Business Card Logo – Necessary or Not?

Business card logo design is an incredibly important piece of your brand’s visual identity. Business cards play a key role in networking and expanding your business and it’s vital they pique interest. So answering the question “does my card need to look like my logo?” requires a lot of thought.

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Can business cards have no logos on them?

In the age of minimalism, logos are ubiquitous in branding, so much so it is difficult to imagine any brand wouldn’t have one. This makes it difficult to imagine any piece of brand merchandise not having a logo on it.

Whether not having a logo on a business card is a sign of bad design or not is an interesting question. But, as with many interesting questions, it’s difficult to nail down one definitive answer. A business card with logo designs is meant to capture the viewer’s attention and work as shorthand for recalling the brand. So, ousting the logo might seem counter-intuitive. However, in instances such as virtual business cards, omitting it could work. Branding is everywhere in the virtual world, so you might not have to worry about how to put logo on business cards.

But you might ask yourself: “does my business card need to look like my logo in printed form?” Not necessarily! As we’ve said, nowadays design is much about downsizing and streamlining. While logos are key pieces of branding and brand identity, foregoing them can be a good choice in the limited space of business cards.

Here are a few pointers if you’re considering leaving out a logo from your business cards:

• The main function of a business card is to convey information and provide a way for customers to reach you. So, leaving only the necessary information is a good way to streamline your business card design.
• If your branding has a distinct color scheme, you might want to think about having no logos for business cards you use. After all, a color scheme can be just as effective in branding as a logo.
• If the space on the business card template allows for it, consider adding other elements such as illustrations, photos, or QR codes. QR codes can provide additional information, should the customer need it.
• If you’re printing out your business cards, choosing the right size and the right paper to print them on is vital. A lovely, heavy paper oozes class and luxury. Embossing is also a good idea if you’re looking to create business cards that are unique and eye-catching.

Examples of business cards without logos

But, it’s easier to take a look at some examples of these tips. Business cards and logo design, while complementary, don't always need to be used together. Creative and out of the ordinary business cards will make your brand stand out as well as a typical business card with logo designs, if not better.

Paint blotch design

The first design is a wonderfully imagined business card. It’s elegant and cleverly uses a paint blotch design to communicate that the giver of the card is a gallery curator. This kind of simple, yet incredibly effective idea is what good business card design is all about. It doesn’t have to be on the nose, and subtle messaging is often much louder than pasting your brand logo everywhere.

Naturally, this kind of design might not fit all types of businesses and professionals, but it is versatile. Whether it’s a gallery, a wall-painting service, or even art classes, it could be a great choice.

This next example  has a lot going on in it. The logo has many elements to it, but the simple line art makes it sleek and modern, without sacrificing character. A logo like this would work great on a business card, as it can work in virtually any color.

Share Space by Type08 (Alen Pavlovic) on Dribbble

Kalina Ilieva on Behance

Zazzle

Hiveage

Hiveage

Illustration business card

The second design foregoes using a logo in favor of a gorgeous illustration. It tells the viewer: “The mountains are beckoning! Adventure is around the corner!” The complementary color palette makes the card teem with energy and wanderlust.

Illustrations are one of the most versatile design elements you can use in business card design. They can depict anything you could imagine, so with them, the sky’s the limit.

However, you must be prudent with your space when you use illustrations in a business card design. The example below shows how to best use the limited space, even with a large illustration.

Photo business card

The business card below goes all out in out-of-the-box design. It’s a little work of art all on its own. Using the space to its full capacity might be a risky move in business card design, but if done right it can be a truly inspired choice.

Business card designs such as this don’t really fit into the tech or corporate world. However, for something in a more creative industry, it can work to your favor and be a bold and unique design that will make your business stand out.

Fashion, photography, art, and even interior design could be the perfect fields for a gorgeous business card with one statement photo on it.

Doodle design business card

Doodles and other illustrations can also be a wonderful alternative to business card logo designs. The design below is a wonderful example of that. The drawings of cats and dogs make it whimsical, playful, and charming while still exhibiting the care and thought that went into creating the business card.

Adding a bit of levity to your business cards can pay off in heaps, because it makes your brand feel more relatable and accessible. It will help your business stand out in a sea of business cards with logos and other basic, corporate-friendly elements.

Typography business card

This business card, in contrast, only uses typography which makes for an elegant and sophisticated design. The contrasting color scheme is simple, yet classic. The combination of navy blue and the dainty serif font puts a bit of Wizarding World whimsy into the design, so it’s far from devoid of character.

Opting for a business card template or design with a dark background isn’t all that unusual, but it can look more visually appealing in some designs than a plain white or cream one.

Ideas for a stunning business card logo

However, logos were put on business cards for a reason. Sometimes, the classic combination of logos and business cards works best. Unsurprisingly, there is middle ground between classic business cards with logos on them and more customized and unique designs. Logos can be wonderfully detailed, using all kinds of visual elements like illustrations and patterns.

A gorgeous, illustrated logo will definitely make your business card stand out and make an impression. Minimalism has been on the rise in graphic design for a long time, but there will always be a place for decorative elements. An intricate business card logo can be the centerpiece of an otherwise simple card.

The following logos, created by ManyPixels designers, can give you a few ideas for an eye-catching business card logo.

The detailing in the first logo is minimal, yet carefully placed so it gives the design the most impact. It would work great with a nice pastel-color business card, printed on lavish card stock.

The logo below uses both a trendy illustration, as well as a novelty font to convey a strong message about the brand. You could see the little factory illustration taking center stage on one side of the business card, while the pixelated font dominates the other side, along with all the necessary contact information.

The last logo we’ll take a look at is a quirky, playful mascot logo design. Designs such as these can be a bit of a gamble, especially in the corporate world, but a small, family-business or a freelancer working in the creative field could benefit from the charm and character.

The logo below is reminiscent of vintage comics, and the viewer immediately associates it with the fun and carefreeness of childhood. Personalized mascot logos like this one would work perfectly on a hair salon business card, or any other business where establishing a personal connection with your clients is vital.

Still asking yourself how to put logo on business car designs?

When it comes to the cost of good business card design, many business owners try to save a little money by designing their own. However, if you’re not a designer yourself, you might want to work with a professional who can help you choose the best design for you.

With a ManyPixels subscription, you can get all the designs you need for your business. Whether it’s a logo, business cards or both - we’ve got you covered!

ManyPixels offers various subscription plans that could fit the budget of any business. Best part is, you can get any kind of design you need with all plans. So, the possibilities are limitless. Even with the basic plan, the output is incredibly fast and you usually get the first draft of the design within 1-2 business days.

If you’re looking for more information, we’d love to chat with you and provide you with all the details you need. Book a live demo and see for yourself!