DIY B•cards A lunch and learn talk for WorkBar The basics of how to design and print your own business card without using a cheesy template that looks like everyone else's.

1. {durable}
DIY
B·cards
indieconomy

2. 2
making bcards: the overview
1. Concept
2.Gatherinfo&assets
3.Technical set up
4.Layout & finessing
5.Print prep & off it goes

3. 3
1. Concept
situations you may be in:
established
brand with
a brand
standards guide.
you have
a logo
but that’s
about it.
you’re a brand
new brand.
(you’ve got
nothin’)
rules!
just a
starting
point
freedom!

4. 4
1. Concept
spend a few minutes of introspection about your brand
What personality doyouwant
your cardto convey?
Who istheaudiencethatyou
wantto likeand respondto
your card?

5. 5
1. Concept
examples
your personality (&youraudience’s)
modern corporate classic
organic
trendy (puta bird on it)
cute/fun
clever/visual pun

6. 6
1. Concept
decide how to print it now
can be very
impressive, if
you have
the budet
if you have to
match special
colors exactly or
want specific/fancy
paper
cheapest/best
value and still
a ton of options
crazy
custom
or letter-
press
local
offset
(2 or 4c)
online
places
what we’ll talk about today

7. 7
1. Concept
some online printers you might like
dgi (4colorprint.com)
overnight prints (overnightprints.com)
greener Printer (greenerprinter.com)
clubflyers (clubflyers.com)
Optamark (optamark.com)
workbar discount!
workbar discount!

8. 8
2.Gatherinfo&assets
find the files
logo
photographs & illustrations
fonts

9. 9
2.Gatherinfo&assets
grab the specs
size (probably 3.5x2", unless it’s not)
Bleed (probably .125", unless it’s not)
safe area (just be careful about the edge)
Resolution (usually 300dpi)
special stuff (custom die cuts, custom
spot varnish, metallic foil, special folds, glitter)

10. 10
3.Technical set up
in Adobe InDesign
free 1-monthtrial
(creative.adobe.com/products/indesign)
Illustrator
Photoshop
word/publisher/powerpoint

11. 11
3.Technical set up
set up your file
Indesigntime!

12. 12
4.Layout & finessing
stuff that’s good to put on your card (unless it’s not)
your name &title
your logo (& brand graphics)
your phone number(s) & email
yourwebsite
your social media stuff
your tagline oryour mission

13. 13
5.Print prep & off it goes
doublecheck and wrap it up
Indesign & internettime!

14. 14
making bcards: the end
resources
annie smidt
annie@durablecreative.com
durablecreative.com / indieconomy.co
these slides
slideshare.net/anniesmidt
bcard ideas
pinterest.com/anniesmidt/design-bcards/