First off, what IS a QR Code? QR Code is a Two-Dimensional Code that can hold information and link to URLs which can be easily scanned by almost any smart phone. When it is scanned , your phone figures out what is in the QR Code and displays the results on your screen depending on what kind of code was generated.

Here are some ideas of what you can do with a QR Code…

• Automatically add contact info to your smartphone
• Link it to your website
• LinkYour Social Networking Site (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn…)
• Make a Calendar Event
• Link to an image that you have on the web
• Link it to your blog
• Use it to list the services that you provide
• Send a SMS
• Pinpoint a geological location, like your business
• Call a phone number
• WiFi Access for customers
• Plus much much more!

So, how do you create these complex little data squares? It is actually quite simple, there are many online generators that you can use to create your own unique QR Code.

Here are a couple QR Code generators that I tend to use the most....

• http://zxing.appspot.com/generator/
• http://qrcode.littleidiot.be/
• http://www.qrhacker.com/

It is amazing what can be done with this technology! Enjoy!

White ink does not have to be used only as a blocker on transparent stock. It can also be used to add depth and interest to your Business Card.

Adding a white pattern or design element to the back of a colored transparent card will add visual interest, like in the Ranger Technical Business Card sample. A creative card will always catch ones attention and want to share your cool business card with other people. Why? Because it is different from what they are used to receiving. Everyone has seen the standard white dull paper business card with only black text and a logo. Having something different from the norm will make your potential client less likely to toss it in the desk drawer dungeon or used as a last resort for their chewed up gum.

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There are boring paper Business Cards, that end up getting crumpled up, lost or thrown away. Then there are Creative Business Cards have a daily use.

Today's creative tip features a Business Card that is not only eye pleasing but includes a ruler on the clear edges of the card. Who doesn’t use a ruler! Adding a simple feature like this will add value to your potential client and will always be within arm’s reach. When they need a service that they might need, you have a better possibility of getting the call.

See more creative samples!

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We've just published a new site called Graphic Design Business Cards. We are showcasing everything about graphic design cards and similar trades. For inspiration and more check it out! Thanks!

I just got finished putting together a new style of site for a business card gallery. That of which consists all of business cards that I did the photography for. Check it out and give me any feedback you have. Thanks!

While clear and frosted business cards are an immediate jump ahead of the standard paper card, utilizing these tips can help you bring your design from great to amazing. Properly setting up your artwork can also save you time and money on proofing and revisions. If you need a template check out our plastic card templates here, if you would like an instant quote try our online quote calculator.

1. A design that has white in the file will become the clear or satin stock when printed unless it is on a separate layer and designated to be printed.

2. When quoting your card white is considered a color.

3. Colors printed on the card stock without white printed behind them will become transparent.



4. Printing white on each side of the card will not completely block a color that might be printed on the opposite side.



5. Dark colors printed on the our clear plastic card stock without white behind them will turn out very dark. This effect is lessened when printing on frosted satin stock.



6. What you see printed on the front of the card will show through on the back of the card and will be backwards. You can add a layer of white to help block the design from showing through.

7. If your clear, or frosted satin card has a magnetic strip on the back it will show through to the front of the card. Many designers incorporate this into the design, or add white to the front of the card to help block the strip.



8. A popular technique is to knockout either text or an element of your card. When doing this make sure that the text or object is large enough so that it will not disappear or blend together.



9. If you are using tints of a color (lowering opacity) they will turn out lighter when printed than what your computer screen shows. If you have questions please ask your sales rep for advice.



10. An advanced clear plastic card design technique is to print text, or image elements on the front of the card and a solid color on the back. Since there is space between the front and back of the card it will leave a dropshadow and appear raised or 3D.



11. If you apply UV Coating to both sides of a frosted satin card it will end up almost completely clear. This happens because our frosted plastic cards utilize a special texture that makes them distort the light that comes through resulting in a frosted appearance. By laying a UV Coat on the card it fills the texture and cancels the effect.