"HORIZONTAL LAYOUTS" > Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

All of these example designs were created with the Interactive Business Card Designer. These examples and the IBCD are primarily for experimenting with different layout options. Don't put too much emphasis on the limited font choices, line spacing, etc. If you had more information to put on the card, you'd probably use smaller/different fonts but the general layout might echo some of the examples shown.

Within those limitations here are a variety of possible horizontal business card layouts for our fictional Sales Manager at New Edition Components. Some may be good, some may be bad, some might need a little tweaking. The point of the exercise is to hone your eye for what does and doesn't work.

A. The elements seem disconnected, just floating around on this version. What do you think?

B. Better, although the bottom line runs together.

C. The smaller logo makes room for adding more information (in this case, the address).

D. I don't care for the "something in every corner" layout but I think it could work if the logo were more balanced or perhaps circular? What do you think?

TIPS
One common feature of these four layouts is the large, bold phone number in the lower right corner. Look at a variety of business cards. You'll find that quite often the contact information is placed in the lower right corner. Making the phone number larger, bolder is one indication that this is the preferred method of contacting the individual. (On the About.com business cards provided to guides our email and URL are in the lower right corner.)

If you visually divide the cards into thirds, you'll find that most elements or groups of elements fall neatly into each section. Notice how the placement of the company name above or below Mr. Doe's name changes the emphasis or "importance" of that element.

E. Compare this layout to the three below. A simple change creates a new look each time.

F. Same basic layout as above but with some decorative stripes bleeding off the top of the card in place of the logo.

G. The bars coming in from the left give the name/title more emphasis than in the other layouts.

H. Here, a few boxes add interest. For better balance the company name is moved left under the boxes.

Try the Interactive Business Card Designer to come up with your own variations.

Next Page > Vertical Layouts > Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Images within this article copyright 1999 Jacci Howard Bear.