[Project Complete] bus. card design $100 repair/remodeling

[Huckleberry]

(Admin code added by Palmer - 4CY4396213950811A)

Hello! First let me say how much I admire the work you do, and that I am excited to have a project of my own here! I would like a business card design. The printer will be 4bizprint.com

This will likely be a 2-color card, blue for the logo, and the text in black. And most likely digital printing, since it will not be a large run initially, as I am on a tight budget (that's why only two colors - although to be honest, I don't how color affects the price with digital printing!)

I want it to say Bakersfield Wall & Ceiling Repair (the company name, obviously), lic.#583000 since 1989, tagline "when the patch has to match", then Repairs, Remodeling, Renovation, Carpentry, Tenant Improvements. And the phone # (661) 835-0623

None of the above is carved in stone: I am open to suggestions, and want to encourage creativity. It is not imperative to use the logo given, or you may tweak it slightly as you see fit.

I want a classy looking card that stands out from the run-of-the-mill stuff, my goal is to look like a corporation, or larger company. I want the text a little larger than normal (because I find the text on most business cards annoyingly tiny).

Deadline is August 31st. Thanks for your interest in my project!

[bogglins]

:)

[Huckleberry]

Thanks Pieter (Bogglins) for your quick - and very nice - response. I like it!

I'm open to vertical format, but lean toward horizontal, because most card-holders (where I'm hoping it will end up) are set up for horizontal. I'd like the name to be a little more prominent (not necessarily bigger, but just not competing with the logo), and the logo a little less.

The logo was really just an attempt at a corporate-looking visual spot to accompany the name, while forgoing the hackneyed hammer or saw you usually see on construction cards. But I want people to remember "Bakersfield Wall & Ceiling Repair" not "BW&CR".

And maybe bump the phone# up a size, or go bold? It is, to my thinking, the second most important item on the card next to the name (I like the way you set it apart like that, very easy to spot).

Also, could I see the list of services flush left?

One last thought - is it possible to bump all the text up a size without appearing to shout, or feel crowded? I do like cards that use white space as a design element, and I don't like cards that feel crowded. But I'm real big on easy reading cards, and I'm having a little difficulty reading the tagline.

Thanks again for working on this one - I appreciate it! I admire the bold graphic quality of your work that I've seen on this site.

edited to add: I like your use of color in this one. For the record, I'm not married to blue as the color, but I do like it very much. I'm also partial to green. Blue or green.

[bogglins]

hi..

revision..

[Huckleberry]

Nice work! Getting there, but still not grabbing me. I do like the smaller logo, but now the card appears static - too evenly balanced, whereas your first submission had a more dynamic balance. I like 1b better than 1a - the phone# jumps out nicely, and I like the services flush on one side better than centered.

Maybe if you skewed the logo a little, then made the bullets boxes, skewed at the same angle? Or that little 3-d shadow detail you use on your presentation, only use it on the logo and the bullets? Shadow could be hard edge or soft. I don't know, just some thoughts off the cuff.

Hoping to see some horizontal ideas show up.

Thanks again!

[Huckleberry]

Am I missing something here - isn't there supposed to be an admin. code added to my thread, and shouldn't I have a "client" icon? I wanted to post a comment, but thought I should address this first. - thanks!

[Palmer]

The project is now validated. Thank you for choosing Design Outpost. :)

[Huckleberry]

Thanks Palmer - I feel legitimized! (Is this how Anne Boleyn felt when Henry VIII broke with Rome?)

I'm thinking of just going with "repair, remodeling, renovation". I don't think a card has to say a lot, just look good (OK, a politically incorrect analogy occurs to me here, but I won't use it!). So you can do either with or without "carpentry" and "tenant improvements".

[bogglins]

:)

[Huckleberry]

Thanks Pieter - it looks clean. But other than the band at the bottom, it looks pretty much like what I'd expect from any printer I brought my logo and text to. I guess I came here because I want something with a little zing, a "designer" business card, as it were. Maybe something more along these lines: http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=38123&stc=1

[bogglins]

hehe..
ok.. i wanted to do full design like that actually.. but just because of the minimum information available on this project, such as delivery format/file of the design.. as well as the bleed etc...
that's the reason why i made the design simple, so there will be no problem about bleed.. :D

in other word, in what file format do you want the design file?

thanks!

