Business Card thoughts on design

[ukpartydj]

No idea why I haven't done this ages ago as these were designed in 2009 but I'm getting new business cards and would like some opinions.

OLD CARD -

15639

Front of New card (white diamonds will be spot UV)

15641

Back of new card

15640

Will probably be using https://www.facebook.com/48Press as the price for spot UV is very good.
Any thoughts or suggestions are most welcome.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I don't like either of them. They both look very amateur to me, sorry.

Get them designed professionally.

[sweetie]

Seeing as you helped me on the other thread :)

I really like it and its a big improvement, looks very professional.

My only suggestion would be possibly to add a pair of earphones or decks under the UKPartyDj logo on each side
(a simple logo/picture in white) to give a bit of variation and to fill the space more. Just an idea..

[ukpartydj]

I don't like either of them. They both look very amateur to me, sorry.

Get them designed professionally.

I appreciate the honesty, however I'm pretty good at this whole graphic design business (not saying I'm amazing) but I know I'm not at the "get it done professionally" stage (which is what I'd have suggested to 2009 me who made the old card.)
May I ask what you think makes the card look amateur?


Seeing as you helped me on the other thread :)

My only suggestion would be possibly to add a pair of earphones or decks under the UKPartyDj logo on each side
(a simple logo/picture in white) to give a bit of variation and to fill the space more. Just an idea..

Think you may be right about the space filling idea, cheers.

[Shaun]

My only suggestion would be possibly to add a pair of earphones or decks under the UKPartyDj logo on each side
.

Hmmm, not too sure about that. Having designed probably hundreds of DJs cards and logos over the last 12 years a lot tend to want the same old cliched images you've just described. Very predictable and a little boring. But hey, that's just me.



------------------------


Re: the re-design. It's just not doing it for me, it's a little too basic. Sometimes basic is good if you use some design methods to give it a little flair, but currently it's a little too basic for my personal liking. I completely agree with Darren about hiring someone with experience. There's some good designers here on the forum, and if you have a look at their design prices they are CRAZY CRAZY cheap at the moment. There's no better time to grab yourself a professional re-brand at a great price.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

May I ask what you think makes the card look amateur?


If it looks like it's been done on a word processor, which I think it has, then it looks amateur. Compare yours to some of Shaun's designs, or Leap Creatives from here and you may see what I mean. It's all opinion obviously, but I wouldn't say you are 'good' at designing based on this card.

As Shaun says, the design of a card by a pro is so cheap, that there isn't any reason not to go to a professional designer IMO.

Stick to what you know. :)

[sweetie]

Hmmm, not too sure about that. Having designed probably hundreds of DJs cards and logos over the last 12 years a lot tend to want the same old cliched images you've just described. Very predictable and a little boring. But hey, that's just me.



------------------------


Re: the re-design. It's just not doing it for me, it's a little too basic. Sometimes basic is good if you use some design methods to give it a little flair, but currently it's a little too basic for my personal liking. I completely agree with Darren about hiring someone with experience. There's some good designers here on the forum, and if you have a look at their design prices they are CRAZY CRAZY cheap at the moment. There's no better time to grab yourself a professional re-brand at a great price.

I agree it's a bit cliched but it could do with something to fill the space and I would think both those items are most closely associated with djing.
Would you not put any images on a card or if you would what would you chooses (genuine question?)

Personally to me as a consumer a card is a card and I would only notice the bad ones. I find most of my tradesmen/supplier etc through the net, forums and via recommendations so for me it wouldn't be the place I would spend much money on when it could be used more productively in other promotional areas.

[Shaun]

I agree it's a bit cliched but it could do with something to fill the space and I would think both those items are most closely associated with djing.
Would you not put any images on a card or if you would what would you chooses (genuine question?)


I genuinely don't think it needs the space filled at all. A business card is fairly small, normally 85mm x 55mm, so overuse of space can make a card design look crowded. Just your logo on it with a nicely designed background will suffice.





Personally to me as a consumer a card is a card and I would only notice the bad ones. I find most of my tradesmen/supplier etc through the net, forums and via recommendations so for me it wouldn't be the place I would spend much money on when it could be used more productively in other promotional areas.

Where as I completely disagree. As a wise man once said "Everything Matters", and he was right. There should be consistency across every aspect of your business that represents you. Be it website design, all your marketing, appearance of your gear etc etc. Everything should be to a consistent high standard that represents the image you wish to portray of your business.

