I did a search and found nothing that answered my questions.

Few questions:
1) What is needed on a business card? Obviously contact details, ect. But is there need to put: Close-up magic, Kids Shows, Corporate Events? I think once you establish your self as a magician someone can decide whiter you would suit there event or not. So is there need to list these things?

2) Does a business card have to be flashy and colorful?

3) What designs would be suitable for a magicians business card?

These are just a few questions I have before getting a business card produced, I appreciate any advice on business cards!

Mike

There are some GREAT discussion on "Business Cards" here... some recent. Look again bud, it's here!

I am at your service and In HIS Service,
Deano
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Eugen Burger's business card simply say's

Eugene Burger
Magic

and his contact details. It is Black with gold lettering.

Hey Michael,

I'm a graphic designer and a web designer as well and have designed many business cards for magicians and entertainers. Some can be seen at: http://www.spikedsperris.com . It all depends on the magician. Since they're paying me I pretty much do what they say they want, however there have been times when I've seen them get a little toooooo cheasy for my taste. Since I have a look and image that may appear scary to some folks I do alter it for different shows, and in that respect I have different business cards for each different type of show that I do. I have a business card designed strictly for kid and faimly style shows with a little catch phrase and my toll free number and web site. This one has my picture on it and is very colorful with funky sort of cartoonish letterint. I also have a business card designed for more corporate and sort of reserved potential clients. Its sort of an "all around" card. Basic black with I guess "magical looking" font with a different web site, phone number, as well as a testimonial from a high-end client under my name. And basically says I do corporate and special events. Plain, simple and to the point. Then I have my "Hollywood Card" as I call it. It is very extreme with lots of eye candy graphics, some testimonials on one side from edgier more celebrity status folks and is darker and whatnot. Obviously not for the kid shows. Same thing, it has some pics, yet a different web address, and phone number. It may sound stupid to carry three different business cards all at the same time, but trust me it pays off. It also pays off to have three different web sites that compliment their mate business card. This makes it look like I strictly do "kid and family" shows for example, so I'm the man for the job. Rather than sending them to one site and make them have to look around for the particular show package and have to pass through all the other mumbojumbo about my other shows.
I'm not saying that's the ONLY way to do it, but it has worked well for me since I constantly have to alter my image depending on what gig I have today. But that's show business, and business is the bigger of the two words... If you have any questions on where to get cards printed or anything else as far as from a design aspect let me know, I'll help you out where I can!

My business cards aren't card but are plastic instead. Cost a bit more but EVERYBODY comments about them AND THEY LAST! I've had people book me years later because they've kept the card. I have loads of cards from magicians I've worked with and most of them are boringly predictable and made to look like cards from a pack. I've never felt the need to hire one of these magicians through my agency. I book people whose quality shows through in everything they do and the business card is how people remember you.

Be original, make your card original.

Nigel

A business card needs to clearly communicate your contact information and create interest for it to be held onto.

Mine was done by an award winning designer and infact won a national award itself. Oddly a friend of mine who I had not seen in years saw the card published a book and called me up to see what the deal was.

So yes, it pays to be unique.

Cheers,

Tom

Not sure if it's just me
but your own website doesn't function properly with Mozilla Fire Fox

bb

I know, just never got around to optimizing it yet, still famialurising myself with xhtml. Like my post says, I'm a DESIGNER, not a programmer...but maybe its just me and I didn't make that clear enough

Thanks guys for all the comments! I am trying to come up with a catch faze, then all I need to do it come up with a design.


Mike

Spend more time and money making it so they ASK for your card, no matter what it looks like they will keep it if your act holds up.

Nice site, I'm thinking about getting some stuff done.

Another really neat note, have you ever tried to print them yourself? I'm using my fiance's print gocco that you can find at any Dick Blick store. Home made screen printing. Not bad, but you have to be patient, also you can do tee shirts vinyl stickers, and the punk rock canvas patches.

Above all else, your business card needs to communicate who you are and exactly what it is you do. It also needs to target your market as effectively as it can and be of top quality in both design and what it communicates. If a design only looks pretty but fails to communicate effectively, then it just does not work.

When I work on designs for other business etc., people are always surprised at how much time upfront I spend with them just asking questions and finding out what it is they do and what they have to offer as well as what makes them or their business unique. The reason for this is that unless the designer or artist realizes and comes to terms with knowing the client, then he or she will never be able to develop an effective marketing tool that actually functions and works to gain that client more business.

Just my humble opinion.

Kyle

Just another thought that I think came from Dell O'Dell. Always give two cards to everybody. One to keep and one to pass. If you cannot afford to give away two cards, get cheaper cards. After all, you know where you live.

I just ordered another 2500 cards for about $100 shipped. That will last about a year.

What is really funny is to see some of my cards show up on ebay in collections for sale.

Richard

I don't like colorful magic bussiness cards,I make them mysterious,it depends of what type of magic your selling,the kids love colors,I like black ,white ,blue ,on my business cards.

Remember it is not so much about what YOU like as it is what communicates best to the target audience or market you are after. Your card needs to convey the right message and information about YOU and what you do and do it in an effective manner.

Richard is right about giving out your cards. USE THEM!!! It sounds simple and common sense, but I know folks who have cards and never see all the opportunities to give them out to folks. If you have cards and you are not givingt them out effectively, then you are wasting your own money.

Also, when you give out your card always ask for a card back in return if they have one. This takes some getting used to, but is a very "active" format of marketing that will keep you in control of the sales process. It really works and is a good habit to get yourself into.

Kyle

Color business cards for me make sense. I did the printed cards with two color ink and such. But the photo of the flowers sell the product and me. I have changed the card from a more distance shot (like on the opening of my webpage) to the closeup of me that is in avitar.

I find it more effective to sell my personality and the act as a real person not just a guy with a bunch of big props.

Richard

You have to do what you feel brands you and your product the best. For Richard, it only makes sense to go with a photo card because of the nature of the product and th style of magic of which he is selling. The photo card becomes the best way to brand him and his product in the best manner that communicates well to his target audiences.

Whether you go with photo cards or a more logo based card, keep in mind that quality and ease of communication should be 2 of the main points you are seeking. Often times your card is the first impression a prospect will ever egt from you. You want this first impression to be a good one.

Kyle

Hi Mike-
Keep it simple. This is something you will be giving potential customers. This is NOT your brochure or your website BUT it is a something that can direct people to your site so they can get a better idea of who you are and what you do.

PT has a good point here. If you find yourself wanting to place too much info on the card, then perhaps the best idea for you is to make a good business card or calling card and save that other detailed information for use on a different marketing material such as a postcard.

Kyle