:D

[Huckleberry]

OK, I guess I need to find out. I was hoping when I mentioned the printer (4bizprint.com ) that you and the other designers would be familiar with their requirements, since they advertise on your site. But I will contact them, and inquire as to their file requirements, and get back. Thanks!

[Huckleberry]

Here's a link to their requirements: hope this helps
http://www.4bizprint.com/faq.php?action=display_faq&faq=2

Or if you'd prefer it spelled out here: (I don't understand a lot of this, so I'm just going to copy/paste here):
Preparing your files for 4bizprint.com is really easy. We will accept almost any file type, as long as, you send the fonts that are used in the document. You will need to be sure that your images and files are at least 300dpi and are CMYK files.

Here are some program specific guidelines, which should make it easy to create your 'press-ready' artwork.

Preparing Your Files Using ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR
Files converted to EPS using the following instructions eliminate the need to include fonts or external images when sending files to us. Set artboard size to final paper trim size (ie. 8.5" x 11") (Document Setup under the File drop-down menu listing) Convert all external graphic images to CMYK mode, 300 dpi resolution. If a bleed is required, bleed should extend 1/8" beyond final paper trim size. Restrict text and images to within the "Safe Print" zones (about 1/4" from the final paper trim edges). Convert all fonts to outlines. (Select all, and use the Creat Outlines option under the Type drop-down menu listing) Convert all colors to CMYK. (Select all, and use the Colors option under the Filter drop-down menu listing) Under file menu select "Save As" Type in the file name. In Save As Type field select "Illustrator EPS". Use the following options: Compatibility - select "Version 8" or less Preview - 8 Bit Options (if available) Include placed images - ON Include Document Thumbnails - OFF Use Japanese File Formats - OFF Include Document Fonts - OFF Click Save. Assemble EPS file(s) into a single folder. Compress the folder into a single ZIP (PC) or SIT (Mac) file.

Preparing Your Files Using ADOBE PHOTOSHOP
ADOBE PHOTOSHOP: (converted to JPEG) This format is preferred as it eliminates any potential font concerns. If image bleed is required, set Image Size to 1/4" larger than final paper trim size. (ie: for 8.5" x 11" final trim size, set image size to 8.75" x 11.25"). CAUTION: Remember that 1/8" will be cut off from all four sides for projects where bleed is required when trimmed to final size. If NO image bleed is required, set Image Size to final paper trim size. Restrict text and images to within the "Safe Print" zones (about 1/4" from the final paper trim edges) Flatten all layers. (Flatten command is found under the Layers drop-down menu) Convert artwork to CMYK mode, 300 dpi resolution. The preferred CMYK profile is US Sheetfed Coated v2. Both of these functions are available using the Mode command under the Image drop-down menu. Select Save As under the File drop-down menu and select "Tiff" format. Name the file and click the Save button. After clicking the Save button, select Macintosh Byte Order when the option screen appears. LZW Compression option should be UNCHECKED. Assemble all Tiff files into a single folder. Compress into a single ZIP (PC) or SIT (Mac) file.

Preparing your Project Using ACROBAT DISTILLER
Printing from PDF files produces quality results provided the PDF has been created using the Adobe Acrobat Distiller software which is part of the complete Adobe Acrobat software suite. You MUST create your "print-ready" PDF files using the complete Acrobat software suite as sold by Adobe (www.adobe.com) for this purpose using the settings detailed below.

Although some publishing application software includes the ability to create PDF files within the application program, this DOES NOT generally produce a file that will produce acceptable results for commercial printing purposes. These PDF's are created with settings suitable for monitor viewing or desktop printer output only and do not include sufficient resolution and other attributes required for high quality full color offset printing purposes.

