Business cards are a staple of the branding toolkit and for many years, the only personalize, branded material that you carried on a daily basis. As social media sites like LinkedIn continue to move into the professional world, the business card has lost much of its allure to connecting and networking professionals. But standing out in the social world of fixed profiles with fixed data allows the business card a new role; a creative, expressive way to stand out.

Designing an exceptional business card can be daunting. The small size ensures that space must be utilized with purpose and creativity. The business card is not so much about ensuring a potential client can contact you, rather that they will never forget you.

Whether you are a graphic designer, freelance photographer, a Fortune 500 executive, or a college student looking for your first job, a beautiful, bold business card can help you stand out from the crowd. Here are some of the best examples of creative designs from some of the best designers around.

Bidness Cards by

This card tells a story and I want to know the ending. It is simple in execution and shows off the talent and creativity that is expected from a card with design & illustration as the job description. By keeping the information light, it’s obvious that the goal is to wow you with the design and get you to email if you’re interested.

For more from Justin Pervorse visit JustinPervorse.com or @justinpervorse on Twitter

Ueno Rebrand : Business cards #3

This is a beautiful design and stands out. Flipping the design to a vertical design helps stand out in a pile and the vivid, beautiful colors draw you in. This is not your father’s business card, but it doesn’t need to be. Handing this to a potential client would ensure you are not forgotten.

View more from Ueno at Ueno.co or at Twitter @uenodotco

Restaurant business card (2002)

The utter simplicity and creativity of this card blows me away. If the owner of a new restaurant handed me this, it would be the next place on my list. This is a classic case of how beautiful design can help paint a picture of the business it personifies.

New Business Card

Showing off your creative talent is great, but showing off your personality can quickly differentiate yourself in many fields. This card shows character and charisma. It’s not hawking a product or a service, rather giving a glimpse of the type of human that’s behind the business.

For more from Ailton, visit AiltonHenriques.com.br or catch him on Twitter @ffeliz

Business Card

I love that this design utilizes the entire card to tell a story. Simple. Interesting. This card makes you ask questions.

Check out more @Griveau

Sun Basket Stationary

And last but certainly not least, this card is perfect in nearly every way. The fun, playful design packs a huge punch in limited space. This design is an ideal example of using creativity to help build a brand.

For more from Kyle, visit KyleMillerCreative.com and follow his tweets @KyleAnthony

More Inspiration

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