, so stick to traditional looks such as black printing on a gray, beige or white background. Of course, professional designers claim entrepreneurs shouldn't attempt to design a business card on their own, but many cash-strapped business owners have no other choice. Your best course of action? Look at all the business cards you've received over the years, and emulate the cards you like. You have more leeway if you're in a creative business, such as party planning or retailing, but in general, keep the following tips in mind: Use your logo as the basis. Make it the largest element on the card. Keep it simple. Don't cram too much information on the card. Do include the essentials--your name, title, company name, address, phone and fax numbers and e-mail address--and make sure your name and business name are immediately identifiable. Make sure the typeface is easily readable.

Stick to one or two colors. Make sure it's easy to read. Once you've got business cards, make the most of them: Always give people more than one card (so they can give it to others). Include your card in all your correspondence. Carry cards with you at all times, in a card case so they're clean and neat.

1.5: Business Card construction and dimension

Business cards are printed on some form of card stock, the visual effect, method of printing, cost and other details varying according to cultural or organizational norms and personal preferences. The common weight of a business card varies some by location. Generally, business cards are printed on stock that is 350 g/m (density), 45 kg (100 lb) (weight), or 12 pt (thickness). High quality business cards without full-color photographs are normally printed using spot colors on sheet-fed offset printing presses. Some companies have gone so far as to trademark their spot colors (examples are UPS brown, Los Angeles Lakers' purple, and Tide's orange) If a business card logo is a single color and the type is another color, the process is considered two color. More spot colors can be added depending on the needs of the card. With the onset of digital printing, and batch printing, it is now cost effective to print business cards in full color. To simulate the "raised-print" effect of printing with engraved plates, a lessexpensive process called thermography was developed that uses the application of a plastic powder, which adheres to the wet ink. The cards are then passed through a heating unit, which melts the plastic onto the card. Spot UV varnish onto matte laminate can also have a similar effect. Full color cards, or cards that use many colors, are printed on sheetfed presses as well; however, they use the CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) four-color printing process. Screens of each color overprinted on one another create a wide gamut of color. The downside to this printing method is that screened colors if examined closely will reveal tiny dots, whereas spot color cards are printed solid in most cases. Spot colors should be used for simple cards with line art or non-black type that is smaller than 5 points. Some terminology in reference to full-color printing: 4/0 - Full Color Front / No Print On Back 4/1 - Full Color Front / One color On reverse 4/4 - Full Color Front / Full Color Back These names are pronounced as "four over zero," "four over one," or in some cases "four over four". A business card can also be coated with a UV glossy coat (offset-uv printing). The coat is applied just like another ink using an additional unit on a sheeted press. That being said, UV coats can also be applied as a spot coating - meaning areas can be coated, and other areas can be left uncoated. This creates additional design potential.

Business cards can also be printed with a digital copier, which uses toner baked onto the surface of the card. Some industry leaders have begun to avoid using the term "copier" in their literature, insisting their state-of-the-art machines are more like digital presses, than their office-oriented predecessors. While some of the older office copiers may have had problems running heavy business card stock, the newest digital presses can print on stock as heavy as 80# to 100# cover stock, and 12 to 14 point stocks with ease. UV coats and other coatings such as Aqueous Coatings are used to speed manufacturing of the cards. Cards that are not dry will "offset" which means the ink from the front of one card will end up on the back of the next one. UV coatings are generally highly glossy but are more likely to fingerprint, while aqueous coatings are not noticeable but increase the life of the card. It is possible to use a dull aqueous coating on uncoated stock and get some very durable uncoated cards, and using UV coating or plastic lamination can also be applied to thicken thin stocked cards and make them more durable as well. When cards are designed, they are given bleeds if color extends to the edge of the finished cut size. (A bleed is the extension of printed lines or colors beyond the line where the paper it is printed on will be cut.) This is to help ensure that the paper will cut without white edges due to very small differences in where the blade cuts the cards, and it is almost impossible to cut the cards properly without. Just being a hair off can result in white lines, and the blade itself will pull the paper while cutting. The image on the paper can also shift from page to page which is called a bounce, which is generally off by a hairline on an offset press, but can be quite large on lower end equipment such as a copier or a duplicator press. Bleeds are typically an extra 3.175 (18) to 6.35 mm (14 in) to all sides of the card. Bleed size: 95.25 57.15 mm (3.75 2.25 in) (18 in bleeds) Standard cut size: 89 51 mm (3.5 2 in) Fold-over or "tent" cards, and side fold cards are popular as well. Generally these cards will fold to the standard size.
Country/Standard ISO 216, A8 sized Dimensions (mm) 74 52 Dimensions (in) 2.913 2.047 3.346 2.165 3.370 2.125 3.54 2.165 3.582 2.165 3.543 2.125 3.5 2 3.346 1.889 3.543 1.968 Aspect ratio 1.423 1.545 1.586 1.636 1.655 1.667 1.75 1.771 1.8

