Publisher has a business card design template. It even has some clip art so you can add a cartoon kitten to smarten up your card! So if you can design exactly what you want yourself, why would anyone pay for a designer?

The truth is Graphic designers know about the design process. It takes 3-4 years of full time study plus work experience to be a qualified designer and continual learning after that. The evidence of using design to promote business is everywhere. People don't hang around ugly websites. They throw away unimpressive business cards and buy well designed magazines. A prime example of design selling products would be Apple. They sell computers and phones but it's the design of these products that has fuelled their roaring success. It's not print but the principle is the same; design sells.

Graphic designers are problem solvers and approach each brief on an individual basis. Each project holds its own requirements and it's the job of the designer to consider these. Considerations include; colour, size, typefaces, client requirements, audience, competition, distribution, content hierarchy, print restrictions to name but a few.

Simple things like, the eye being drawn to greatest contrast. Might seem all a bit over the top for your cards but when all the pieces come together the package is eye catching and professional. So what you may think is the perfect look for your card may actually be detracting from the overall appearance and devaluing your brand image. In some cases, it's just time to update them. Below is an example of cards we have re-designed for one of our clients. They were all pretty happy with their old cards, but very happy with the new design.

It' is true that not all designers may suit all clients so it is advisable to look for a regular designer that understands your needs. If you find a talented and experienced designer, stick with them. Experience prevents printing or web issues down the line which could end up being more costly. As usual with many industries; you get what you pay for.