ADOBE ACROBAT DISTILLER version 5.0 or 4.0:
Select "Print" within your software application. Select "Acrobat Distiller" as the printer Click on "Properties" Click on "Adobe PDF Settings" tab Conversion Settings - Set to Press Optimized Uncheck "Do Not Send Fonts to Distiller" Click on "Edit Conversion Settings"

The Distiller settings should be configured as follows:
General Preferences should be set up as follows:
Compatibility - The Compatibility option needs to be set to Acrobat 5.0 or 4.0 otherwise spot colors will be mapped to a CMYK color space. ASCII Format - This setting should be unchecked to create smaller PDF documents. Optimize PDF - This setting should be checked to create smaller PDF documents. Generate Thumbnails - This setting should be unchecked to create smaller PDF documents. Resolution - Resolution should be set to 2450 dpi.. Binding - This setting should be set to Left.

Compression:
You can check the Compress Text and Line Art setting to reduce the size of the PDF file. Unless you are familiar with the different compression algorithms and associated quality issues, all compression settings for Color, Grayscale, and Monochrome images should be turned off.

Fonts:
Distiller 4.0 allows you to embed Truetype or PostScript Type 1 fonts into the PDF file. This should always be done unless you are sure that the we have all the fonts needed to display and print the PDF correctly. The Subset Fonts below setting is the percentage of characters in the typeface that can be used before Distiller will embed the entire font. Subsetting can dramatically reduce the size of font intensive PDF files. Check ‘Subset All Embedded Fonts Below:? and set its value to 99. Testing done at preferredprint.com has revealed that embedding TrueType fonts only works from Adobe applications. If you did not check Acrobat 5.0 or 4.0 Compatibility in General Preferences Truetype fonts cannot be embedded into the file. The fonts that are embedded into the PDF file can come from the PostScript stream or user definable locations. The user can also define certain fonts that will always (or never) be embedded into the PDF file.

Color:
Adobe Color Settings File - None. Color Management Policies - Leave color unchanged. Device Dependant Data Options - check Preserve Overprint Settings, Preserve UCR and Black Generation, and Preserve Transfer Functions. Preserve Halftone Information should be unchecked.

Advanced:
Distiller 4.0 and 5.0 has several Advanced settings that allow for PostScript features to be maintained in the PDF file. For information on all these settings, please consult the documentation you got with Acrobat. Advanced Preferences should be set up as follows: Use Prologue.ps and Epilogue.ps - Prologue.ps/epilogue.ps is not needed in version 4.0. Allow PS File to Override Job Options - This setting should be checked. Preserve Level 2 copypage Semantics - This setting should be checked. Save Portable Job Ticket Inside PDF File - This setting should not be checked. Process DSC - This setting should be checked. Log DSC Warnings - This setting should not be checked. Resize Page and Center Artwork for EPS Files - This setting should be checked. Preserve EPS Info from DSC - This setting should be checked. Preserve OPI Comments - This setting should be checked. Preserve Document Info from DSC - This setting should be checked. Default Page Size - This field should be set to the Page Size you are distilling.

[Huckleberry]

UPDATE ON COLOR REQUIRMENTS FOR THIS PROJECT - Note: this is a change. ANY colors or color combinations can be used! I've been checking out the 4bizprint website, and the price for cards does not change with 4-color printing.

See this shows how out of touch I've become with the graphics world! So ANYTHING GOES on color. Just something classy is all I ask. As I said, I'm favorable to blues and greens, but I also think burgundy is nice, and tans. Really feel free to try out anything that's worked for you in the past.

[Fran]

:)

http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/4042/bwcr7xh.jpg

[Huckleberry]

Hello and thanks Fran for your Mondrian-esque submission! I like the first two the best, and would like to see just a few minor changes: 1) could you scoot the phone number over to the left a bit, it seems to be crowding the box to the right; 2) could you eliminate the "ph" by the phone number; 3) could you make the tagline on the burgundy card just a tint lighter; and 4) could you try doing the letters in the logo a tint also, like the tagline? - Thanks!

[Fran]

Thanks for the feedback. Here's my revision :)

http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/6727/bwcrrev0yc.jpg

[Huckleberry]

Thanks again Fran - very nice! I'm waiting to see what anyone else might want to submit?

[bogglins]

:d

[Huckleberry]

WOW...stellar! But maybe a little too extraterrestrial for my tastes =) I like the background saying repairs remodel renovation like that, and I like the easy-to-read phone #.

I do feel the logo competes a little with the name, which is a problem with the logo itself. I'll probably eventually have you guys redesign my logo, but for now I just need some cards made up. I like the way it turned out when Fran tinted the letters in the logo, but any way you could tone down the logo a little would help.