Ireland, Italy, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, S 85 55 witzerland, Belgium ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1, credit card sized Australia, Denmark, New Zealand, Norway, Taiwan, Sweden, Vietnam Japan Hong Kong, China, Singapore Canada, United States Iran Argentina, Brazil, Czech 85.60 53.98 90 55 91 55 90 54 88.9 50.8 85 48 90 50

Republic, Finland, Hungary, Israel, Kazakhstan, Po land, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Bulgaria, Latvia, Mexico and South Africa

1.6: Business Card Glossary

Card Stock: Card stock is one of the most important features of any business card. Card stock, measured in pounds (# or lb.) or in points (pt.), implies thickness of the paper used for printing cards. The more points or pounds the thicker the paper. Usually paper stock of 12 pt. (100-110lb.) is needed to produce best business cards. Note! Coating can make paper stock a little thicker. Dimensions: Business card sizes are not the same in different countries. However, there is an international standard size 3.370" x 2.125" (85.60 x 53.98 mm), which is equal to credit card size. In Canada and the U.S. business cards are a little bigger 3.5" x 2" (89 x 51 mm). Japanese business cards are even bigger 91 x 55 mm. Full Color: Deciding color characteristics of your color business cards you can come across such figures 4/4 and 4/0. These numbers mean quality of colorful printing on both sides of a business card (first number shows color of the front of a card, the second one indicate color characteristics of the back.) Number four means full color printing (on a CMYK: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black printer), number one means black, and zero stands for blank. Consequently, a four over four business card is full colored on both sides. A four over zero business card has full color on the front and is blank on the back. CMYK/RGB Color: There are two color profiles. CMYK meaning cyan, magenta, yellow, black and RGB - red, green, and blue. The majority of printing companies use CMYK printers, meanwhile most graphic programs and monitors operate using RGB profile. It is important to be attentive while designing business card layouts, since the difference between CMYK and RGB may cause wrong idea of how the design actually looks. Two-Sided Business Cards: business cards can be either one-sided or two-sided. Two-sided business cards have certain advantages in comparison with one-sided cards, but they basically are more expensive than one-sided ones. Raised Print: It is an optional feature that requires additional charge. A business card can be called raised if plastic powder was scattered on top of wet ink when a card was being exposed to thermography. Coating or Lamination: To improve the durability and look of cards coating is applied. Printing companies distinguish several laminating types. They are: Matte is the standard looking paper-finish look.

Aqueous coating adds a little shine to cards but it is rather moderate. Glossy UV coating is the most frequently applied method that provides quality glossy look to cards surface. Proofing: Proofing is optional decision of a printing companys customer to check out the cards design before printing whole amount. In fact proofing comes to sending .PDF or other graphic program file online to a customer. When agreed and paid printing companies can send a physical sample. If a client is satisfied with the design and agrees that design has no errors, he/she tells a printing company to print the whole amount. Fold-Over Business Cards: Fold-over business cards are bigger can be printed on one or both sides thus providing you twice as much space. Scored in the middle these cards can be easily folded down to the normal size. Embossing: To highlight some areas of business cards embossing can be used. The process of embossing includes bonding metallic foils of silver, gold and other colors with a embossed business card stock. Watermark: A watermark is made by engraving plated on the card stock. If a watermark was made you can identify your business card looking at its back side. Watermarking is possible for one-sided cards only. It is an optional feature that can happen to be very expensive. Bleed: While printing there can be shifting of materials and errors for example stains are really difficult to anticipate. Bleed is required to ensure quality printing, with average amount of 1/8" on each of the four sides. Here, the important thing is to design in accordance with bleed, graphics should go off the page enough. As a rule most printing companies provide manual and template to help you with it.

