Don't Get Lost in the Crowd: The Secret to Effective Business Cards

What do Lady Gaga, Frida Kahlo and Ernest Hemingway have in common? Extremely strong personal brands.

Building a strong and recognizable brand like these artists is a huge undertaking. So, let's start with a small but very important step towards a strong personal brand - your business card.

We've put together seven key components of a memorable and effective business card to ensure the recipient keeps the business card and the card keeps you in the spotlight. Does your business card have:

1. All the right details 

Business cards provide basic contact information and make it easy to sell art!

• Name. As an artist, your name is your professional brand—make it stand out. Also indicate the type of artist - sculptor, painter, photographer, etc.

• E-mail address. Provide a dedicated email address for your art business so that potential buyers can contact you anywhere, anytime.

• Your work URL—your personal website and art archive profile—and even your social media feeds—allows people to access more of your work. And hopefully find a piece to buy! Think of a call to action before the URL, like "Visit my online portfolio."

• Address - If you have a dedicated studio address/PO box, add it to your business card. Some buyers like the ability to communicate by mail.

• Phone number - Enter the phone number you will answer. And set up a 24-hour voicemail with studio hours if you're doing commissions, where your work and other basic information is on display.

To learn more about what basic information to include on a business card, see

2. Images that impress

Images of your work will make you memorable and unique. Quality images are a must! Make sure it's your signature style and your work is easily recognizable. You can even include an image of you and your art. This will allow potential buyers to put the face of the name - and the name of the amazing art! However, remember not to overdo it. You don't want this amazing art to be too small or too crowded to do justice to it.

A selection of our favorite business cards from the Summer Art Fair (clockwise from left to right): , , , and .

3. Reasonable size  

Goldilocks knows a thing or two about ideal size. Find the golden mean of this size. If it's too big to fit in your wallet, try a smaller one. If it's too small to keep track of, try more. Most business cards are 3.50" x 2.0". That being said, feel free to play with sizes and be unique. Try square cards (2.56" x 2.56") or mini cards (2.75" x 1.10").

4. Proper supply

Although most postcards are paper, thin paper is not the best choice. Try something stronger that won't wrinkle during transport. This will make you stand out from the crowd. Many business card manufacturers offer different weight options. Start with 350gsm paper as a good standard. Feel luxurious, choose 600 g/m².

5. Subtle shine

There are two main options here - matte or glossy. This is a personal preference, but many modern cards lean towards matte. Not a boring matte, but a silky matte with a slight sheen. Gloss can also make it difficult for potential buyers to write notes on your postcard. Notes on your art are a good sign - they could lead to a sale!

6. Easy to read

You've spent days agonizing over what to say - okay, a little dramatic - but you've put in the effort to choose the words on your card. Don't forget to make them readable. The font, font size, and color choice play an important role in readability. The little yellow calligraphy on a white background will make even those with a 20/20 reach for their glasses. Be sure to choose an easy-to-read font that is large enough. And the magic of color theory.

7. Wise use of space 

Do you find it difficult to fit images and information on a 3.50 x 2.0 inch rectangle? Consider using both sides. It's ok if you have empty space. This allows potential buyers to make notes on a card about their favorite item or where they met you. In addition, duplex printing costs only slightly more than single-sided printing. Take action!