As I said earlier, look in the advertisers section and see just how cheap the re-branding of your company can be.

[ukpartydj]

If it looks like it's been done on a word processor, which I think it has, then it looks amateur. Compare yours to some of Shaun's designs, or Leap Creatives from here and you may see what I mean. It's all opinion obviously, but I wouldn't say you are 'good' at designing based on this card.

As Shaun says, the design of a card by a pro is so cheap, that there isn't any reason not to go to a professional designer IMO.

Stick to what you know. :)

I must say I'm really struggling to find this un-offensive with cheap comments like - I think it's been done on a word processor... I've been designing websites and flyers / posters since I was 13 - I'm not a professional but I definitely know how to design.


Just your logo on it with a nicely designed background will suffice.

Right that right there is what I'm looking for - a nice background, maybe a most interesting UV spot pattern would work and then something for the back.
Not looking for a re-brand, that's been done already and I'm in the process of making my new website - http://www.ukpartydj.com/V4/wedding-dj-prices.php
I'll make some adjustments and see what you guys think.

[hammy]

As said there are some great designers on here, The best one has retired :p Here is my card that Leap Creative designed for me

15642

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I must say I'm really struggling to find this un-offensive with cheap comments like - I think it's been done on a word processor... I've been designing websites and flyers / posters since I was 13 - I'm not a professional but I definitely know how to design.



Why ask for opinions if you don't want honesty? Why is it a cheap comment? Compare it to Shaun's work or others on here and it doesn't come up to scratch. It is set out badly, colours aren't great, fonts don't stand out and it doesn't say 'professional' to me. It looks amateur and I wouldn't say you're a designer based on that card.

There are plenty of people who have been DJing for years, but it doesn't mean they are any good.



Any thoughts or suggestions are most welcome.

Unless you don't like them?

[SC Events]

I've been designing websites and flyers / posters since I was 13 - I'm not a professional but I definitely know how to design.

There's a difference between buying Photoshop and actually being a designer... Also, you say you've been designing websites for years, but i've just had a look at that link you posted and it looks like something Vistaprint would produce. Sorry, but that's my opinion.


I'm pretty good at this whole graphic design business

I have to disagree. As has been mentioned, compared with Shaun and Lee (Leap Creative), your design isn't even in the same league...

[Mr Spyke]

+1 for Lee at Leap,

He is very helpful and takes your ideas into account to produce something you both are proud of, very reasonable prices aswell IMO. I designed my own cards and although I was happy with what I did, when I saw the difference that Lee's design made I was blown away. If you don't like his design then don't go ahead, what's the worst that could happen? I think designing would only cost about £10 so not something you need to take out a mortgage for.

[ukpartydj]

Why ask for opinions if you don't want honesty? Why is it a cheap comment? Compare it to Shaun's work or others on here and it doesn't come up to scratch. It is set out badly, colours aren't great, fonts don't stand out and it doesn't say 'professional' to me. It looks amateur and I wouldn't say you're a designer based on that card.

There are plenty of people who have been DJing for years, but it doesn't mean they are any good.

Unless you don't like them?

It's cheap because it's obviously impossible to create that design using a word processor. It would be like if I said a monkey could DJ better than you.



There's a difference between buying Photoshop and actually being a designer... Also, you say you've been designing websites for years, but i've just had a look at that link you posted and it looks like something Vistaprint would produce. Sorry, but that's my opinion.

I have to disagree. As has been mentioned, compared with Shaun and Lee (Leap Creative), your design isn't even in the same league...

Right can we get something straight here ... I'm not suggesting that I am as good as Lee or any other professional. I am however 100% suggesting if you check you're facts you'll realise that what you're saying is :BS: Vistaprint's website's look nothing like mine nor do they contain half of elements I've included.

You may not think I'm a good designer but many people who probably aren't so critical have said they think my designs are good - I did not start this thread to prove that to anybody. I wanted people's opinions of the card NOT OF ME!

All this being said I had no idea how cheap the design would be I was expecting £50+ so will probably go with that as all I can muster up at the moment is a rather posh looking card which isn't my target audience haha typical - 15643

[Shaun]

I've been designing websites and flyers / posters since I was 13 - I'm not a professional but I definitely know how to design.


Sometimes a different perspective on the interpretation of the design is a good thing. I've been dappling in design for about 15 years and even I'm going to use the services of one of the designers here on the forum for my next project. Why would I want to do that if I can do it myself? Simple! A new and different perspective. I've seen good examples of their work and their prices are great.

