Quick, what’s the first thing you think of when you hear the word “artist”?
We bet that business card didn’t even cross your mind. But maybe it should have.
When you’ve got a passion for art, the last thing you want to do is get distracted by boring stuff like marketing, sales, and networking. But all too often, these boring things are what get you the new commissions and opportunities you crave. So, sometimes they’ve got to be done — and, yes, sometimes you’ve got to use business cards. 🤓
Having an online portfolio, website, social media page etc. is all well and good, of course. But a designer business card? Now that will really elevate your game.
This quick and easy guide offers:
- Explicit instructions for what text to include on your card
- A step-by-step design process
- 11 stand-out artist business card examples to take ideas from
So, let’s get started!
What To Include on Your Artist Business Card
Just what should you include on your artist business cards?
When you’re ready to design art business cards for your brand, this info is a must-have. 😎
Combine these elements with an example of your work for a memorable card that helps you make connections and impress your future clients.
Your name
Obvious? Maybe. Essential? Absolutely. As an artist, you are your work — that means your card needs to feature your name prominently and potently. Be sure that the name on your business card matches the name you use elsewhere (i.e., on social media, your website, when signing your art, etc.).
Your profession
You might be tempted just to put “artist” on the card and be done with it, but if you have a niche, then flaunt it. For example, are you a sculptor? Wildlife photographer? Woodcarver? Graphic designer? Finger painter? 😲 Get specific with your profession, and you’re sure to be more memorable.
Contact Info
What do you call a business card with no contact info? Just another pretty picture. If you want your card to work for you, putting the right contact info on your card is a must. We recommend a professional (not personal!) phone number and email address at the very least.
Website
You can’t showcase all your work (especially on a tiny business card), but you can direct your contacts to your website or online portfolio. Make sure the URL is easy to find and not too intimidating to type in so that people are more likely to visit.
Your Instagram or other social media
There’s no better place to show off your work than on social media — so be sure your potential clients can visit you! Include some of your active professional social media handles so that your contact can stay up-to-date on your work.
Epiic. Easy, affordable design services for all your business needs.
Artist Business Card Design: Amazing Cards in 6 Steps
Pick a size and shape. Most business cards are wallet-sized (3.5 x 2 inches) and rectangular, but that doesn’t mean you have to follow tradition. Instead, go with a mini card, a square design, or something unique — just be sure it’s not too large or unwieldy to carry around conveniently.
Choose your design. What do you want your card to say about you? Is your style clean and modern? Dark and edgy? Nostalgically vintage? No matter what you choose, make sure that your design reflects your brand.
Add visuals and text. If you’ve got a logo, add it! You can also include high-quality pictures of your art, photos, graphics, and symbols. Of course, you’ll also want to add in all the relevant info we talked about above.
Find your fonts and colors. Time for the fun part! Pick out your color scheme and typography styles — again, be sure they’re in line with your brand identity and style to avoid a confusing card.
Do a quick check. Before you even think about printing your cards, do a grammar and design check. Are there any typos? Does the card look cluttered? Have you included all the necessary info?
Complete the look. Can you print your cards on standard printer paper? Yes. Should you? Absolutely not. 😉
Whatever you do, don’t cheap out on materials for your business cards because a cheap card equals a bad impression. Instead, select a stock with a heavier weight to ensure your card feels nice, looks nice, and lasts.
Create a card that you love with some help from
our professional designers.
11 Enviable Artist Business Card Examples
We wish we could include all the awesome artist business card ideas on our list, but until we have more hours in the day these will have to do! For each example, we briefly discuss our favorite elements and design features that you can also use to help make your card stand out.
1. Grayscale and Dynamic
Who says black and white is boring? Here’s a stunning example of grayscale put to good use. The color scheme keeps things looking neat and clean while the detailed drawing shows off the artist’s skill.
We’re also digging the funky font, which really complements the feel of the card.
2. Intricate and Antique
Contemporary color meets vintage design in these unique digital artist business cards. We love the large, impactful pictures combined with the clear contact info.
