Ever feel like designing a business card should be simple… but somehow turns into a mess of templates, random design tools, and weird file formats?
Yeah. Been there.
Whether you’re just starting out or finally upgrading that free Vistaprint template you’ve had since 2016, this guide’s for you.
In here, I’ll walk you through all the ways you can design a business card, from DIY platforms to hiring a designer to working with a small studio like us (hello, we’re Business Card Designers, and we’ve done this a few thousand times).
You’ll get real pros and cons for each route, what to avoid, and what to look for — especially if you want something that actually feels like you and not some generic stock layout.
Let’s break it down.
Quick Options Breakdown
There are a bunch of ways to design a business card. Some are quick and cheap. Others take more time (but usually look better). Let’s run through the main options, with honest pros and cons for each.
1. Online DIY Tools (Canva, VistaPrint, Zazzle, etc.)
These are the drag-and-drop platforms. Choose a template, add your info, hit download or print.
Pros:
- Fast and easy
- Free or cheap
- Tons of templates
Cons:
- Designs look generic
- Limited control over layout or file quality
- Not great for custom finishes (foil, emboss, etc.)
Tip: Use them if you just need something today, not if you care about standing out.
2. Hiring a Freelancer
You can find freelance designers on sites like Fiverr or Upwork. Some are great. Some… not so much.
Pros:
- Affordable (depending on who you hire)
- Can get a custom design
- Often fast turnaround
Cons:
- Quality varies wildly
- Communication isn’t always smooth
- Files might not be fully print-ready
Tip: Look for someone with clear examples of past work. Don’t just go by price or reviews.
3. Working with a Design Studio
(like us — but we’ll keep it real)
Studios focus on quality and process. You usually get multiple concepts, revisions, and files tailored for real-world printing.
Pros:
- High-end design quality
- Personal, guided process
- Print-ready files with all specs done right
Cons:
- Costs more than DIY
- Takes a few days (or fast delivery but for more $)
- Not always ideal if you want a design instantly
Tip: Best choice if your card actually matters — like when it’s part of your branding, or you want specialty print finishes.
4. Using a Template
There are paid templates you can buy and customize in software like Illustrator or Photoshop.
Pros:
- Cheap and stylish
- You control the edits (if you know how)
Cons:
- You need design software and some skills
- File setup for print can be tricky
- Still not unique
Tip: Only go this route if you’re comfortable with design tools.
5. Local Print Shops
Some shops offer design as part of their print service. You walk in, talk to someone, and they put together a basic layout.
Pros:
- Face-to-face service
- Easy if you’re already printing locally
Cons:
- Design is often an afterthought
- Very limited creative options
- No specialty styles
Tip: Good if you need cards fast and don’t care much about design.
What Matters Most When Choosing
You’ve got options. But before picking how you’ll design your card, it helps to know what actually matters, beyond just getting it done.
Here are the big ones to think about:
1. Design Quality
Does the final card feel like you (or your business)?
A good design doesn’t just look nice. It reflects your brand — your tone, your values, your vibe. That’s hard to get with a random template.
Ask yourself:
- Would I be proud to hand this out?
- Does it feel aligned with my brand or role?
2. Print-Readiness
This one’s easy to miss until it’s too late.
A file might look great on screen but fail when it hits the printer. You want files that are set up properly:
- CMYK color mode
- Bleed margins
- Correct sizes and resolutions
- Optional: support for foil, emboss, or other finishes
Tip: Always check if your final file is truly ready for print. Or better — ask the designer to handle it for you.
3. Customization
Some platforms let you drag things around. Others lock you into templates.
If you want something truly unique — or even small layout tweaks — make sure the option you choose supports that.
More flexibility = more control.
4. Timeline
How fast do you need the card?
DIY tools are instant. Studios or freelancers may take a few days. But that time usually means better results and less back-and-forth later.
Be realistic about your deadline, and don’t leave it to the last minute if the card matters.
5. Budget
Some people just need a quick placeholder. Others see their card as part of a bigger brand identity.
That difference should shape how much you spend.
If you’re building a personal brand, starting a business, or going into an industry where first impressions matter, it’s worth investing a little more.
Mini Checklist
Here’s a quick way to know if you’re making the right choice:
✅ Does the design reflect your brand?
✅ Will the files work at any print shop?
✅ Can you get revisions or feedback?
✅ Does the timeline fit your needs?
✅ Do you trust the person or platform to deliver?
My Honest Take
I started out designing business cards on Fiverr.
Thousands of them. For all kinds of people — real estate agents, dentists, startup founders, tattoo artists, and interior designers. You name it.
And here’s the thing I noticed early on:
Most people don’t know what makes a good business card.
They just want something that looks “nice” and gets printed without issues.
But good design? It’s more than colors and logos. It’s about clarity, hierarchy, balance, and making someone feel like you know what you’re doing.
So, when is it okay to use Canva or a template?
Honestly?
If you just need something fast for a one-time event, or you’re still testing out your brand, Canva is totally fine. Grab a template, tweak some text, done.
It’s a quick fix. And sometimes, that’s all you need.
But if you’re trying to stand out, look professional, or make a strong first impression.
A template won’t get you there.
Especially if:
- You’re in a competitive space
- You’re building a long-term brand
- You want something clean and memorable
- You care about finishes like foil or emboss
That’s when going custom makes sense.
I’ve seen too many people make this mistake:
They pick a free template that looks decent, send it off to print, and end up with a card that’s cluttered, generic, or just wrong.
And then they wonder why nobody keeps it.
Or worse, they get a file that can’t even be printed properly.
The real benefit of working with someone who gets it?
You don’t have to guess.
We know what works. We guide you through it. We make sure the final result actually does what it’s supposed to do:
Represent you well.
It’s not about selling a fancy card. It’s about making your first impression count — without stress, confusion, or bad print jobs.
Final Thoughts + Tips
So, where should you design your business card?
It depends.
If you just need something basic and quick, go with Canva or a local print shop. No shame in that.
But if you care about details, brand, or you want something that actually feels like you, go custom.
Whether that’s with a freelancer or a studio like ours, it’s worth the extra thought.
Not sure what to do next? Here’s a simple guide:
- Just need something fast and simple?
Use Canva or VistaPrint templates. Stick with clear fonts, don’t over-design it, and keep it clean. - Already have a logo and want something more custom?
Hire a designer. Even one good concept done right can make a difference. - Want it done properly from start to finish — with print-ready files, feedback, and flexibility?
That’s what we do. Take a look at our portfolio or packages and let’s talk.
Bonus tip before you go:
If you’re stuck, grab a few cards you like (even if they’re not yours) and make a little folder.
It helps to figure out what you’re drawn to — bold vs minimal, serif vs sans-serif, color vs black-and-white.
Then you’ll know what direction to take, wherever you decide to go next.