Chapter 1 Unit 2 Types of Business Cards

Contents: 1. The Types of Business Card 2. Choosing the Best Different Business Card 3. Glossary of Business Card Printing Terms

1. Introduction
Some people may not realize it but there are different kinds of business cards that are used for different kinds of purposes. Each type of business card can be can be suited for a particular kind of person or profession. Also, each can have a certain standard look or design that maximizes its potential. Knowing each type of business card can help you in your business card printing strategy. This determines the design of your custom business cards and ensures their full effect when you give them. The trade business card People from a particular trade or industry have their own on kind of business card. For example if you are a plastic manufacturer, your trade business card will usually be given to your suppliers, competitors, resellers and investors. These kinds of business cards embody the particular trade of their owner. Their design should be related or have symbolisms to the trade. If you are into plastics you may have a plastic business card. If you are a baker why not print full color business cards shaped like bread? Basically, trade business cards should give the image of a particular trade so that you can easily be remembered as a part of that industry. Corporate business cards Business cards in the corporate world are of cure a whole other type altogether. They differ from trade business cards since the focus of a corporate business card is the company and not the whole trade itself. Because of this, the logo of the company has a prominent place in the design of these business cards. Usually they have a serious and simple design perfect for the more formal minded corporate culture. Companies may even issue a uniform design for their employees to use especially if they will be representatives. Corporate business cards are usually given to important business contacts and potential employees. Personal business cards A lot of people have personal custom business cards. This is the most common type. Their design does not focus on a particular trade or company. The focus here is the profession and personality of the business card owner itself. Because of this personal business cards usually have the most beautiful, interesting and varying designs. When you do print your custom business cards you can give them to almost anyone including your family and friends.

Marketing business cards A marketing business card is a type unto itself because it can change certain conventions of a typical business card. Besides selling the person that owns the business card, a marketing business card can advertise a certain product, service or event. For example, your marketing business card for your product will have your name, as well as the phrase supplier of the best computer in the state, the PC4000. Different marketing cards should have different gimmicks and designs like this. Those are the most common business card types. Have you seen the right type of business card for you? Choose the right type for yourself and you will be making contacts, new relationships and business opportunities in no time.

2. Choosing the Best different Business Cards

No marketing plan can be imagined success without its essential part - free business cards. Being of small size and of relatively small cost business cards are considered powerful means of marketing. Although you cannot type full information of your company on its small surface, you can still create perfect image that people will never forget. A client first impression of your company strongly depends on business card you use, it makes people feel inclined to cooperation or spoil all efforts to draw attention to your business. Your business cards are not less important than the suit you wear. Choosing a best business card and trying to find perfect design, the first thing to base your efforts on is to make your card appropriate for your business and personal life. The design of you card should conform to the business image you wish to project. The examples below will get you a better understanding of the necessity of appropriateness. Imagine a funeral director handing out colorful and funny glossy business cards with caricature pictures on them or a mechanic whose specialty is converting old Beetles into dune buggies handing out formal dull cards. Most likely both will be able to find their cards in the nearest bucket. Here you can find few more different card types for you to consider:

Free Business Cards Express Business Cards Business Cards Stickers Capture Business Cards Glossy Full Color Business Cards Magnetic Business Cards Metal Business Cards Plastic Business Cards Raised Print Business Cards Fold-over Business Cards

Free Business Card The fact that there are companies that offer business cards for free is proved to arise different questions. You may be interested in the reasons of a company making such offer. You may wonder whether free business card offering companies print their logo on the backside. You probably doubt the quality of such custom business cards. Moreover, perhaps you even suspect print companies of hidden fees. There are no hidden fees, cunning tricks and other dishonesties. You can make sure everything is fair and transparent. It's just a great opportunity for business cards printing companies and you to become confident in one another. Usually business cards printing companies may offer you (if you are newcomer) 100 business cards for free. The obligation to pay for transportation is the only thing you'll have to pay for. However, is case you are not absolutely satisfied with the quality, you will be reimbursed the shipping\handling fees. Business cards printing companies may also offer you the same selection of business card layouts and templates. The same great collection of templates is offered to both paying customer and newcomer ordering free business cards. To ensure a unique design you can modify any template at your option or just bring an artwork in vector format ready for print. It is a good idea to consider this opportunity, as there is utterly nothing to lose. Free business cards are not offered by the companies lucking funds or whatever else to afford it. Click here to read more about refund policies. Main features of free business cards:

Only first-time customers can be offered Free Business Cards with quantities of 100 or less. A printing company logo/branding is not printed on the backside of our free business cards. There are no hidden charges. Transportation and handling fees are same as for regular paying customers. The quality of the service as well as the quality of business cards is the same for both paying customer and newcomer ordering free business cards. Online sites of printing companies are at your disposal.

