These are nice, Aurimas. I've always liked the simplicity and elegance of the "db" logo, and I think several of these card designs carry that through. (I prefer #4.)

While the shield is certainly creative / different / edgy, it's also detailed and intricate -- so I immediately ruled those designs out because of what you said in your overview: "I want to keep the design relatively simple and focused on the tactile feel". But I think the bigger question is what would your clients & prospects think of it? Don't get me wrong, the shield is a definitely a cool design. And if your target audience consists of progressive / creative / 20- & 30-something's -- then you have a decent shot of connecting with them using the shield. But if you're going after corporate clients, government entities, conservative SMB owners, or basically any company where your contact is older than Gen X -- then a grungy "biker-like" emblem might rub them the wrong way (regardless of what it stands for.) So in that sense, something like #4 would also be the "safer" choice.

That said, there could be a few ways to work the shield in -- if that's what you're trying to do. For instance, in #6 you could place a much smaller version of the shield (no larger than the letter "b" in "db") somewhere within / on top of the double red line. (Like a belt buckle resting on a belt.) At that size, I don't think the heavily detailed shield would conflict with the simplicity of the rest of the card, as it does in #3.

All around, really nice work.

-Tom

Hi Aurimas

The problem with posting design drafts, is that everyone will of course fancy they could have done it differently. Or worse, do a mix- and match. Which, of course, is exactly what I'm doing too!

Having said that, I like the approach of no.2 and the layout of no.6.

Here is my suggestion for combining them. I particularly like the symbol bleeding into the white. You haven't used that approach anywhere else, but for me, it's the standout. It will work beautifully in letterpress. The symmetrical, centred layout lacks tension, hence the type from no.6.

None of the second page greatly appeal, with the exception of bottom right (6). The angled wings bleeding off is a powerful device if used on the back of the card. It works as a counter to your more conservative identity, as revealed on the front.

For me, the wings need more attention. I don't think simply placing the logotype into the shield works very well. Needs more abstraction, more play. I see a motorcycle insignia, but that's just me. How does it connect to your business image?

Hope this helps.

If I have to choose one, it would be the second set, with winged emblem and the red stripe under...

BUT, and there's alway a but! And this one is about the choice of layout and typography...I like the red strip because it stands out, and I like the winged emblem, it's quite fitting.

I'll add my notes.. Not many really, I have taken the liberty of doing my version, of how I think it might look a little better, hope you don't mind...

Anyway, I think that you just really need to have fun when designing business cards, because that is by far the best way to showcase your skill, in an easy to distribute format!

2 - I find the layout of the text and the squared in logo very compelling. However, the fact that it is aligned to the very center is disconcerting.

I like the italicized 'What I am' text as in #6. I think that would break up the monotony of the text.

I also recommend a possible realigning of the group more to the upper/lower left corner or center left.

You would have room for any 'expert' logos that may identify you as having, like Micrsoft accreditation etc.

As a side note I wonder about play with the right hand side and including a right aligned red rectangle that is maybe 5 mm wide or so.

6 - Another simple layout but one that draws the eye in visually. I like the italicized 'What I am' text.

The other designs are too overpowering. #3 makes the company look like it wants to be a rockstar.

red, grunge, black, splatter

That is what you put in your tags right? so I assume that is your ethos. Most of these designs are highly corporate, stiff.

I like the letterpress idea, take it a little bit further and find som funky grungy paper stock.

My ratings are based on the last card on biz-cards2.jpg

attached is my contribution

I love your designs Aurimas. Especially those tough looking winged shields, but I don't think they will go in line with your clients' perception of Devbridge. You don't want to give an impression you are a paintball equipment shop or personal protection agency hiring ex specnaz soldiers :)

My personal favourite starting point would be nr 4. Probably because I really like the slick & modern look of your logo.

Do not box your logo and invert colours.

Few notes on business cards UX (sic!) :)

1. Name has to stand out - don't make clients search for it.

2. Instant contact details (mobile, phone, email, skype, website) are far more important nowadays than physical address.

3. It' maybe only me but when I see business card with person's position bigger than the name itself it makes me wonder why? Why Chief Operating Office not just COO? Is it because this person want's to impress me? Or maybe there are only 2 people working there: CEO and COO :) but they want to look like a big company?

4. Leave the back of the business card empty as a lot of people tend to make small notes there.

Hope to see the second iteration soon!

Cheers!

Michael

(user experience designer & web strategist)

Great start:

4 - is a very balanced, and perhaps could be evolved into something anthropomorphic with the type. Take a look at the work of John Stevens (master calligrapher and type designer http://www.johnstevensdesign.com/newpages/jslogos1.html) His treatments are very thought provoking.

6 - is well balanced, achieving the goal as a "calling card". I'm not certain the double red line detracts from the strength of the red 'DB'

(bottom right) on biz-cards2.jpg - is very very strong. Bleeding off the page creates so great energy and drama. I'd love to see the color treatment for that one. My mental model would not be red - I would expect more blue green for some reason...

Nice start. Enjoy the John Stevens logo work (he is an absolute master designer)

Well, liked most of the comps, well designed and laid out.

My personal opinion is #2

It looks nice. Balanced.

Though, I have something for you, which I felt would be more cleaner in look, center aligned and sophisticated as well.

Have a look.

Hope this helps you.

Hi Aurimas,

I like the stencil style of the #2 and I would love to go with the # 2nd.

Thanks, Haider

I like the clean lines of #4.

I also like #2, but that doesn't have your physical address.

The winged shields are waaaay over the top for me.

I like the red stripe version (second from the top on the right) on concepts 2, but put the db logo instead of the winged shield.

If the watchamacallit bar-code thingee (square graphic) on the top left version of concepts 2 actually works, and I could scan it with my smart phone and enter you into my database, that would be very cool, and I wish I had thought of it, and if it does work, show me how and I'll redo my business cards.

My favorite is #2. I like center composition and white space around it.
Solid design.

2 and #1 are simple and superb. I also liked the wings design but it doesnt fit to be a log rather it can be used in any of your future promotional events putting your logo in the wings.

I give 70 marks to #2 and 60 marks to #1.

Creatively done logos.

nice

good job out there! I didnt rocked my world but I do like it :)

I like the first one the best. The logo looks cooler in black over white. I wouldn't use all caps for the title thought. Keep up the good work!

I like them a lot, but my favorites are #2 and #4. I think that the logo is very elegant and stylish so I'd consider using that instead of the emblem like logo in the #3. Overall it's really a matter of taste, as most of them look really nice. Also I would not go for a black and white only card, though in this aspect the 1st card still looks nice. Good job

I prefer the 3rd! It point out the logo, which it makes things simple and more recognizable! I like a lot your logo, if you put the wings your logo will become the whole thing db + wings, and i think this is not good. You should keep the identity of your logo and say bye bye to your wings!