Sunday 3 May 2015

DIY Business Cards - Yes or No?



I have heard it said that it is a big no-no to make your own business cards.  Apparently, it is unprofessional.

Do I listen to good advice?  Well, yes I do, but then I weigh up the information and make my own choices.

I decided to have a go at making my own business cards and I love them!  Here are the results.




So what do you say?  DIY or no DIY?

21 comments:

Chris Lally said...

I vote yes, and no. I'm not just being diplomatic. I think it depends on the situation in which you offer the card. A handmade card for an individual customer or a potential customer is probably the most memorable token of yourself you could give. The recipient will never forget you. Your homemade cards are so unique, so YOU; I wish I had thought of it. That said, I would also have a small handful of professionally made cards (which still can be RELATIVELY inexpensive) with your name and info on the front (possibly with a logo - I read about the necessity of having a logo all the time), and one of these beautiful designs printed in full color on the ENTIRE back of the card. As your business expands, these cards could be given to galleries, corporations, more high profile collectors who might expect a more "professional" business card. For what its worth... Good luck with this, Rolina.

Rolina said...

Chris this is such excellent advice - thank you!

Sandy Sandy Art said...

YAY!!! I would love to own one. DIY ROLINA!

Rolina said...

Thanks Sandy - I am glad my fellow artists understand!

Jennifer Rose said...

i agree with everything Chris has said. the cards are so very much "you" so a bit personal, its a nice touch for customers. might also have professionally done ones as well to give to potential galleries/business type people

Rolina said...

Thanks Jennifer - I have just ordered some professionally made ones for those occasions that need them.

It does solve the problem of my reluctance to part with my own DIY ones!

Jennifer Rose said...

yes they are too pretty to part with easily

Kelly Dombrowski said...

Wow I love how you've done them! I think they are more custom and miniature art than DIY. When I think of DIY its def tacky but these are classy! I bet people display them!

Linda said...

I think they are great, and they offer a personal touch!

Rolina said...

Thanks Kelly and Linda, I always appreciate the personal touch, too.

Nancy Chan said...

Hi, I came from Linda's blog. Very nicely done DIY cards. How I wish I could design my own cards too.

Kathy Elliott Art said...

what a wonderful, creative, and personal way to share your art! I agree that you would want some printed as well, but given a choice, I imagine your fans would want the custom miniature, PLUS a printed one!

Mellowood Gallery said...

I think if you can make the cards quickly the DIY ones are great. My husband is always going on about how long it take to make some of my cards and how little I make when I sell them. (I pretty much ignore what he says). I think these are very similar to the Artist Trading Cards and so much fun. By all means, do your own thing!

AprilRimpo said...

I've struggled with this question too. I've always done my own cards, with a logo and an image of art. Since I always feel I want to share more than one image, depending on the direction the person getting the card is leaning (in terms of the style of paint). The downside has been when people have the choice they take one of each, so they go too fast. I've been debating getting some professionally done, but I really like Chris' advice regarding which might be appropriate.

TinaCollins said...

I think they are splendid, a bit like ATC which adds to their appeal. I doubt anyone will ever think you are unprofessional.

Rolina said...

Thank you Nancy, Kathy, Val, April and Tina.

I did think of making them ATC size, but they fall short of that slightly as business cards a tad smaller.

It seems like everyone agreed with Chris's advice, so I have ordered some printed ones (with my favourite of the above for the design) and I will now have a choice.

Thanks everyone for your ideas and kind words, it has been very helpful!

stapeliad said...

I dont know but they sure are pretty......

Win Dinn, Artist said...

I'm loving those cards you made, Rolina, and agree with the comments above as well. I think there are pros and cons to both sides (especially given that some artists' work does not translate well in smaller pieces). Thanks for a thought-provoking post!

Rolina said...

Thanks Jessica!

Thanks Win, I think the value in this post has been in the replies and I am very grateful about that indeed!

Felix the Crafty Cat said...

Hi Rolina, I think it's a brilliant idea and as an artist I can't imagine why anyone would think any different. I have thought about decorating the back of my printed ones to personalise them. Many thanks for the visit and lovely comments. Now I've found you "I'll be back"!
Happy crafting, Angela x

Caroline Simmill said...

Lovely business cards!