[Irishman]

I did a quick search but couldn't locate any discussions on developing your own business or calling card. I only joined this site 6 months ago so please humor me. My wife took some of my woodspirits to work with her and clients had a number of questions such as "who carved this, what type of carving is this, how much is the carving, etc. She felt that clients might like to read about the carving while they wait...and not ask so many questions so she can do her work. Any suggestions of how I can approach this? This selling carvings is starting to feel like work
Patrick

[Doug Ridley]

Look up www.vistaprint.com
You can make your own business cards FREE. The only thing it will cost you is 5 bucks shipping. These are nice quality cards and I have been using them for several years. This is a VERY good deal.

[brian bailey]

I have MicroSoft Publisher on my computer.

When I get a project done, I take some photos. I then use one of the brochure templates in publisher to write up a little story about the item and insert a couple of photos.

Then print off as many copies as you need.

It's a great way to advertise your business and inexpensive too.

You can also make your own business cards with this progaram.

Below is a brochure that I did recently for a desk that I made.

[Callynne]

Patrick, I make my own business cards, I just use my card making program, American Greetings, CreataCard Platinum.

I designed how I wanted them to look, saved it and when I need more I just print them out.

I use Avery 'Clean Edge' card paper, it's neat, nice clean edges, you just bend the paper where it's scored and they just 'break' apart.

Brian, your set up is really great, looks very professional, both the work and the brochure! Deborah

[whitecree]

When you get around to designing your business card, keep it simple. If you have too much on the card, your name/phone tends to get lost.

For some reason, a single colour such as black on white tends to be more effective than a rainbow of colour.

[Pyrographer]

Like Brian I use Microsoft Publisher for my brochures and business cards. My brochures include pictures of some of my owrk along with information about pyrography and my classes. It's simple, clear and concise.

My business cards are set up with the same design as the brochure and includes a photo of one of my burnings in the right top corner and the left top includes the contact information. Along the bottom is the information about what we do.

I used one of the design templates in Peachtree for each of them with my own modifications.

I have been doing this for years and have gotten very positive feadback on both of them.

Nedra

[Kenny_S]

We use the old Printmaster Gold for business cards. Since we have the software and the card stock already(her Scrapbooking supplies. We just print them out and use the cutter to cut them down, Can't tell if they are professionally done.
What I llike about this way is you can change your card around, add to it or delete from the original setup.
Like Nedra, Have a couple pictures of bark carving in the uper left and lower right and a picture of the state of Kansas with the CANEY River going by Caney, Hence the name, "Caney River Carvings", Our name,address, phone number and both e-mail addresses.

[brian bailey]

Thanks, Deborah.

I have found that doing a brochure adds a personal touch to your work that the customer wasn't expecting. Good for business !

[Pyrographer]

I have also found that updating the cards and brochures with different artwork really helps too.
Nedra

[squbrigg]

I've tried printing my own, but went back to having them done at a printer, their process and results are better. I use my own design/aviar and the simple name address, telephone and e-mail. I like your idea of the brochure Brian, the city did a brochure up for my display here for the summer, but it's not what I would propose. Maybe I should start looking at doing my own.

Good discussion folks, a topic we all can benefit from.

Bob