I am frustrated by my own cards. Admittedly, I have rarely used them yet they are obviously integral to the profession.

As a part-time guy, my stuff usually consists of letters, referrals, testimonials and so on.

I have had various cards. I don't like them. I know the genreal idea, yet they never quite turn out the way I'd like them. That's my fault.

I always like 'the other guy's' cards. I have the ingredients (more or less) for the two or three different cards (for the different markets) and yet I don't want to try anymore.

Instead of cheating again (trying to keep it cheap, simple and convenient) and writing up another order at OfficeMax, I want to pay to have them done for me.

It is MUCH better to be happy (thus leading to you handing them out) with your card and pay whatever price necessary than to sacrifice and sell yourself short. I do it in all other areas...now I got to get it together here.

Can anyone suggest (I know Dean Hankey is a great source of ideas) a place or person to work with me in design? I should add that I want a card to cater to one idea and that is to get them to call me and/or request further information. I don't need or want flashy pretty or cute. I don't need a card that doubles as a 56-way trick, I just want them to respond to what I ask, and that depends on which market I am going after.

So I know what I want ON it more or less, just not the rest. I don't want it to look like I designed it.

I apologize for my brevity Any contacts or ideas from you guys?

Thank you in advance,

Nathan

Dean's a great resource! He gives FAR more than most people I know. Plus, his quality of info is WAY up! As far as design goes, I'd highly recommend Kyle Peron's work. He's not only on this forum, but contributes quite a bit, too. Here's a thread I found where he gave out quite a bit of useful info:

http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......forum=44

By the way, his forum ID is magic4u02.

Good luck!
Scott

Your business card is designed to be a little different than most magicians think.

Lots of guys feel you "gotta do a trick with it" or they won't keep it. That is just plain silly.

First off do the job and do it well. I am serious here. I will say it again for it bears repeating. Do the job and do it well. That is the best business card you can have.

The card itself is contact information for you. How one business person can contact another and do some business. Why make it more than that?

If you do a horrible job and have the most creative card in the industry do you think you will get a call? If so re-think your profession please.

If you do a GREAT job, and have the worst card in the industry, do you think they will NOT call you? I seriously doubt that.

Keep it to the point. Make it clear and professional. Eugene Burgers card simply has a name phone and the word "magic". that's it.

I am not saying you need to break it down that far, but really keep it basic.

Thanks guys. Great information.

I have done well for years without one as I usually try to get their information and send them my 'kit' as it were or have them leave me a message on my toll-free line to get more info.

I do want to keep it basic. No tricks, just my USP/guarantee (again, I have three for the different fields) and essential contact info. This just seems fair to clip onto my invoice and other uses as well as for those that find out what I do in passing and wish to get ahold of me.

Basic is best. Well said.

Posted: Feb 5, 2006 3:10pm
Also, aside from doing elementary schools, this is the first time I've tried to really give serious thought to every aspect of all aspects of my show from the show itself, to the business side as well.

This year I have vowed to really 'nurture' the relationships with any and all clients I have as there is so much money I am leaving on the table by not staying in touch nearly as much as I need to be.

I am going over everything about my magic with a critical eye (which can be painful when you study weaknesses...yuk.)

So a great card will round out things I am missing.

That and a good haircut.

Scott: Many thanks my friend for the kind words. I do appreciate them. For those of you who may not know, Scott does some of the best video work I have ever seen out there. If you are seriously thinking of doing anything with video or a promotional video or DVD, you simply must check out his site and his work. You will not be sorry. He knows his stuff.

PS: If anyone is thinking of working on their own business card or new logo designs etc. Please let me know. I would be happy to talk with you and try and help you answer the questions you may have. It would be my pleasure.

Kyle

Nathan Alexander,
If you need a one of a kind card, Kyle (the post above this) is the man. He did a card for me that impressed the PRINTER!

He is now working on a great logo for my brother and my twin act. Kyles work is top notch.

Ray

Ray,

Thank you for the kind words. I appreciate that. On a side note, I will be sending you the alteractions to your new logo this afternoon so look for it in your e-mail. I think the alterations are exactly what you and your brother are looking for. Thanks for letting me work on this new design projrect with you. It is going quite well and I know it should brand you effectively.

Kyle