[ukpartydj]

Sometimes a different perspective on the interpretation of the design is a good thing. I've been dappling in design for about 15 years and even I'm going to use the services of one of the designers here on the forum for my next project. Why would I want to do that if I can do it myself? Simple! A new and different perspective. I've seen good examples of their work and their prices are great.

Fair point, I always ask a few people their opinions on everything I design hence this thread.

[surround sounds]

its a lot better than some i have seen but as already said in the thread either redo them or get lee to do them.

[Jiggles]

I have some good offers on design work just now. :) See here for more info! http://www.forum.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/showthread.php?40229-Current-Offers

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Fair point, I always ask a few people their opinions on everything I design hence this thread.

And then you throw your toys out of your pram.

If you don't want opinions, then don't post.

I don't like your card and have had my opinion.

Stop being a sulky child just because I don't like what you 'designed'

[SC Events]

Right can we get something straight here ... I'm not suggesting that I am as good as Lee or any other professional. I am however 100% suggesting if you check you're facts you'll realise that what you're saying is :BS: Vistaprint's website's look nothing like mine nor do they contain half of elements I've included.

You may not think I'm a good designer but many people who probably aren't so critical have said they think my designs are good - I did not start this thread to prove that to anybody. I wanted people's opinions of the card NOT OF ME!

All this being said I had no idea how cheap the design would be I was expecting £50+ so will probably go with that as all I can muster up at the moment is a rather posh looking card which isn't my target audience haha typical

How can an opinion be :BS: ? Also, what I quoted was what you had written, so therefore I have no facts to check. Your two comments that I quoted came across as arrogant and big-headed to me.

My opinion was that your website looks like something Vistaprint or another cheapo company would come up with. Like I said, that's my opinion.

For £10 - £15 you can have a professional design you a card and you'll have their perspective as well, as Shaun said.

Your last sentence confuses me somewhat... You say your card is too posh and is aiming at the wrong audience, are you trying to attract £100 pub gigs then? :confused:

I've noticed this on your current website: "Some photographs and fonts may not be owned by UK Party DJ" - Then why are they one there? :confused: :confused:


Anyway, i've got better things to do with my time, so i'll bow out of this thread now.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

It would be like if I said a monkey could DJ better than you.


No, it wouldn't.

I haven't put my DJing skills on display and neither have I asked for anyone's opinion on them.

Grow up and accept critique, otherwise don't put your designs on here.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Sorry but I agree with Darren.
If you are going to ask for comments then you have to accept both positive and negative.
I'm surprised you haven't come up with something better than that if you say you have been doing what you've been doing since the age of 13.
I used a template from Vistaprint when I first started and I'm still using it now. It looks great in my opinion.

Apologies but you have come across like a bit of a stroppy kid if I'm honest.

[ukpartydj]

To be honest I feel the comments made by both Solitaire & SC events were unconstructive and the word processor and vistaprint comments I've already discussed is basically taking it the extreme which I'm assuming was to provoke as I cannot see another reason why you would suggest them as neither are anything like my work!

And it obviously worked.

I enjoy designing I just wanted a few opinions which were helpful and not rude. Which I will thank Shaun & Sweetie for providing.
Despite all of this at least It was made clear I needed to re-design :)
God knows why I'm doing this but - what are you're honest thoughts on the new designs (I promise not to respond to anything that sounds insulting this time).
Front
15652
Back
15653

EDIT //

I've not included the Spot UV artwork overlayed this time but I intend to put it over the logo and website address on the front.

[Shaun]

I completely agree about having to take the positive comments with the negative. If you're going to ask for feedback publicly you have to take the good with the bad I'm afraid.

However, I can also understand the frustration when your efforts get slated. I've lost count of the times over the years where I've worked on designs, revised the design over and over getting it exactly to the customers exact specifications. Only for the client to post it on a forum for feedback and 50 people giving 50 different viewpoints... confusing the client all over again, lol. Whilst I do think you've perhaps taking things a little too personally David, at the end of the day the only opinion that matters is yourself. If you're happy with the design it's a case of taking on board the comments you want to and disregarding all the others (my comments included). It's your card at the end of the day so only you can decide if it's up to par or not.

[Shaun]

To be honest I feel the comments made by both Solitaire & SC events were unconstructive and the word processor and vistaprint comments I've already discussed is basically taking it the extreme which I'm assuming was to provoke as I cannot see another reason why you would suggest them as neither are anything like my work!

