The best way to create a business card is with Photoshop. If you don't have it available to you I will include a few other options at the bottom but I strongly recommend finding a friend that has it! Or, they often have free 30 day trials which is more than enough time to create your business card. In that case you might as well also create your header for etsy / shop and anything else you can think of.
So let's start with creating a business card template. Like mentioned in the earlier post, a business card measures 3.5" x 2" but to make sure it prints correctly you need to leave a "bleed line" as it's called.
So, now that you're in photoshop, click "file" then click "new". You will see this window and I want you to fill it out as 3.75" x 2.25" because that includes the bleed line. Try a resolution around 300! Feel free to give your card a name so that you don't lose it.
Now that you have your template it's time to design your business card! Let's start with the front:
Let's include your name / business and logo or image.
Choose either an image or colour for you background (that can include white if that is the look you are going for).
For this I chose a dusty pink and filled in the whole card. Next I'm going to include my logo and business name.
For this I used the text layer to add the information required. You can include your logo by creating it in photoshop, or bringing it in if already created. In this case I found the stars in the paint brush style.
This is the finished Front:
Okay, now let's move onto the back!
There is not much difference in how to do it. But here is an example of what to include. You are also welcome to include a different colour or image on the back (typically the image will be on the front and a solid colour on the back).
This is the finished back. Now remember that both of these have a bleed line which is why the font may appear a little smaller than it should. Remember you want people to be able to read you business card easily, including those who are hard of site.
Here are a few places you can get business cards made. The first link does extremely cheap cards with specific templates, they are only one sided and have their logo on it. If you are seriously tight on money it's at least a good start until you can afford professional ones.
The one I recommend by far is: Club Card!
Now, here are a few shops on etsy that have some other options for you if you have a hard time with this. You can also hire someone to create a business card for you. Graphic designers are the ones to do it and there are always students looking to do projects which may be more affordable than a graduated professional. Putting an ad on craigslist or talking to a few friends is a good way to find one.
This shop sells PDF templates for business cards. You still require photoshop but all you have to do is fill in the information. You don't have much creative freedom in the design but it's still a start: Cruzine Design
Now this website has a few more template options. In this case you are actually purchasing the business cards themselves. All you have to do is give them your information and they will fill it out and create them for you. Just remember they are more expensive than getting large quantities from companies like Club Card: Mallory Hope Design
Final option is a similar concept but they send you a digital file and you can get it printed yourself.
There are many different shops and designs on etsy. Just give it a search. You can search "business card" or "PDF business card", or even "business card template" and see what else is out there. Just make sure you read the description accurately so know what you are getting and make sure they have 5 star reputation!