And I'm just not sold on the sunspots or saturn rings or whatever that is - although I admit it does look cool!
-------
edited to add: feel free to drop the logo altogether if you want. Including the logo is not vital... but a classy looking card is! Thanks again.

[bogglins]

another..

[bogglins]

:)

[bogglins]

:)

[Huckleberry]

OK, now I get what the picture is - some kind of building with geodesic type roof (not the type of building I would work on - most my work is residential or office-type interiors). Couldn't tell at first, sorry. Nice work, as always, but nothing that grabs me. Colors a little too raw, I like the more subtle hues (i.e. burgundy vs. red, etc.) Thanks.

[bogglins]

:)

[cazeyzman]

HEllo HEllo, a first try,
-Thanks :yes:

[bogglins]

another color

[Nfrack]

Huckleberry, Here is a concept for Bakersfield Wall & Ceiling Repair business card

[Huckleberry]

Thanks all, for the great submissions. I'm always impressed by the design work here. I thought I'd go through and address all the designs entered so far. Hopefully we are nearing a resolution!

Pieter: First off thanks for being quick to enter a submission. Your first work was (to me) uninspired, because my lack of file details led you to oversimplify. I like your designs, and I like your most recent entries the most. I really like your second to the last entry a lot - except the name is Bakersfield, not Baskerfield =). You've successfully downplayed the logo so it doesn't compete with the name, you've made a nice design statement with a classy and appealing design, and you've incorporated the third dimension (depth). The only thing is, everyone will naturally try to make a connection between the background image and the work I do... and I can't see what it is. The picture looks like a tiled wainscot wall with a curved chair-rail, and a grid of some type. It does look nice, but I can foresee myself constantly having to explain what the picture represents (an abstract wall?) I really like the work you did on the M. Tilden Moschetti card, and was hoping for something comparable. Its an abstract design that is not trying to be representational of anything, classy, not overdone yet not overly static.
<img src="http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=38123&stc=1" WIDTH=400 HEIGHT=400 BORDER=0 ALT="I liked your Mondrian-like" align="left" border="0">

Fran: I liked your Mondrian-like rectangular division of space, I like the way the logo looks with the tinted letters. I like the way you listened to my suggestions, and quickly incorporated them in your design. Your entries are crisp and attractive. But a little "static". I don't know if I'm using the right word, but I feel there is a design element missing, as if the design is too "flat", and needs something to give it a "dynamic" feel. Again I'll refer to Pieter's work here: Not that I want a copy of this design, but see how the graduated tones and subtle "shadow" of the pyramid add a dynamic element that gives the card "snap"? Almost as if there is a light source behind the logo, adding the subtle feel of a third dimension.


Cazeyman: Thanks for your recent submissions. I can't really go with the dot in the phone #, it pretty well has to be in the (area code) XXX-XXXX format. And I appreciate your addition of a few creative embellishments ("no.1", "superior quality"). But I really think less is more, and wanted to minimize the text to promote the use of negative space as a design element, and to allow you focus on the graphic, design elements. Which, like Fran's entries, are a little too static in your entries (Your checkered entry looks like a tilesetter's card). And I like subtle colors, but yours are a little too washed out, pastel looking.

Nfrack: Thank you for entering! See my comments about Pieter's first entries, and Cazeyman's. The same applies to yours. Also, lettering a little too small. I'm big on readable business cards.

To all - maybe some synonyms would help: by "static" (what I'm trying to avoid) I mean: changeless, constant, deadlocked, fixed, format, gridlocked, immobile, immovable, inactive, inert, latent, passive, rigid, stabile, stable, stagnant, stalled, standing still, stationary, sticky, still, stopped, stuck, unchanging, unfluctuating, unmoving, unvarying

By "dynamic" (what I want) I mean: activating, aggressive, changing, charismatic, compelling, driving, effective, electric, energetic, energizing, enterprising, forceful, forcible, go-ahead, go-getter, go-getting, high-powered, hyped up, influential, intense, lively, lusty, magnetic, peppy, potent, powerful, productive, progressive, red-blooded, strenuous, vehement, vigorous, vital, vitalizing, zippy

I hope this helps. I think you are all doing really a great job. I'm just hoping a design will come along with visual "snap" or "zing" - that really grabs me, the way some of your past work has. Thanks again for all your work!

