Most designers will create at least two logo design variations, each would be very similar. Larger design companies would offer at least four or more options however this is not always necessary.

It is important for the designer to focus all efforts on the solution that is right for the clients business and there will be only one solution.
This is always achievable with a sound design brief and the right amount of research.

At this stage the designer will supply a PDF file with two finished designs, the designer will have good reasoning behind why each one works as a solution. There will also be a list of Pantone and typefaces used.

Once presented to the client the final stage will involve refining small areas discussed before creating a final PDF showing the corporate identity.

To make it easy for all you would-be designers, I’ve added templates below to be downloaded for business cards in PDF and Adobe InDesign format.

Download your business card template here:

• Business card PDF template
• Business card InDesign Template

You will notice on the InDesign file a text box which is illustrated in pink to give you a parameters to work your text within. The PDF includes the crop marks and 3mm bleed which you may also find useful.
A few helpful hints:

1) Keep your business card clean and uncluttered
2) make sure the text is easily read
3) Ensure the text and images balance or give equal width from their ends to the edge of the card. (Any slight movement will really show on a business card)
4) Do not place text or important graphics too close to the edge of the card, try to leave at least 6-8mm from the edge of the card.
5) If you want to use borders make them broad and not too thin as any slight deviation in cutting will show ten-fold
6) When using the InDesign file, don’t forget to add crop marks and 3mm bleed when saving as a print ready PDF (see PDF file).

Did you know?
Everydayprint will allow you to upload your own design via their website http://www.everydayprint.co.uk/backend/edouk/products.jsp?onlyUpload=true
or if you need any help contact Jamie, Mel or Debi on 0870 4430 551

A. Treat the designer you brief as a professional.

B. Make sure you explain every aspect as designers are not mind
readers.

C. Have your business model ready and make sure your plan has
been well thought out.

D. Fully understand your business brand, goals and target audience.

E. Have a sound understanding of your product.

F. Remember, nothing is for free!

G. Keep in close communications with the designers - voice all your
concerns and remember to listen to what they have to say.

H. Don’t try to design for the designer, they have been hired by you
to do the job so let them get on with it. The designer should also
take on board your opinions and listen to you.

I. it is important for the designer to listen to the client as not all
Industries are the same.

J. Make sure you set expectations for materials and deadlines.
All these must be communicated well. Meet on a regular basis and
keep in contact at all times.

Most people do not pay attention to the typeface they use in their email, composing Word documents and creating PowerPoint presentations. However, fonts are starting to increase their profile with the documentary Helvetica, examining the appeal of this font, getting good notices. There are online sites where one can buy more than 58,000 fonts and there is even an online campaign to ban the silly typeface Comic Sans. Researchers at Wichita State University in Kansas have written a series of studies examining what the font of your choice says about you.

There are two main groups of typefaces: Serif and Sans Serif. Serif are letters with tiny horizontal lines added to the top and bottom of letters. Sans Serif do not have these horizontal lines. A research study polled 561 subjects in 2005 and 2006 on 20 popular fonts using 15 adjective pairs. The results can be found that those who wanted to create a good impression used Sans Serif fonts like Verdana and Arial. Typefaces that should be avoided were Impact, Gigi, and Courier New. Authors tend to fixate on fonts with one editor apologizing to writers for removing their unique font.

Matthew Carter is one of the most prominent typeface designers in the world responsible for the omnipresent, Microsoft-commissioned fonts, Georgia and Verdana. He also designed a font for Yale University and called it, rather appropriately Yale. Carter was influenced by the style of the 15th century while also making it contemporary because of its wide usage, from student papers to official publications. He made sure that the font wasn’t too unusual but unique as well, capturing the spirit of the school. He did not want the letters to look like they belonged on “food packaging”  and yet had a stately feel.

Carter first designed the typeface in 2004 for the blue signs adorning all Yale buildings with readability being the most important criteria. This came about as a result of a 2000 report that identified signage as a weakness on Yale’s campus and an important factor of a welcoming campus. It was important that signs were subtle with a less is more credo. The blue of the signs, known as Yale Blue, was chosen to evoke a shade of the school’s traditional blue graduation robe.

Now, the Yale typeface is omnipresent, from business cards to Yale’s viewbook complete with a Yale Blue cover.