Why Business Cards STILL MATTER! (Graphic Design Rant)

Business Cards are still appropriate based on the CONTEXT of the given situation. It doesn't have to be that you are dealing with someone over 35, there are plenty of people that age that are tech savvy. But they also still spent the better part of their career asking for business cards and being asked for one.

Business Cards still create a sense of legitimacy and a deeper more personal connection that contact details put into a smartphone. There is no reason not do both, but a business card is going to make your more memorable or leave an impression.

A Business Card may also save that person time and the context of that is extremely important still. Respecting someones time.

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[msvanillary]

I think business card is way more important than digital. Sometimes it's not very convenient to take out your phone to insert multiple information. And, a business card can contain all your social media account, people can get these information at once. Plus, it's more professional to hand out a business card than to ask someone to follow you on twitter.

[sunpi]

They really do matter. Your very right.

[bryanjimenez]

I agree with you, Roberto Blake . As long as we're doing business with other humans that means that physical experiences will matter when done properly AND in its proper context. Content is queen, Context is king!

[DeeEll]

Hi Roberto, you are absolutely right. Business cards are still important. They are even more important when doing business in other countries. In some countries a good business card is considered a reflection of the person who gives it. I've been in business for a while now and I make it a point to give each person I meet at least 2 of my cards. There are a few reasons to do so. One, it's harder to lose two or more business cards. Two, not everyone uses technology and those who do ( like myself) have an app that I can use to input the cards. Three, the people you give it to can give that extra card to someone else who may want to do business with you in the future. Thus making a great way to network.
Networking is a big part of business so any time you can get someone to help send some business your way, all the better. I also make sure to ask other people for more than one card for that same reason.
Another important thing about a business card is if you are a business that doesn't really advertise, a small business. Giving out your card is not only a way to have people remember you but also helps you compete with larger businesses that can afford to advertise. Word of mouth advertising is one of the best ways to become known. So if you hand some of your cards to someone who says they love your product or service and ask them if they can tell their friends about you, your on your way. Then multiply that by everyone you do business with and then you can truly compete in the marketplace. I hope what I have said helps your viewers.

[DameDiabolique]

Amen. Once again you hit it where it counts. I had this conversation with my boss and had to educate him. Swears up and down no one uses business cards. I was like oh trust me, people do. Professionals, business people, and those that care about their personal brand use business cards. People who want to be taken seriously use business cards. All Day!

[tighmir]

TOTALLY agree... I also include a QR code on my cards for those my age lol

[ProfessorBRB]

Well said, Roberto. I love the Moo cards. The shorter runs and variable backs encourage me to have some fun with the design. I think that young designers can get intimidated by the onus of designing their first, ultimate card. My advice is relax, experiment and enjoy the freedom of using your very favorite, type, images colors, etc…

[Aquatasy]

YES! YES! YES! YES! YES!!!  I have been saying this to people for the past decade.  When I ran the Visual Effects Department at the Academy of Art University I insisted that all my students get business cards.  Roberto, you laid out so many bullet-proof arguments for why people (especially artists, designers, and performers) must have business cards.  I cannot begin to tell you how many times I have gotten work simply from always carrying business cards with me.  I carry cards for myself as an actor.  I carry cards for myself as VFX artist & animator.  And I carry cards with me for my Aquatasy YouTube channel which I end up handing out all the time (and people actually subscribe to my channel because of it).  Nothing says "professional" like a business card.  They still carry so much weight even in this digital age.

[PaperManga]

Nice rant! You should SO make a video on how to ask clients to pay up, it's so hard sometimes, I just feel like i'm cheating the system or something like that even though I work hard on what I make for people. I guess it's because i'm just so naturally inclined to enjoy what I do so i find it hard to ask the client to pay me.

[DameDiabolique]

When you do your tutorial, can you talk about the types of paper, weight, finish, gloss vs matte, uv, varnish, diecuts, etc. Not a lot of design youtubers out there talk about those aspects and how to design and consider those options. Of course not everyone has the budget for all that but I think new designers definitely should be aware just in case they get a client that wants that and has the budget or how applying some of these to their own personal brand can make a difference and stand out.

[welcomemat]

Dropping science, son. Keep it up.

[NicoletteShasky]

I definitely agree with your views on this subject. I'd be curious to hear your thoughts on the subject of whether print portfolios are still relevant today. Online portfolios are usually what people ask to see in their job listings. Maybe you already did a video on this subject but if not, I'd definitely like to see this topic discussed!

[UDoIt]

Thank you for the perspective on this!

[taqieddineseghari]

thank you some much, am from algeria and your videos helped me a lot in my graphic design work :D شكرا

[LearnEnglishwithNadene]

The timing of this video was perfect!

[ThePrincessWithin]

I still give out and accept business cards

[desiputtar]

Although I have a business card with me, it needs to be updated. Besides that, wouldn't a networking card be good enough?

[ShantellBancroft]

i think with social media especially with say twitter and mailchimp app where you can immediately add someone to your newsletter, business cards need an update...i prefer giving something functional like a keyring or bookmark that will be of use, something that will filter into daily use. However, the rant was valid 😊

[HitokiriJorvis]

I have business cards. I always see them as one-on-one personal interaction. It make you look professional and legit. Because can tell people what you do and even give them your digital information but most of the time they won't bother to take it or even wrote it down wrong. However, I have to get my own personal website. I'm using coroflow to show case my work and to be honest it's really unprofessional. Anyway, I'm getting off track. Good video señor Roberto.


Best regards,
Jarvis Fernandez

[Todayenjoyyourself]

Love business cards it is a game starter.