It would not be an exaggeration to say designing business cards for my blog has been on my to-do list for years! *Years!* When I'm out around town or traveling across the country (or world!) I often find shops, restaurants and other cool places that I want to photograph. I almost always ask permission first, always mentioning my blog and how I will be using the photos, but I never have a business card to back things up! I'm sure they would like the benefit of checking me out before they say "yes". It's just the professional thing to do.
And sometimes people will ask me what I do and having a business card would be a much easier way of explaining things quickly (not to mention it helps me avoid the awkward explanation of what it is to be a blogger. ha.) It's also a great way to connect with people and introduce them to my other work (design, crafts, etc.)
It's a no brainer having business cards!
I knew I wanted some sort of illustration of myself. The last illustration I commissioned was by the fabulous Danny Brito, but I had longer hair back then so I needed one to reflect my new 'do.
I stumbled onto Rachele's work randomly a while ago and was instantly smitten! I loved the watercolor-y look she utilized and apparently all created digitally - which is awesome. (She has secretly inspired me to one day get more familiar with drawing digitally myself.) I knew I wanted to commission her to do the illustration. I fiiiinally took the time to take some new photos of myself so she'd have something to work from and this is what she came up with!
(front of the card on the right, back of the card on the left)
I of course created the card design, but her illustration just totally makes it. I'm so thrilled with it and really enjoyed working with her. For the back, I wanted to share a couple of photos that would be a good representation of what I share on my blog. I had them printed at OvernightPrints.com (I always use them). They came out great.
Here's some of Rachele's fabulous work:
I love Bea! And you must check out Rachele's gorgeous tattoos! Her chest piece is stunning. Be sure to check out her shop and follow her on Twitter. And her blog is pure eye candy! Here are some adorable illustrations she created for some posts:
Amazing right?! GAH. the cute.
Since I've been a print designer most of my adulthood, I truly miss designing things for print. These business cards scratched that itch for me in a small way. Sometimes I try to find things I can have printed, just because. Most of my design these days is for the web, but here are some print products that I'd love to make some designs for one day:
- Pinhole Press (very cute products, although mostly photography based)
- Moo stickers (!!!)
- Although this doesn't end up in print, the layout is essentially publication design. I would love to create an Issuu book one day.
What other print products do you love?
P.S. Here's the original illustration so you can see it better. I adore how she created the plaid pattern on my shirt!














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This is so inspiring to me right now. I've realised I've been overlooking my role as a blogger [always thinking of focussing on my etsy shop / branding instead] but recently have realised that my biggest love at the moment - is blogging. I *so* need to make cards too!
So thank you!
:-)
Posted by: Julie Kirk | February 28, 2012 at 01:36 PM
i LOVE it, Danielle -- soooooooo pretty!
Posted by: katrina | February 28, 2012 at 01:56 PM
Awesome business card and love, love the illustration of you! You may have waited a bit to bite the business card bullet - but these were worth the wait! Super special and thanks for sharing!
Posted by: laurie magpie ethel | February 28, 2012 at 02:02 PM
I love your new business cards. They are so adorable! xo, rv
http://aneclecticheap.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Rae Veda | February 28, 2012 at 02:06 PM
Love it!! Perfect!!
Posted by: Ashley | February 28, 2012 at 02:07 PM
gorgeous cards! lovely illustrations too!!
Posted by: kat cameron | February 28, 2012 at 02:17 PM
these are just adorable!!
PS: i am still here :) i know i've been quiet for a while.
Posted by: chinamommy | February 28, 2012 at 02:26 PM
I've been wanting to design some business cards for a long time! Yours turned out amazing!
Posted by: Maggi | February 28, 2012 at 05:03 PM
Those are so awesome!
Posted by: Bric-a-Brac/Angie | February 28, 2012 at 05:09 PM
Ok, your business cards are AMAZING! I just made some for my blog too, but I have to admit...they are no where as cute as yours!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE them....darling!
XOXO
Lidy
Posted by: Lidy | February 28, 2012 at 05:28 PM
Those are the most amazing business cards EVER!
Posted by: Vickie | February 28, 2012 at 06:10 PM
These are the most perfect business cards for you!! Adorable, just like your blog:)
Karen
Posted by: Karen | February 28, 2012 at 06:57 PM
Too unbearably cute and sweet! xo
Posted by: Twinkie Chan | February 28, 2012 at 09:00 PM
omg! Amazeballs! Completely embodies your style!
Posted by: Megan Frock | February 28, 2012 at 10:41 PM
Super business cards... like nothing I have seen before. Thank-you for the link to the artist... fun work she does! Why I didn't notice before but we share the same 1st name. :-)
Posted by: Danielle | February 29, 2012 at 04:49 AM
You are wise!! I love the way they turned out :)
xo
M
Posted by: Michelle | February 29, 2012 at 06:40 AM
superfabulous love love love them! lucky dog, you!
Posted by: lynn | February 29, 2012 at 09:39 AM
love the illustration of you! I have to admit...they are no where as cute as yours! I am a 'fan' of yours, and it will be so much fun to see what inspires such a creative, talented!
Posted by: abercrombie uk | February 29, 2012 at 11:29 PM
Those are beautiful! I love how they have fabulousness on both sides. They're like tiny works of art. I follow Rachele's blog and am always impressed with her work.
Posted by: Eartha Kitsch | March 01, 2012 at 07:02 AM
Ohhh Danielle!! I am grinning ear to ear!! Just so so so adorbs!! LOVE them to bits!!! :)
xoxo
Posted by: jenny holiday | March 01, 2012 at 11:52 AM
Eeep! I LOVE the new cards, Dani! I'm not familiar with Rachele's work, but boy do I love her style. I'm looking forward to geeking out on her work!
Posted by: Amy | March 01, 2012 at 08:19 PM
Ohmygoodness! These are uh-mazing! Great work!
Posted by: Heidi | March 02, 2012 at 05:24 AM
These are the most amazing business cards I have ever, ever seen! I recognised the illustration as one of Rachele's instantly. She is so clever and her work is just gorgeous. Love, love, LOVE!
Posted by: Katie | March 03, 2012 at 01:19 AM
LOVE your new cards! The illustration is wonderful too :)
Posted by: Beth | March 04, 2012 at 06:13 PM
Gorgeous!
Posted by: Kajsa | March 07, 2012 at 11:12 PM