[Fran]

Revisions :)

http://img370.imageshack.us/img370/3808/bwcrrev22ug.jpg

[Nfrack]

Huckleberry, Here are some updates to your Bakersfield Wall & Ceiling Repair business card

[Huckleberry]

Fran: Thanks, that's much better - amazing how much that little shadow adds! We're definitely getting there! (just a one-sided card). Could you try the tagline in lower case? Also, I liked the burgundy/gray combination on white. Miss the gray in the new one, and the gradation on the background looks like rouge (makeup)...could you try it in gray, or???

Nfrack: Thanks for your new submissions! I should have mentioned earlier - that stripe is called a "competition stripe" around here - wide stripe in center with narrow stripe on either side. It is associated with racing cars. I don't think its the right design element for this card.

[Fran]

Hi Huckleberry, here are my updates

:)

http://img305.imageshack.us/img305/5632/bwcrrev46hp.jpg

[Huckleberry]

Excellent!

[Huckleberry]

Fran: Thanks so much for the revisions! I was on my way out when they came up, so didn't have time to say much, besides "excellent!". But I really like the direction you're going, just wanted to make a few specific comments, fine-tuning type stuff that I hope is easy to do.

revision #1 (top): This is nice. Do you think it might be improved if the "shadow" box was gray, like an actual shadow? And the red field for the tagline seems disproportionately large, in comparison to the white field for the name above. Could we move the red down a little, and leave a little more white on top? The tagline seems a little s p r e a d - o u t, maybe condense the space between letters? And could you put the tagline in quotation marks? Finally, the gradation in the lower right corner is too subtle, you can barely tell. Any way to punch that up a little? And since you put Upper case at the start of each word Repairs Remodeling Renovation, why not try it without the commas?

revision #2 (middle) The gray isn't working for some reason, almost seems like its trying to obscure the name in fog. Maybe if it went from left to right, instead of from the top down?

revision #3 (bottom) Same advice as the above two - move the red down a little, and try the graduation from left to right.

By the way, do you think this might look good on a creme-colored background?

[Fran]

:) Hello! Here are the revisions.
Fran
http://img367.imageshack.us/img367/601/bwcrrev52zr.jpg

[Marcusfizner]

Here is an idea from me.

[bogglins]

another..

[Huckleberry]

Thanks to all for the great submissions! There is so much good work here, its sad I can only pick one! I have enough good choices to pick from, so I want to end the competition. But since this is early (announced deadline was the end of the month), it has been suggested I make an announcement, to allow any who have been working on it to submit what they have. It will end in 24 hrs. from this post. Then I will announce the winner. Thanks again to all, you guys do great work!

[bogglins]

variation

[cazeyzman]

OK, here is something a little different. LEaving the square out totally. Thanks again and again comments welcome.

[bogglins]

color..

[Huckleberry]

Thanks again to all who participated - some really great stuff. You guys all do such nice work, and are so nice to work with! It was a real close vote here, between Fran and Pieter.

I said I wanted a classy looking card that stands out from the run-of-the-mill stuff, with the goal of looking like a corporation, or larger company, and with the text a little larger than normal. I also said I wanted something dynamic, with maybe a subtle hint of 3D.

In the end, Pieter (bogglins) won out by a small margin, with his beautiful "message #38" entry, which I think satisfies all of the above.

Pieter - could I see a copy without the hand holding it? Just want to review it one last time to make sure. Thanks. I guess this will be moved to the "revisions forum"? I may need some guidance in getting the files emailed to the printers at 4bizprint.com. Thanks again - Huckleberry

[cazeyzman]

Congratulations bogglins and everyone else!

[bogglins]

here..

[bogglins]

thanks, cazeyzman! :)

[Huckleberry]

Thanks Pieter - I just wanted to double-check the copy in the lower right hand corner. The card looks great! So...what do I do now?

[bogglins]

Hi Huckleberry,

The business card is designed using photoshop.. so, according the information that you got from the printer.. I'll just follow that instruction.. and then send the file to your email addres.. please let me know your email address :) thanks!

