Unexpected Business Card Ideas

As far as I’m concerned, business cards are tiny works of art. A beautiful business card makes a huge impression, and I would argue that the business card is even more relevant in today’s world of email, cell phones, and social media. Here are a few unexpected business card ideas for creating a beautiful – and unforgettable – business card!

Unexpected Business Card Ideas

Oh So Beautiful Paper Watercolor and Letterpress Business Cards / Design and Printing by Gus & Ruby Letterpress

A Bit of Shine

Metallics are the new neutral. And they look amazing on a business card! The options are endless – from shiny metallic foil logos and type to more abstract applications. And the metallic foils themselves come in every hue imaginable, from classic gold to of-the-moment rose gold and copper to trendy hologram silver!

En Route Photography Gold Foil Business Cards / Design by Belinda Love Lee

En Route Photography Gold Foil Business Cards / Design by Belinda Love Lee

Hand Painted Details

What could possibly be more unique than a hand painted business card? A splash of semi-transparent watercolor pairs perfectly with letterpress printed type, whether layered over blind impression (no color) text or as a modern swash underneath the key details. You could even DIY your own business cards using a custom rubber stamp over a watercolor painted background!

Satsuki Shibuya Watercolor and Blind Impression Letterpress Business Cards / Printed by PresshausLA

Satsuki Shibuya Watercolor and Blind Impression Letterpress Business Cards / Printed by PresshausLA

Akula Kreative Rubber Stamp and Watercolor Business Cards

Akula Kreative Rubber Stamp and Watercolor Business Cards

Colorful Edges

The edge is the perfect place to incorporate a bright pop of color – or even stripes of different colors! You’ll want to use double-thick paper ( at least 220lb) to maximize the visual effect, but it’s well worth the extra effort!

Oh Happy Day Stripe Edge Painted Business Cards

Oh Happy Day Stripe Edge Painted Business Cards

Or Shiny Edges!

Did you know that you can put shiny metallic foil on the edges of business cards and wedding invitations? Well, you can! It’s a very specialized printing method, but perfect for a card that is already full of color or wants an even bigger visual impact.

Oh So Beautiful Paper Gold Foil Edge Business Cards / Foil Edging by Boxcar Press

Oh So Beautiful Paper Gold Foil Edge Business Cards / Foil Edging by Boxcar Press

Unique Shapes and Layouts

Who said that a business card has to be rectangular? I’m a big fan of square business cards, circular business cards, even hexagon cards! Or stick with the rectangular shape but go with a vertical layout. Anything goes!

Trentina Navy and Gold Foil Business Cards / Design by Christine Wisnieski

Trentina Navy and Gold Foil Business Cards / Design by Christine Wisnieski

Go Double Sided

A double sided business card is a great way to create visual impact while keeping all of your contact information in one place. You can have the reverse side printed or adhere patterned papers – like vintage wallpaper, gift wrap, and scrapbooking paper – to the reverse side using spray adhesive.

Jessica Comingore Floral Double Sided Business Cards / Printed by PresshausLA

Jessica Comingore Floral Double Sided Business Cards / Printed by PresshausLA

Jessica Comingore Floral Double Sided Business Cards / Printed by PresshausLA

Light on Dark

I love the look of light text against a dark background – so unexpected! Metallic foils and matte white foil look amazing against dark navy blue and black paper.

Clementine Rose Gold and Navy Business Cards / Design by Sara Jensen / Printed by Iron Curtain Press

Clementine Rose Gold and Navy Business Cards / Design by Sara Jensen / Printed by Iron Curtain Press

Unique Materials

I thought I had seen everything – but then I saw a leather business card and thought it was the most amazing idea! You can letterpress print, foil stamp, and screen print on leather, making it as versatile a medium as paper. I’ve also seen paper business cards that incorporated embroidery and fabric. The sky’s the limit!

Arnsdorf Leather Business Card

p.s. More creative business card ideas right here!

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