Using Color in Business Cards

Of all the forms of non-verbal communication, color is a serious contender in conveying messages and meanings. Color is often called the "silent salesperson," and should grab the holder's eye, convey the message of what the business is about, create a brand identity, and make that sale. Business cards are an essential marketing tool, so selecting the right colors can make all the difference.

The effect of color is subliminal and we are unaware of how persuasive it can be on our decision-making. Below are some emotional associations to color that people tend to experience. These are important to keep in mind along with how to combine them when creating effective business cards that will appeal to your prospective client.

White: Pure. Clean. Youthful. It's a neutral color that can imply purity in fashion and sterilization in the medical profession.

Black: Power. Elegant. Secretive. The color black can target your high-end market or be used in youth marketing to add mystery to your image but when combined with other colors it can be prestigious and formal.

Red: Passion. Excitement. Danger. Red is the color of attention, causing the blood pressure and heart rate to rise. Use red to inject excitement into your brand.

Orange: Vibrant. Energy. Play. Add some fun to your company if you want to create a playful environment for your customers.

Yellow: Happy. Warm. Alert. Yellow can be an attractor for your business with a relaxed feeling.

Green: Natural. Healthy. Plentiful. To create a calming effect or growth image choose green.

Purple: Royalty. Wise. Celebration. Maybe add some purple tones to your look for your premium service business.

Blue: Loyal. Peaceful. Trustworthy. Blue is the most popular and neutral color on a global scale. It is a safe choice for a business building customer loyalty.

Consider how these colors are being used in your current business cards. Are your colors projecting the personality and image you want? If not, it could be time for a color makeover.

Don’t re-create the wheel – the color wheel that is. Using complementary colors are those on the exact opposite side of the color wheel. If you choose a bright blue, the color on the opposite side is yellow. Use complementary colors on your business card to create a strong contrast between text and background or to separate elements from one another in a dramatic fashion.

Of course you may be working with a company logo that already has its color determined. No worries, there are creative ways to play with color and design to give your business a fresh new appeal.

21 fun examples: http://blog.uprinting.com/21-colorful-business-cards

What Design Topics Should I Blog About?

A couple of weeks ago I attended a networking event where we did Brain-Walking – an exercise where you break into small groups, bring a problem to the table and collectively your group helps you solve it. I asked my group "What topics related to graphic/web design would you be interested in learning more about?" Here was the list they brainstormed:

1. Best colors to use for business cards.
2. How to make business cards stand out.
3. Website visual tips – best place for menu bar, contact numbers, etc. for users ease in navigating and finding what they need.
4. How to make photographs pop on your website.
5. Recommendations for shopping carts, merchant accounts and domain names.
6. Tips for postcards and invitations.
7. Professionalism = Credibility in Marketing
8. Address why low cost/no cost isn't always best for designing your marketing material.
9. Show examples of a brochure done professionally and one DIY and address what the benefits are for having one designed professionally.
10. Address why websites should be updated on a regular basis.
11. What marketing pieces are key for a small business.
12. What information should/should not be on a business card.
13. What are the benefits of having your photo on your marketing pieces.
14. Talk about the importance of consistency with your brand.

You will see these topics covered in the coming months. If you have a burning question about graphic design, send it my way and I'll do my best to answer it!

6 Things Every Small Business Can Learn From Lady Gaga

If you know me, you know that I am a huge Lady Gaga fan. It is my biggest regret of 2010 that I didn't splurge and buy a ticket when she was at the Xcel Energy Center last summer! Her music motivates me when I work-out and I am known to bust a few moves to Bad Romance (my kids are rolling their eyes now). I never took the time to view her as a brilliant marketer and how she might be able to help my small business move to the next level, but I gained some new insight after reading the article "6 Things Every Small Business Can Learn From Lady Gaga". Marketing doesn't have to be a boring necessity, we can be creative and express the personality and character of our business in our own unique way.

http://bit.ly/dMkjyf

I'm an Entrepreneur

People often ask me why I started my own business and what I did before. When I share that I worked for the Department of Public Safety for 16 years and quit to go back to school to become a graphic designer, I see the surprise on their face. Why would you leave a secure job with good benefits? Because I had a dream.

Did this dream come with sacrifices? Yes. Do I still question if I made the right decision? Sometimes. Would I change things? No. I am more me now. I set my own hours, market myself, have a plan and set goals, build relationships, help other small business owners with my talents and with my love. It fills my heart to help others achieve their greatness and in doing so, I have been blessed with a growing business myself.

I just finished watching a 26 minute film, SHINE: The Entrepreneur’s Journey, a collaborative film project by Biznik Cofounder Dan McComb and Ben Medina. It explores what it takes to change the world one small business at a time. If you are an entrepreneur, watch it, it will resonate. If you are not an entrepreneur, watch it any way, you may have a greater appreciation for those in your life who are or maybe you will be inspired to take that first step into your dream.

http://biznik.com/shine

Shine on!