As I've mentioned on other parts of my site, there are now numerous programs and options to aid you in designing your own business cards. These vary from high end professional graphic design programs all the way to 3-step websites that will even print and ship them to you when you are done. Obviously, you don't have as much control over the design of your business cards with the latter. If you are planning on designing and printing your own business cards you need to ask yourself one main question. What level of computer expertise do you have? The answer to this question will send you along in two different directions.
Firstly, I'll explain the best route to design business cards for those of you who are a typical and completely average computer user. Your best choice to keep it simple try one of the all in one websites that allow customization. Most of these business card printing sites, if not all, allow you to choose from various templates and sometimes even upload your own artwork and pictures. You are able choose, edit, move, and even remove each of the elements on the business card design. You would be surprised as to how many businesses use these online printing companies for their business cards and sometimes even all of their company literature. The pricing is usually quite a lot less than local print shops because they obviously have much less overhead and access to millions of customers instead of hundreds. Overall, using the online card design tools is not a bad route!
Here are the options for you more advanced computer users. To be honest, you have a plethora of options for business card design programs. You can find cheaper software all over the place that will usually get the job done (think Amazon, eBay, and even BestBuy.) If you're looking to design some completely unique business cards I suggest picking up either Adobe Photoshop or Microsoft Publisher. They are both great programs, however, Photoshop seems to offer you more freedom in your design. You can literally design every aspect of the business cards and control the resolution, borders, and even add effects such as drop shadows, outer glows, and gradients. If you do decide to use Photoshop you'll notice that it is an amazing program and most likely end up turning graphic design into one of your hobbies!
Either way, designing your cards and/or business stationary should be a fun thing. Have fun with it and use your imagination. In the past, I have even used different ideas from the business cards that I have collected over the years to fuel my own designs.
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