And using different images on each card is one of the best ideas on this list, as it will make your cards all the more special and unique.
3. Vivid and Multi-Colored
Slapping a huge black blob onto a rainbow of colors is a bold choice – but it absolutely works here. This card creates a feeling of excitement and unconventionality, promising a fresh and bold take on graphic art design.
4. Tranquil and Modern
Here’s a card to appeal to those looking for a more elegant artistic style. The beautiful nature patterns, soothing colors, and minimalist design offer a sophisticated vibe.
Note the way the curving type mimics the swopping leaves to add to the ambiance.
5. Bold and Geometric
How this visual artist card walks the line between fun and professional, we don’t know. But it works! The bouncy circles and bright colors are tempered by dark shadows and a serious font.
We love the simple layout and modern feel of the design as well.
6. Cool and Contemporary
The cartoon person on this card adds a fun pop of color and style that helps offset the (somewhat cramped) text on this artist/cartoonist card. However, we love that the artist included plenty of social media handles to visit.
And the way that each graphic got its own cartoon makeover! Genius!
7. Elegant and Fluid
This gorgeous design forgoes a huge visual and uses clever blocking to keep all the written info neat and organized. We’re huge fans of the ivory background and dark text, which creates a wonderful contrast. You can tell just from the picture that this card is going to feel as luxurious as it looks.
8. Powerful and Moody
This compelling color scheme — like the featured figure — is powerful, dynamic, and might just punch you in the face if you’re not careful. This bold, no-nonsense card makes excellent use of the illustrator’s work as a compelling background image.
It also includes info in a functional way without overwhelming the reader.
9. Expressive and Entrancing
It’s hard to look away from this portrait artist’s card, in part thanks to the detailed drawings. This is a great example of using your work to get some attention.
The unique type helps solidify the artists’ style, and by keeping color to a minimum, the design ensures that the teal aspects really stand out.
10. Surprising and Functional
Just a dull, white business card, you say? Feast your eyes on the other side, and you’ll find an explosion of tropical colors and designs. We love the way this creative director card becomes a pleasant surprise once you flip it over.
As a bonus, the white side is the perfect place for you (or your client) to jot down a quick note or additional info.
11. Simple and Stunning
A minimalist style can make your card very appealing — as is seen with this hair and makeup artist’s business card example. The flowing black and white design is interrupted by a fun pop of red, which highlights this artist’s services.
We love the idea of using symbols in place of photos and pictures to keep the card less cluttered. 💪
Ready to show off your work with a gorgeous business card?
We want to help!
Artist Business Cards FAQs
Even with an understanding of the do’s and don’ts of web design and a checklist, you still have to figure out what approach to take.
To get the most out of your business card, it should feature all of your relevant information. That includes:
- The name you work under
- What type of artist you are
- Your website
- Contact info (phone, email, etc.)
- Active social media handles
Sure, you can always find artist business card ideas and templates online to create your own card, but we get that graphic design isn’t everyone’s forte. If you need help to design art business cards for your brand, reach out to a professional designer for the best results.
Avoid using these on your card:
- Irrelevant/out-of-date information
- Poor quality images
- Hard-to-read typography styles
- Too many colors/fonts/li>
- Too many images/ too much text
When printing business cards, consider using paper ranging from 14 to 32 pt in thickness. Additionally, options like glossy or matte cardstock, linen, hemp, or eco-friendly materials may be available. Laminated or plastic versions are also worth considering, especially for outdoor events.
The thickness and type of material should be chosen based on factors like where it will be stored, how long it needs to last, and the impact you want to make. In our opinion, there’s no clear-cut answer. It depends on the specific circumstances.
Feb 08, 2022
Rebecca
A copywriter with hundreds of projects under her (figurative) belt, Beka enjoys the challenge of crafting unique content. She loves writing just as some people love trolling online message boards :) — in an unabashedly enthusiastic and slightly concerning way.