Biz card crit
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- welded0
Andre, thanks for the links. I did some basic research on Cooper while layout out this card, but I appreciate it regardless. At first I wasn't aware of how much, but I know now that there's a lot of it out there, and a lot of that is advertising garbage, but I don't think that's much of a reason to not try and do something fun or interesting with it. I suppose if I do well, then that's great, but if it's not so good I run the risk of joining the legions of Cooper Black chaff. :\ If that's the case I'll just lick my wounds try again (assuming it makes it to print).
jpolk, lots of great feedback, thank you. About the issue of my domain itself, it IS a bit of a pain even just fitting it on the card, I think that's clear, but that is what I'm playing with by having it in large type wrapping around the card. You might see that on my "web site" as well. I've debated with myself off and on since before purchasing it that it could be a liability from a business stand point. However, on the other side of the equation I didn't want your average Johnny Designer on the street domain, like myname.com (which would be acceptible, I concede) or johnnydesign.com. That sort of thing. I feel it's the safe and average thing to do. Now don't get me wrong, this is a perfectly acceptible practice, but I wanted something different and kind of lighthearted, then I took that to rather absurd lengths. It was never my aim to be a well honed promoting machine, not when I can have some fun instead. I've said it before, but should it turn out to be a crippling mistake on my part I'll change my approach (a guy's gotta eat), but until then I'd like to try and make it work. I like the reaction I get, generally, in person. Usually there's a small chuckle of incredulousness. I've taken everybody's opinions on the matter to heart, though.
I don't mind the idea of a mirror or domain pointer, but, again, right now that will reside as a possible plan B.
I've got a few more days before I'm scheduled to have this done, I'll definately be paying as much care to it as I can afford. If I can I'd like to ask for some more feedback. It's a bit disheartening at times, but I want to thank everybody for being honest and constructive.
Oh, and gabe, I know exactly what you mean, and I've been having the same internal debate about it as I have with my domain. I want to put down what I do, but wanted to avoid putting the usual series of things, like "design • development • print * web" or whatever. I think maven is a funny word.
It's tricky making what seems like an anti marketing device to market myself with. :\ I really should have asked for help sooner.
- gabe0
i think you can do without the "design maven" bit. it seems a little...... cheesy
- jpolk0
1. the slanted type is driving me crazy, it looks sloppy.
a. without overlaid type, it looks like a cutting/printing error. consider rotating it backwards if you're married to the idea of it.
b. the overlaps look sloppy and due to cooper's letterforms, inconsistent.
c. far too prevalent, knock it out more.
2. you definitely need the url there, but as business cards are meant to grab new business, i'd really consider some kind of mirror domain.
a. it's too long: i would definitely not type that url or email addy , most days. fnd something shorter.
b. it's kind of irreverant if you are trying to go after mid-large sized companies.
.. more to come...
- andre_andreev0
some history on cooper black:
http://www.typebox.com/3thinkbox…some of its uses (other than every car dealership window display):
http://msp.sfsu.edu/instructors/…I would use fonts that you are familiar with. If you want something more interesting, check out the t23 fonts...
- welded0
Interesting write up on Gill Sans. It's the first time I've ever used either font for anything so it's kind of a bit of an experiment for me. Can't say that I fully agree with the horrible font conclusion, but I can see the curious quirks. Do you have any suggestions on other faces I could try out?
Would you mind elaboration on why you believe the Cooper Black is generic? Is it how I use it, or just the face in general? Both?
With the colours, again, I can't fully agree with you, but I definately see where you're coming from. Personally, I like them. It was my thought that between the almost camo-colours and the Cooper it looked a little bit retro/trendy. Like it's a t-shirt from 3 years ago or something. That MY impression, anyway. I've tried having all the background text as one colour and didn't like the look. Though I'm kind of going for an almost textured look, I would like it to be legible. Perhaps I'm trying for too accomplish too much.
Thanks for the input, even if you're unimpressed. ;)
- andre_andreev0
rant ahead:
first of all gill sans is a horrible font, its inconsistent and in my opinion very ugly..
http://www.underconsideration.co…the cooper black in the background is generic and the slight change in color seems weird.
The colors you might keep, just keep in mind that you are using shit brown and puke green (in various shades).
ahh, sorry about this, just had to let it out
- tny0
cheers
- welded0
Excellent. It seems we're reaching a consensus - my mother likes eight, too. I really appreciate your time, tny!
- tny0
i like the gill much better
- welded0
Oh, ya, I'm inclined to agree. I tried lots of different colours because it didn't seem like the best idea to go pure white, but, well, it gets ugly pretty easily. Do you like the Gill over TheSans or Optima? I don't really even like Optima much, it just met my criteria... I don't have a lot of type-driven designs so if my buisiness card is going to be, it might as well be pretty good.
- tny0
well, i think that of the options you showed, the k/od type would probably be the eaiest to read, thats all..
- welded0
How do you mean by too safe?
- tny0
it's kinda of tough to see the screens int he png, you know... but i think k/o would be good in theory anyway
- tny0
that's my preference, and perhaps it's too safe...
- welded0
Eight without the redish text I'm guessing?
- welded0
Thanks, tny.
Ya, I hate to cheat a bit, but I don't think anybody'll really notice nor care. It doesn't say rim or anything like that now I hope.
- tny0
8
- tny0
looks good with k/o'd type. and i see you've fixed the 'onal' problem, too...
- welded0
*ba-dump*
I like the grey Gill printed, it really pops off the background. My reasoning for choosing these three faces is I wanted some sort of humanist sans serif to compliment the Cooper. What do you think?
- welded0
Only slight changes at a glance, but a number of them.
- The type in six is The-Sans Bold at a very light brown (#D6D79F)
- The type in seven is Optima bold at a very light green (#CBEA93)
- The type is eight is Gill Sans bold at a light red (#BF9E78) and a light green-grey (#C7CFB4).
- I think I've address the anal issue, let me know if I'm just not seeing it. Also, that aside I think there are some small kerning issues in the background text which is just noticed now.Peronally I'm for the grey Gill Sans, but I'd love to get some more input.
Thanks a bunch. I've been on NT for years now and this is the first time I've actually solicited critiques - it's been good. :)