How To Design A Simple Business Card
![]()
You always look pro when you have business cards to hand. In this tutorial, you can learn how to create a simple business card with a professional look.
Time needed: 15 mins
Experience level: Beginner to Moderate
Step 1:
Start by creating a new canvas, 3.5 inches by 2 inches (size of a standard business card). We want it at 300 PPI, for standard printing. If you want it at a higher quality, change the PPI to what you require. We also want to use CMYK colours for printing.
![]()
Step 2:
Choose the colours of your background. We will be using the gradient tool so choose two complementary colours. I will be using WJunction's colours in this tutorial.
Using the gradient tool, drag in the direction of the arrow. If your colours blend in the wrong direction you can either reverse the colour selection or drag the gradient tool in the opposite direction.
![]()
Step 3:
Now, select white (foreground) and black (background) in your colour selection - press letter 'D', then letter 'X' as shortcut. Create a new layer (ctrl+shift+N) and go to: Filter -> Render -> Clouds
This will create a layer as shown:
![]()
Step 4:
Change the blending to "Overlay" and the opacity to something between 30-45%, whatever looks good. You want the layer to create a soft cloudy fog above the gradient.
![]()
Step 5:
Using the eraser tool with a soft brush, erase the cloud effect from the corners of the card, this maintains a clean look.
![]()
Step 6:
We are about to use the pen tool, but first you'll need to get your brush ready. Select a soft circular brush with a diameter of 3-5px.
Also, create a new layer.
![]()
Step 7:
Now, select the pen tool. Use the pen tool to draw a simple outline of the stroke you want. This might take some time for beginners, just play with the pen tool until you get something you like. You can always undo anything in the history and start from scratch.
![]()
Step 8:
Once you have a glow line you like the look of, right-click whilst in your pen tool selection. Then click on "Stroke Path...". Make sure you have "Simulate Pressure" selected.
![]()
Step 9:
Right click again and "Delete Path". You will be left with a line as below:
![]()
Step 10:
We want to add some glowing effects to the line. Go to Layer Styles on the glow line layer and add an outer glow. You can also change the colour of your glow line by using colour overlay, or add a drop shadow. Play with the effects until you get something you like.
![]()
Step 11:
Next, create some new layers and draw some more lines.
![]()
Step 12:
Copy the layer styles from your first line over to your new ones by right-clicking on the layer "Copy Layer Style", then right-clicking on your new layers and "Paste Layer Style".
This is what I ended up with:
![]()
Step 13:
Use the type tool to write your name, use a bold font and large size.
![]()
Step 14:
Add some layer styles to your text:
![]()
![]()
Step 15:
Using the type tool write the rest of your text. Use a smaller text with the same or similar font. This keeps the professional look. Change the letter spacing, making the smaller text more condensed if you need more space.
![]()
Step 16:
Copy and paste the layer styles, then edit to enhance the text. Change the positioning of the text to your liking.
![]()
Final:
![]()
Please reply if you have any questions or anything to add to this tutorial. Post your own business card designs.
You always look pro when you have business cards to hand. In this tutorial, you can learn how to create a simple business card with a professional look.
Time needed: 15 mins
Experience level: Beginner to Moderate
Step 1:
Start by creating a new canvas, 3.5 inches by 2 inches (size of a standard business card). We want it at 300 PPI, for standard printing. If you want it at a higher quality, change the PPI to what you require. We also want to use CMYK colours for printing.
Step 2:
Choose the colours of your background. We will be using the gradient tool so choose two complementary colours. I will be using WJunction's colours in this tutorial.
Using the gradient tool, drag in the direction of the arrow. If your colours blend in the wrong direction you can either reverse the colour selection or drag the gradient tool in the opposite direction.
Step 3:
Now, select white (foreground) and black (background) in your colour selection - press letter 'D', then letter 'X' as shortcut. Create a new layer (ctrl+shift+N) and go to: Filter -> Render -> Clouds
This will create a layer as shown:
Step 4:
Change the blending to "Overlay" and the opacity to something between 30-45%, whatever looks good. You want the layer to create a soft cloudy fog above the gradient.
Step 5:
Using the eraser tool with a soft brush, erase the cloud effect from the corners of the card, this maintains a clean look.
Step 6:
We are about to use the pen tool, but first you'll need to get your brush ready. Select a soft circular brush with a diameter of 3-5px.
Also, create a new layer.
Step 7:
Now, select the pen tool. Use the pen tool to draw a simple outline of the stroke you want. This might take some time for beginners, just play with the pen tool until you get something you like. You can always undo anything in the history and start from scratch.
Step 8:
Once you have a glow line you like the look of, right-click whilst in your pen tool selection. Then click on "Stroke Path...". Make sure you have "Simulate Pressure" selected.
Step 9:
Right click again and "Delete Path". You will be left with a line as below:
Step 10:
We want to add some glowing effects to the line. Go to Layer Styles on the glow line layer and add an outer glow. You can also change the colour of your glow line by using colour overlay, or add a drop shadow. Play with the effects until you get something you like.
Step 11:
Next, create some new layers and draw some more lines.
Step 12:
Copy the layer styles from your first line over to your new ones by right-clicking on the layer "Copy Layer Style", then right-clicking on your new layers and "Paste Layer Style".
This is what I ended up with:
Step 13:
Use the type tool to write your name, use a bold font and large size.
Step 14:
Add some layer styles to your text:
Step 15:
Using the type tool write the rest of your text. Use a smaller text with the same or similar font. This keeps the professional look. Change the letter spacing, making the smaller text more condensed if you need more space.
Step 16:
Copy and paste the layer styles, then edit to enhance the text. Change the positioning of the text to your liking.
Final:
Please reply if you have any questions or anything to add to this tutorial. Post your own business card designs.