-Pieter

btw, here is i put the copy of your previous message (#13):
----
Preparing Your Files Using ADOBE PHOTOSHOP
ADOBE PHOTOSHOP: (converted to JPEG) This format is preferred as it eliminates any potential font concerns. If image bleed is required, set Image Size to 1/4" larger than final paper trim size. (ie: for 8.5" x 11" final trim size, set image size to 8.75" x 11.25"). CAUTION: Remember that 1/8" will be cut off from all four sides for projects where bleed is required when trimmed to final size. If NO image bleed is required, set Image Size to final paper trim size. Restrict text and images to within the "Safe Print" zones (about 1/4" from the final paper trim edges) Flatten all layers. (Flatten command is found under the Layers drop-down menu) Convert artwork to CMYK mode, 300 dpi resolution. The preferred CMYK profile is US Sheetfed Coated v2. Both of these functions are available using the Mode command under the Image drop-down menu. Select Save As under the File drop-down menu and select "Tiff" format. Name the file and click the Save button. After clicking the Save button, select Macintosh Byte Order when the option screen appears. LZW Compression option should be UNCHECKED. Assemble all Tiff files into a single folder. Compress into a single ZIP (PC) or SIT (Mac) file.
----

[Huckleberry]

Thanks. The file requirements I posted from their website is computer-ese, which I do not speak! I'll try to muddle through. They asked me to put it in a zip file (compressed), I'm not sure how I do that. At any rate, I'll send my email address to you at info@dimenziodesign.com. Thanks again!

[bogglins]

actually to make a zip file is easy..
here.. you need to have a zip program such as winzip.. www.winzip.com download there, free.. then install the software.. just follow the instruction...
once completed, you can right-click on a file in your computer, then find "winzip" on the list.. choose add to zip..
that's it.. :)

well.. i can send you the compressed file if you want... the zip file..
:) so you just have to forward it to the printer...

but the best thing is to send you the jpeg, and you make the zip yourself.. so you can double check the text/copy on the business card before you zip and send it to the printer.. so there will be no mistake..

so, what should i do? :)

[bogglins]

you can send you email address to me.. bogglins@yahoo.com

thanks!

[Huckleberry]

OK, I will try to download the winzip program. I had it at one time, but my computer was acting wierd, so I had to delete some programs I wasn't using, and it was one that got deleted (I didn't even know what it was for at that time). I'll see how it goes, and if it downloads OK, then you can send it in a jpeg file. I'll let you know. Thanks!

edited to add: I have downloaded WinZip, and it seems to be installed OK, as far as I can tell. Go ahead and email the file to me in a JPEG format, and I'll see if I can compress it. (I sent you my an email from my address to bogglins@yahoo.com).
Sincerely, Huckleberry

[Fran]

Congratulations Pieter! :)

[bogglins]

file sent!

[bogglins]

thanks Fran.. :)

[Huckleberry]

Pieter - file received...but I am unable to view it, as it is in an "unsupported format"! So I have it, but can't see it! I guess I will forward it on to the printer as-is, and hope for the best! - Huckleberry

edited to add: I have tried sending the file to the printer, and am unable to do so. So I have forwarded your email, containing the file, to the printer, perhaps that will work? I have to go to work now, but will return to this matter later this afternoon or evening. Very frustrating! - Huckleberry

[bogglins]

-

[bogglins]

hi huckleberry...

perhaps you don't have a image viewer application in your computer..
you can download the free trial version of acdsee.. if you really want to see the file..
here is the link:
acdsee trial - click here (http://downloads.acdsystems.com/en/acdsee.exe)

btw, the image size of the design is 3.75" x 2.25" .. that includes the extra area for the bleed/trim.. so the actual business card will be 3.5"x2.0"


thanks!

:)



---it should be ok if you just forward the email.. quite big.. around 2Mb.. :)

[Huckleberry]

Hello Pieter! Forwarding the email worked fine. This is what they said "You have to love Design Outpost. The file was perfect." They sent me a copy in PDF, which I was able to view with Acrobat Reader. Thanks again for a great job!

[bogglins]

hi.. thanks!

i'm glad that everything's fine.. ;)