Express Business Cards Fast and simple option A sudden urge to get a pile of color business cards can be easily satisfied within two days. Your cards will be delivered right in your hands in two working days after placing an order. The best timing will be achieved if you submit design on Monday. In this case you will receive your unique business cards on Wednesday.

The quality of printing is guaranteed since we have at our disposal cutting-edge web offset printing technology. Once again, here are the main features:

Courier EXPRESS shipping * Luxuriously colored front side Digital color printing Comprehensive and user friendly design interface Quick turnaround Quick processing (same or next day after the order is placed)

Business Cards Stickers The process of creation of sticker full color business cards does not include printing on rolls. Personal business cards of that kind are individually square cut trimmed. Multicolor printing allows 6 million variations. Crack and peel white stickers stock preventing absorption of inks, were especially formulated to ensure excellent reproduction. Besides being used as regular business cards your business card stickers can be stuck onto anything you like (very similar to business card magnets). They can be stuck almost to any surface: car bumper stickers, windows and wine bottles. You can even apply them directly to blank Rolodex cards. Features:

Courier shipping* Comprehensive and user friendly design interface No charge bleeds Square cut Full color printing Crack and peel sticker stock Abrasion and moisture resistant

Capture Business Cards Capture Card as alternative to average business cards. Capture Business Card is innovation aiming at expanding the range and scope of the use of your business cards. Representing new category of business cards capture business cards preserve benefits of a simple business cardand add multiple functions of removable adhesive labels. So on the front it looks standard, but on the back there are labels, which can be stick to anything you like: goods, address books, calendars etc. Being removed labels does not spoil the attractiveness of a card; it still can be used as standard business card. As you see the cool business cards of this kind enables you to arise interest in your business simply by showing your readiness to combine unusual and bright ideas to increase functionality! Capture Business Card have two principle designs:

Capture card looks like a usual card but has three adhesive labels placed on card's backside: two small labels and a bigger one. Having these labels on the backside of your card, you actually improve your business card. Each capture card you distribute has a variety of ways to leave a good long-term impression of your business. Removable labels can contain any information: contact information, appointment reminder, return address etc. Capture Card Plus is a standard business card having two labels adhered to the back. The main peculiarity of the design is repositionable labels. It is these special labels that make this kind of professional business cards more functional. What purposes Capture Card Plus can achieve? Labels can be customized to be used as photo stickers, personalized sticky notes, maps and other information providing notes.

Don't miss a single opportunity to make a lasting impression with your Capture Card. Here are main effective uses it provides you with:

Important contact numbers Appointment reminders Return address Labels Maps and Photos Referral Information Additional sales information Personal Memos Coupons Promotional material

Glossy Full Color Business Cards Business cards are an essential part of marketing policy of any business. Both small family-firm and giant corporation have infinite space of choices. It is rather obvious as one of the major business cards' features is combination of colors and shades. In this respect color business cards can inspire your prospects to be interested in your business. Bright, beautiful and professional business cards also suggest that you are a professional; committed to the company you work at even in choosing business cards' design. Simple business cards, one or two-color ones, might suggest lack of interest from your side. What is more dull business card placed in the pile of full color ones may look substandard. Colorful business cards' features:

Comprehensive and user friendly design interface Full color front side Millions of color combinations Turnaround: 10 - 12 business days Coated card stock

UV high gloss coating Lithographic printing Courier Shipping*

Magnetic Business Cards Nowadays each and all organizations pay much attention to their image. That is why hardly will cheap business cards do credit to any company. Cheaply designed and printed business card is more likely to end up in the garbage than in your clients' hands. Full color magnetic business cards are worth ordering, they are not expensive, but very useful. The research by the American Association of Advertising Specialties (AAAS) suggests that a person usually notes refrigerator magnet 23.4 times a day. Magnetic business cards can be adhered to any metal surface: automobiles, office filling cabinets, metal doors, refrigerators etc. The mere fact of using magnetic custom business card in promotion can work for you, making impression that you are confident enough to invest more in advertizing. The best places for magnetic business cards to be distributed are conventions, tradeshows, product launches, open houses, professional appointment reminders. Full Color magnetic business card Features

