It can be easy to underestimate the power of a business card. After all, they’re rather small, each one taking up an average of 3.5 x 2 inches of space in the world, usually carrying a person’s name and professional information. Many of them go overlooked after exchanging hands, whether in crowded conference halls or over quiet dinners.

So how powerful can they possibly be?

Imagine this: A designer creates a beautiful business card to promote her creative services. She sends it out into the world. The card is well designed and eye-catching and speaks a truth about her work. Those who receive the card hold on to it, talk about it, appreciate it. Perhaps images of this business card are shared online amongst admirers of creativity. Perhaps the business card is powerful enough to open up career and business opportunities the designer could have never anticipated …

So how powerful can a business card be? Well, who’s to say? If it creates the right kind of promotional buzz, the impact may surprise us. As you scroll through the unique business cards below, allow yourself to be inspired not only by the design, but by the promotional possibilities they carry. Tell us what you think of these business cards in the comments, and ask yourself, How do you promote yourself? How might you do it even better?

If you’ve created a promotional piece, whether for yourself, your firm or as a paid client promotion, consider entering HOW’s Promotion Design Awards, the only award that specifically recognizes outstanding promotion design work. The last day to take advantage of Early-Bird savings is March 13, 2017!

16 Unique Business Cards

Design Firm: Big Fan

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Designer: Sajith Ansar, founder and CEO of IdeaSpice

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Designer: Alejandro Saiffe

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Designer: Craig Wilson

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Designer: Jovin Tan

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Designer: Andrei Barmalei

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Designer: Andrei Barmalei

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Designer: Peter Cobo

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Designer: Milosz Klimek

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Designer: Conor Smyth

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Designer: Joe White

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Designer: Tim Easley

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Designer: Brandee Milton

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Designer: Amy Pennell

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Designer: Kathie Soza

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Killer Self-Promotion Strategies eBook

In this 80-page eBook from HOW magazine, you’ll get expert advice and tips on how to promote yourself. From learning when to call yourself a freelancer to learning how to make your LinkedIn profile stronger, you’ll attract more clients and get your name out there. Also included: An inspiring article that takes a look at designers who have reached new markets through their side projects and an excerpt from “The Designer’s Guide to Marketing and Pricing.” Even if you’re already promoting yourself, this collection will give you ideas of different marketing approaches and expert advice.