Incorporate the logo that you designed into a standard size business card, (3.5" by 2").  Include your name and a telephone number with area code.  If you are not planning on using these cards professionally, use the '555' exchange and prefix.

Use any Desktop Publishing software available to you.

A business card should let the customer know what you do, or the service you provide.

Be careful not to make the business card too 'busy'.  A business card is an introduction to your company, and may also serve as a quick reference when a potential customer is looking for a product or service.  Many business cards get pinned to a cork board, or inserted in a quick-reference file, so the information you provide should stand out without boggling the mind.  Include company name, your name, contact information, and a brief description or idea on the nature of the business, or products/services you provide.

A 'tag line' is a good thing to include on a business card.  It doesn't take up much space, and it greatly helps in the 'name recognition' process.

You may also include relevant logos or symbols of professional organizations, memberships, etc.  In some cases, these are mandatory, if you are practicing in a regulated trade.

The  images on this business card are not just logos, they are professional designations that attest to the certification of the individual, (me).  In many cases, you must hold certain professional qualifications in order to offer your services.

Once you have determined what information you wish to include on your business card, you should do sketches of various layouts. Try different ideas before you settle on one. Keep in mind the various aspects of any graphic or Desktop Publishing project, such as balance, white space, etc.

Symmetry and balance can be achieved in different ways.  These two examples show a good distribution of white space -the cards convey adequate information without being too busy.

The card on the left uses asymmetrical balance.  Contact information offsets the odd number of Industry logos.

Once you are satisfied with the design, and run a test print, you can proceed to lay out a sheet of eight or ten cards. Remember to print 'cropping' lines to make it easier to cut out the cards.

You can buy perforated card stock specifically designed for business cards, but I think you can get a more professional-looking result with non-perforated card stock, and using a large paper cutter.

Click here to see some business card examples.

Hand in both digital and print versions of your full sheet of business cards.