Comprehensive and user friendly design interface Millions of color combinations Full color Courier Shipping* Full back magnetic sheet surface Square cut Quick turnaround

Metal business cards will sound as a loud, bold and distinct voice on the background of cacophony we hear in promoting area of business. Metal business cards have smooth edges and rounded corners you may feel safe, you won't be able to hurt anybody with these great marketing tools. Stationary matters if somebody want to make sure your company conforms to his requirements and needs. Metal personal resistant to fading and scratching can do you credit. The process of printing metal cards is precise and reliable. Special die is used to create embossed business cardswith round corners, dull edges. They are printed on .011 in silver shiny aluminum or gold colored brass plated aluminum. Features of metal business cards

Comprehensive and user friendly design interface Protective coating Rounded corners (dull edges)

Plastic Business Cards When a person decides to order business cards, he/she believes that the best option is simple wallet-sized cards that say phone numbers and other contact information. However, there are means for your business to stand out and show better mood. Plastic cards possess certain qualities, which make them stand out and produce positive impression of your company:

They are more durable compared with simple cards. They are similar to credit cards and make an impression of financial stability.

To make your Plastic free business cards even more attractive decide on printing interesting or important information, such as motivational sayings, trivia, or national holidays on one side and contact information on the other. It is an effective way to prolong interest your customers and potential customers may have in your professional business card. Features of plastic business cards

Comprehensive and user friendly design interface Rounded, smooth edges Turnaround: 12 - 14 business days Offset printed directly on high quality plastic Courier Shipping*

Raised Print Business Cards Large and small companies use simple, one-color professional business cards. They are definitely not expensive and thus affordable marketing tool. Doctors, lawyers, real estate agents, designers and many other professionals choose raised print business cards. If you need simple personal business cards just to satisfy your marketing plan or you prefer to get by budgetary option to safe money for other areas of your business consider ordering raised print cool business card. Features of raised print business cards

Comprehensive and user friendly design interface Quick turnaround overnight courier EXPRESS shipping* Choose ink from 3 colours Same business day or next business processing Raised print

Fold-over Business Cards Sometimes the most essential information of your business itemized and compactly structured cannot be successfully placed in a standard custom business card. Folded business cards are the best business card option when the space matters most. Fold-over business cards can be printed on one or both sides thus providing you twice as much space. Scored in the middle these cards can be easily folded down to the normal size. Overall, business cards are one of the best marketing tools. However, with their obvious disadvantage, lack of promotional space, business cards might make you doubtful about

the necessity of focusing your attention on them. Fold-over business cards can both attract attention and inform potential customer of any details of your company, which means that you can focus on flawless design and still mention all your selling points. Using this kind of inexpensive business cards you make your company certain to produce a good impression and to be remembered. How people are using fold-over business cards: Basically there are two ways of distributing folded business cards. 1. Distribute them unfolded, they make an impression of a postcard and attract with large images. It will make prospects become interested in your company and all the information will be on the backside for them to be discovered. 2. You can also hand out your cards already folded. In this case cards looks as standard business cards, but the customer can open the card for more information. Folded Business Cards features:

Folded business cards are printed with full bleed on four sides Full color on both sides or one side Cards are scored for folding and shipped flat Three paper stock options

3. Glossary of Business Cards Printing Terms

Aqueous Coating Aqueous coating or AQ for short is a clear, non-toxic coating that is applied like ink by a printing press to protect and enhance the printed surface. Aqueous coating adds brilliance and durability to business cards, postcards, premium flyers, booklets, and catalogs. Backside Backside is the side that is opposite the front. For postcards, the backside is not coated with aqueous coating. Bleed A bleed is when an image extends beyond the trim edge of the printed sheet. It is important to include bleeds in your artwork files if you want the image to extend to the edge of the paper for your final printed piece. We encourage you to create a design with a full-bleed i.e., extend the image off all four sides of your design to ensure the best quality for your printed piece. Blind Image Blind image is an image that is debossed or embossed, but not printed with ink or foil.Border Border Border refers to the area between the edge of the image and the edge of the paper.

