This article originally appeared in the June/July 2009 issue of InDesign Magazine (#30). Subscribe to InDesign Magazine here.

You only get one chance to make a first impression. A cliche, but true -- and while this applies to many things in life, it’s particularly true of business cards. Making a strong initial impact with your business card can make the difference between getting the job and your card being on a fast track to a bottom drawer -- or the recycling bin.

It’s good to stand out from the crowd with a business card that is funny, unexpected, or clever, or all three, but first and foremost a business card should be functional. It’s all common sense really, but don’t lose sight of the fact that a successful card should give a positive first impression; provide clear and accurate information; and be kept by those you give it to. Anything else is gravy.

In this article, I'll cover the following considerations as they apply to business cards:

1. What to include
2. Orientation
3. One- or two-sided?
4. Unusual shapes and sizes
5. Humor
6. Numbers: which to include and how to format them
7. Photos
8. What to print on
9. Extras

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