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Your guide to creating a business card for the art world

In the modern economy, business cards are a must. Having a physical representation of you and your work that you can hand to someone can be crucial, especially if you work independently. Good business cards might not skyrocket you to the top of the artistic world, but they can't hurt. They are first impressions that can lead to sales down the road, and the last thing you  want is to miss out on an opportunity because you didn't have a business card.

However, even as someone who is constantly creating, designing your business card can be daunting. There are unwritten rules governing what you should put on it and what you shouldn't, and they are constantly changing. Here is the breakdown on how to design your perfect art business card:

Include your social networks
Some people prefer a phone call when it comes to getting in touch. Others opt for the professional email. In this day's age, however, it's all about social media presence. There's Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, LinkedIn, Google Plus, etc. The list goes on. Maybe you have one of these serving as your professional network, maybe you have them all. Many artists get discovered through social media sites, and this is how they make a living. If you are confident that your social media content represents you best as artistic brand, include your pages on your business card.

However, if you consider yourself a social-media guru with more than four of five sites, narrow it down to your most professional networks to include so you don't overwhelm your potential customers. Hint: If you sell your art online through Etsy, definitely include that on your business card. It's a great way for people to be able to get in contact with you and purchase your art.

Your art
An important aspect to your business card, other than identifying information about yourself, is showcasing your art. This should be the most memorable feature on your card. Clients may forget your name or face, but they won't forget a beautiful picture that captivated them. If you work in several mediums, consider including the one that best represents you and what you're trying to accomplish as an artist. Make sure all the images are the highest quality to showcase your work in the best light possible.

Don't overdo it
A pro tip to remember is to keep it simple. From the format to the style, just be sure that everything is easily readable. The last thing you would want is to deter a possible sale or opportunity because someone couldn't read your font. Represent yourself the best way you see fit, but always remember your audience.

See what everyone else is doing
If you're still not sure how to create the best business card, look for inspiration. Ask everyone around you for their cards. If you partake in festivals and fairs, you can easily snatch different business cards from your colleagues. 

Pro tip: When you finally finish your business card, be sure to carry it around with you everywhere you go. Don't let them gather dust on a desk at home. Making sure you have them on you at all times is the best way to create your own opportunities and the easiest way to market yourself. Make sure that your friends and family have a good supply, too. That way, they can pass on your information if they see a good opportunity.