And it obviously worked.



In fairness you asked the following...


Business Card thoughts on design

Which is what they've done.

Had you asked for only constructive comments then you may have not got opinions. To accuse people unduly of provocation is a bit over the top.


P.s. The latest card background is my favourite so far. However, I'm not keen on backgrounds that are a different layout to the other side (i.e. one landscape one portrait).

You also need to tweak the kerning on your fonts to balance it out more. :beer1:

[ukpartydj]

In fairness you asked the following...



Which is what they've done.

Had you asked for only constructive comments then you may have not got opinions. To accuse people unduly of provocation is a bit over the top.


P.s. The latest card background is my favourite so far. However, I'm not keen on backgrounds that are a different layout to the other side (i.e. one landscape one portrait).

You also need to tweak the kerning on your fonts to balance it out more. :beer1:

I think the different orientations are going to stay, I did think twice about doing it but the back looks cramped in landscape. Thanks for the kerning - they were on -17, can't remember doing that!

[Shaun]

I think the different orientations are going to stay, I did think twice about doing it but the back looks cramped in landscape. Thanks for the kerning - they were on -17, can't remember doing that!

The kerning need altered on quite a few individual letters. Some are closer to the adjoining font than others.

Re: the back. Perhaps move the telephone number to the front of the card next to the url, and remove the logo, URL and number from the back altogether - that would free up quite a lot of space. With such a small design space on a card I'd be keen not to repeat images and text over both sides?

[Shaun]

The best one has retired :p



Lol. Awww, thanks . :)

Retirement is great though. I never realised quite how much of my time the design took up till I jacked it in. I have free time again. :d




Now, if I can just win the lottery and be able to retire from this DJ malarkey I'll be a happy chappy.

[ukpartydj]

The kerning need altered on quite a few individual letters. Some are closer to the adjoining font than others.

Re: the back. Perhaps move the telephone number to the front of the card next to the url, and remove the logo, URL and number from the back altogether - that would free up quite a lot of space. With such a small design space on a card I'd be keen not to repeat images and text over both sides?

This font I'm using doesn't like numbers, every number of the telephone needed re-sizing.
Cheers for the help - it's almost exactly how I want it now just got to sort out a spot UV template and then I'll be sorted!

[DazzyD]

I completely agree about having to take the positive comments with the negative. If you're going to ask for feedback publicly you have to take the good with the bad I'm afraid.

However, I can also understand the frustration when your efforts get slated. I've lost count of the times over the years where I've worked on designs, revised the design over and over getting it exactly to the customers exact specifications. Only for the client to post it on a forum for feedback and 50 people giving 50 different viewpoints... confusing the client all over again, lol. Whilst I do think you've perhaps taking things a little too personally David, at the end of the day the only opinion that matters is yourself. If you're happy with the design it's a case of taking on board the comments you want to and disregarding all the others (my comments included). It's your card at the end of the day so only you can decide if it's up to par or not.

And this about sums it up perfectly! Design is a very subjective area that's open to the widest range of opinion and tastes. Everyone has different tastes therefore everyone has a different opinion. If you like it then run with it. Simples! :)

For what it's worth, I don't really like the colour scheme but that's just my opinion based on my own tastes. And I would agree with Shaun about not having the front and back with different orientations but that's because I feel it's more comfortable to just flip the card from front to back without having to include an extra twist to get the card upright. Maybe I'm Just old school!!

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Fantastic, beautiful, should be up for an award....

:rolleyes:

[ukpartydj]

And this about sums it up perfectly! Design is a very subjective area that's open to the widest range of opinion and tastes. Everyone has different tastes therefore everyone has a different opinion. If you like it then run with it. Simples! :)

That is true, but when it comes to business media the customers need to be considered. And my personal opinion may not be the best one.
I don't really want to carry 3 sets of business cards so a generic one which could be handed to people interested in Weddings, Kids Parties, Adtult Parties, Corporate events & Venues is needed.
Had a look it again this morning and think I may experiment using the background on my website.



Fantastic, beautiful, should be up for an award....

:rolleyes:

As always - you're too kind!

[jk74]

what's the going price to get a business card designed?

[Shaun]

what's the going price to get a business card designed?

You can find info and prices in the advertisers section of the forum. Check out the 'Kalax' & 'Leap Creative' sections.

[jk74]

Thanks Shaun