Camera-Ready Camera-ready is a layout created by a designer that is created and submitted as 100% Rich Black on white paper. It usually contains text and logos in finished form. CMYK CMYK is short for cyan, magenta, yellow, and key (black). CMYK is the standard color model used in four-color printing process used by PsPrint. Coated Paper Coated paper has a coating of clay or other substances that improves reflectivity and ink holdout. PsPrint uses two coating, UV coating and aqueous coating, to improve the quality of your printed pieces. Color Separations Color separations are the four-color negatives or positives which are the result of changing full color artwork into the four process colors (yellow, magenta, cyan, and black) by the use of filters. Color separation is done for offset printing jobs so that each color layer can be printed separately one layer on top of the next layer to give the final printed piece a consistent, full color look. Computer-to-Plate (CTP) Computer-to-Plate or CTP describes a system in which the use of desktop publishing software, electronic prepress workstations, and platesetters allows the imaging of metal plates for any format of press without the use of film, stripping or traditional platemaking. This process results in lower costs while shortening the amount of time needed to get a job on the press. Crop Crop or cropping refers to the process of positioning an image to ensure that unwanted portions of the image are removed during the printing process. Cropping is also a way to properly proportion your final artwork before approving your print job. Crop Marks Crop marks are small symbols placed in the margin outside of the image area that indicate the area to be printed and/or trimmed from the image. Cure Cure is the process to dry inks or other coatings after printing to ensure good adhesion and prevent set-off. Deboss Deboss means to press an image into paper so it lies below the surface. Die Die is a device made out of sharp steel that is used to cut, score, stamp, emboss, or deboss irregular shapes. Diecutting Diecutting is a process by which a die made out of sharp steel is used to cut irregular shapes in printed sheets. Diecutting is done on either flatbed or rotary presses.

Dots Per Inch (DPI) Dots per inch or DPI for short is a measurement of resolution of a printed image as determined by the number of dots that fit into one inch. The higher the concentration of dots per inch, the sharper the image will be. Duotone Duotone is a halftone that prints in two colors to create greater visual interest or more subtle detail and gray tones. Emboss Emboss is the process of pressing an image into paper so it lies above the surface. Encapsulated Postscript File (.EPS) Encapsulated postscript file or .EPS for short is an Adobe Systems-developed file format. It is a device-independent PostScript representation of a graphic or other object. It stores files as vectors and includes a low-resolution bitmap representation for quick on-screen viewing. Foil Stamping Foil stamping is the process of pressing a heated die onto a sheet of foil, releasing the foil from its backing and adhering it to the paper to create a foil design on a printed piece. Four-Color Printing Four-color printing is the process by cyan, magenta, yellow, and blank inks are used to create a full color image. Halftone Halftone is an image composed of tiny dots whose variations in size create the illusion of variations in tone. In the past, a halftone screen was used to convert a continuous tone image into a halftone; today, such screening is done electronically. Mockup Mockup or comp is a piece that is handmade by a graphic artist to show others how the finished printed piece will look. It generally will be folded and bound the exact way the final piece will be done in production. Oversampling In computer graphics, oversampling or anti-alisasing is a software technique for addressing alisasing issue. Anti-aliasing reduces the prominence of jaggies by surrounding the stairsteps with intermediate shades of gray (for gray-scalling devise) or color (for color devices). Please note that although anti-aliasing may reduce the jagged appearance of the lines, it also may make the lines appear fuzzier. Print-Ready Files Print-Ready files are digital artwork files that are 100% ready to print, requiring no additional adjustments by PsPrint other than preflighting and standard prepress work. Process Color Process color is using cyan, magenta, yellow, and black in various combinations to create all other colors.

Proof Proof, also known as hardcopy proof, is a close representation of the final printed piece provided by PsPrint. A proof is provided to predict results on press and record how the final printed piece will appear in terms of color, layout and accuracy. Production does not begin printing the final piece until the proof has been approved by the client. Resolution Resolution is the number of pixels displayed per unit of length in an image, usually measured in pixels per inch (ppi) or dots per inch (dpi). Computer monitors are normally 72 to 96 dpi while most printed pieces are 300 dpi or more. Rich Black Rich black is made by mixing other colors of ink with black ink to produce a much darker, deeper black on press than can be achieved by using black ink alone. To create rich black on pieces printed by PsPrint, your CMYK calibration values must be 50% Cyan, 40% Magenta, 40% Yellow, and 100% Black. Uncoated Uncoated paper means that the printed piece has not coated with UV Coating or Aqueous Coating during the finishing process. UV Coating UV Coating is the liquid applied to a printed sheet, then bonded and cured with ultraviolet light. This coating yields a tough, almost unscratchable surface that is extremely durable.

R. Jeyarethna Seelan way2contact@gmail.com