Even celebrities use business cards. Pick up some tips from the likes of Barack Obama and Lady Gaga with our run-down of the world’s most famous business cards.
1. Lady Gaga
Who are they?
Lady Gaga is the stage name for American pop-star and actress Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta. She was also the creative director at Polaroid for four years.
Most famous for:
Being Lady Gaga. Writer of songs such as Poker Face and Shallow – the multi-award-winning song that accompanied A Star Is Born, in which she also starred in the lead role.
What does their business card look like?
Image Source: https://www.theguardian.com
Lady Gaga’s business card features the recognisable Polaroid logo and a simple black type on a crisp white background.
What information does it include?
This card is kept simple, with barely any information apart from the company, her name and her position. Her address features below, but is scribbled out due to her fame. She also uses her stage name rather than her birth name, which fits the company’s message of originality.
Key takeaway…
Simple cards can work if you have an instantly recognisable brand name, but can be risky if the messaging gets lost on the receiver.
At Solopress we recommend you carefully consider what should be included on your business card to make an impression.
2. Walt Disney
Who are they?
Cartoonist, animator, voice actor and film producer.
Most famous for:
Walt Disney was a pioneer of the American animation industry and founded the Disney Brothers Studio with his brother, Roy.
What does their business card look like?
Image Source: https://iwastesomuchtime.com
The card is of a standard size with a white background and black text and images. The centrepiece is a cartoon drawing of an artist working at an easel.
His address is also clearly marked at the bottom, giving the recipient clear contact details.
What information does it include?
This famous business card includes Walt Disney’s name and address. It also includes his occupation details – letting the recipient know he’s a cartoonist and the specific type of cartoons he specialises in.
Key takeaway…
Your business card should reflect your brand. If, like Walt Disney, your USP is your artistry then reflect this on your card with appropriate imagery and text.
3. Bill Gates
Who are they?
Bill Gates is an American business leader and philanthropist.
Most famous for:
He’s the billionaire principal founder of Microsoft Corporation and a pioneer in computing technology.
What does their business card look like?
Image Source: https://www.ebay.co.uk
Bill Gates’ business card is of a standard size with a white background. The business address and contact details are printed in grey text and placed in the top left-hand corner with his name and title in the bottom left in black type.
The Microsoft logo is on the right-hand side of the card, in grey, with his signature underneath in black.
What information does it include?
The information on the card includes the Microsoft business address, telephone and fax number, Gates’ full name, signature and title and the Microsoft logo.
Key takeaway…
A simple, clean design can go a long way. Bill Gates includes his signature on the card for a personal touch and the Microsoft logo ensures the branding is on-point – perfect for the tech industry.
4. The Wright Brothers
Who are they?
Wilbur and Orville Wright were brothers and American aviation pioneers. They started on their path to success with a bicycle repair, rental and sales company.
Most famous for:
The duo were widely credited with the invention, construction and flight of the world’s first successful aeroplane.
What does their business card look like?
Image Source: https://www.pinterest.co.uk
The famous business card is from their original business ‘Wright Cycle Company’ and is of a standard size with a classic look.
The card has the company title clearly marked at the top centre, with their address in smaller type just underneath it. Wilbur’s name is on the bottom left and Orville’s name is on the bottom right – you know exactly who the two in charge are.
What information does it include?
The name of the business ‘Wright Cycle Company’ with the address and their respective names, Wilbur and Orville.
Key takeaway…
Classy, simple and elegant can be just as attention-grabbing as something busier. In certain industries, it’s exactly what people are looking for – particularly in business, finance and outdoor sectors.
5. Hillary Clinton
Who are they?
Hillary Clinton is an American politician, lawyer and public speaker.
Most famous for:
Presidential candidate in the 2016 US election. She ran for the Democrats but was beaten in a shock result by Republican candidate and current US President, Donald Trump. She is also the wife of Bill Clinton, former US President.
What does their business card look like?
Image Source: https://www.antiquesnavigator.com
Hillary Clinton’s card bears all the hallmarks of political office and officialdom. It features the golden eagle stamp and professional black type on a clear white background.
What information does it include?
The business card features her full name and position as United States Senator from New York. Underneath, the card also includes her office address in Washington alongside her telephone, fax number and website.
Key takeaway…
The simplicity and formality of this business card puts Hillary in a position of power.
6. Barack Obama
Who are they?
Barack Obama is an American politician and attorney who served as President of the United States.
Most famous for:
He was the 44th president of the United States of America from 2009 to 2017 and was also the first African American to be elected to the presidency.
What does their business card look like?
Image Source: https://hungrydogblog.wordpress.com
These business cards are from Obama’s time as a US Senator, pre-presidency. It’s a clean white background with black type and official government logo in gold.
What information does it include?
The card includes his name, his position as a United States Senator and the addresses to both his offices in Chicago and Washington. In the top right-hand corner, it says ‘State of Illinois’ with Obama’s website address at the bottom.
Key takeaway…
A business card doesn’t always have to be quirky. A formal, professional design is extremely impactful.
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