Business Cards: A Vintage Blend From France
Business cards are pocket cards which usually have professional or general information about an individual or a company. These are normally used as a formal method of conducting introductions to attract customers or clients.
A business card typically contains a givers name, company affiliation or occupational information and contact information which may include address, email and telephone numbers. Originally, business cards were designed in a simple and sober black and white format. However, nowadays, most cards have some form of striking graphic design in order to make it look more individualistic and noticeable.
These cards were traditionally used by sales persons to distribute to clients to maintain contact. In recent times, this is used as a mode of networking with people exchanging cards in order to gain contacts. Business cards, or calling cards are even used by some as a kind of a style statement, where the card signifies, a formal elegance. The cards here tend to lean towards older formats with simple and elegant fonts and colors rather than any eye catching graphics. The First Business Card The first visiting card was produced sometime in France during the 17th century. The cards were usually playing cards sized and just a little smaller than the size of a man's hand. Visitors would normally scribble their names, promissory notes and other messages on them. With time, these cards developed into greeting cards and other forms of cards. The first proper visiting card appeared during the reign of Louis the XIV. This card solemnly introduced their owners in all their glory. Adopted from the French court, the visiting cards finally spread to Europe and America in the 19th century. It became included refined engraved ornaments and awe-inspiring coat of arms. They quickly became an essential accessory for middle class men and women of the 1800's. Visiting cards took on its current form in the U.S. where cards were used by every business or professional person. It was considered in extreme bad taste to leave a business card when making a social call. A business card left with a servant normally indicated that you had called to collect a bill. The original format of the visiting cards did not exist with common or working class Americans and were used as evidence of meeting social obligations, while also streamlining a letter of introduction. Businesses used these cards as distinctions of their profile. Therefore, they introduced the first modifications in design. With the growing demands of the cards, color printing received a boost and more sophisticated and original designs began to appear making the cards little pieces of art themselves. In current times, these business cards are used in social interactions but don't always stick to business information. They sometimes just focus on individual details rather than dispensing any facts about business or professional affiliations. Entrepreneurs and small businesses are particularly dependent on these cards. Needless to say, these cards are extremely popular and come with their own set of etiquettes which are still faithfully practiced by those who idolize old world customs.
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