11 game-changing business card trends for 2020

Today, business card designs are as creative as ever and our business card trends for 2020 indicate that these objects are a worthy canvas for designers who like to push the limits of our expectations.

Even in our digitized world, business cards are timeless objects and their purpose is indispensable. Their visuality and tactility make these cards extra special in industries where most communication takes place on screens. That’s why business card trends matter.

Origin: https://99designs.com/blog/trends/business-card-trends/

Business card design trends 2020
Illustration by OrangeCrush

What exciting business card design trends can we expect to see in 2020? Whether you have a business that caters to a classical clientele or are an innovator who works with the newest ideas out there, these will leave an impression.

Here are 11 business card trends to pay attention to in 2020:

  1. Shape-defying business cards
  2. Etched business cards
  3. Business cards with colored edges
  4. Hand-illustrated business cards
  5. Business cards with clean, minimal lines
  6. Textured materials
  7. Neon business cards
  8. Autograph business cards
  9. Business cards with natural motifs
  10. Monochrome business cards
  11. Business cards with colorful brush strokes

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1. Shape-defying business cards

Business cards are classically rectangular in shape. The standard sizing for business cards is 3.5 x 2 inches in the US and the average business card tends to have sharp corners. Well, that is, if you want to keep things traditional.

These styles are built on a penchant for non-conformist shapes. From squares, rectangles with soft corners and cards that are shaped like their logo, this design trend proves that there are no limitations for a business card.

Business cards trends 2020: klixbot logo shaped card

The logo becomes the business card in this design by bo_rad

Business cards trends 2020: jar shaped business card

This design briliiantly turns the business card into another object, a jar by Rose”

Business cards trends 2020 example: square blue business card

This design ideally represents a modern, innovative business, by BST Studio

Business cards trends 2020 example: flower and ice cream shop business card

The soft edges makes this business card much more fitting for a flower and ice cream shop, by Jecakp

Business cards trends 2020 example: logo pops out of business card

This design is literally pushing the boundaries of a traditional business card, design by Milos Zdrale

Business cards trends 2020 example: circular business card

This circular design challenges our expectations of a regular old business card, design by shivangi21

2. Etched business cards

Another exciting trend for 2020 are etched business cards with text and logos that are either higher or lower than the surface of the card. These designs give business cards depth, by visibly adding a third dimension to an otherwise flat object.

These designs also mix an old-timey feel with modern methods. The act of carving or stamping—with laser or by hand—suggests permanence and dedication. This method turns the business card into an object to behold.

Business cards trends 2020 example: etched business card design
Modern and minimal etched business card design by Prozmajevski
Business cards trends 2020 example: sd fresh products logo design

The logo stands out (or in), no matter where this design goes on, by Canvas Creation

Business cards trends 2020 example: kc black business card

A very elegant and simple way to make the logo noticeable, in this design by pecas™

Business cards trends 2020 example: mystic mountain etched card

This business card beautifully and minimally displays all that it’s need to by using depth. By Prozmajevski

Business cards trends 2020 example: winston wolfe business card

The few elements of this design are emphasized by the use of depth. By Jurassic World

3. Business cards with colored edges

Another trend that brings dynamism to business cards in 2020 is colorful edges. Once again, playing on the tactility and three-dimensionality of the cards, these designs catch the eye with colors that pop underneath traditional, square, black or white objects. In 2020, we’ll be seeing particularly thick cards that catch the eye with their colorful edges.

Business cards trends 2020 example: business card with colored edges
Business card design by Prozmajevski
Business cards trends 2020 example: bright colors business card

All colors benefit from some contrasting, as showcased in this design by ultrastjarna

Business cards trends 2020 example: red black and blue real estate business card

The red of the edges makes the card much more noticeable, in this design by ultrastjarna

Business cards trends 2020 example: business card with colorful edge
The orange edges of this all-black business card design create an eye-catching yet understated effect. Design by Jecakp

4. Hand-illustrated business cards

Unique illustrations soften business cards, transforming a transactional object into a personal and intimate item. Illustrations can either cover the surface of the card or they can be centered as the logo.

This is business card design trend demonstrates care and approachability with its hand drawn features. Often paired with serifs, pastel tones and motifs evoking nature, these cards have a delicate feel and are ideal for small businesses that aim to have lots of one-on-one interactions with customers.

Business cards trends 2020 example: Dog drawing business card
The detailed illustration is paired with a minimal, white face in this design by Mad pepper
Business cards trends 2020 example: Child on moon illustration business card

The illustration makes this business card a precious, dreamy object. By Arthean

Business cards trends 2020 example: Butterfly drawing business card

This black and white butterfly drawing elegantly represents the flower shop, by Yokaona

Business cards trends 2020 example: swallow carrying a suitcase

This intricately drawn swallow illustration turns the business card into a piece of tangible art, by Mad pepper

Business cards trends 2020 example: rhino skull flower business card

What better way to represent a tattoo shop than with an illustration, by ultrastjarna

5. Business cards with clean, minimal lines

With minimal, clean symmetries and an emphasis on geometric lines, this trend is a visual delight. Sleek and stylish, these cards play with infinity and perspective.

T
he font choice for these business cards is generally sans serifs and color variation is minimal. The design freedom is found in orientation—the business name or address can be placed wherever fits best with the design. These business card designs speak to our intelligence.

Business cards trends 2020 example: connecting dots business card
With lines, dots and a few colors comes to life a well balanced design by Boja
Business cards trends 2020 example: design market black and white business card

With masterful use of just a few elements the space of this business card is perfectly utilized by pecas™

Business cards trends 2020 example: belmont carrera purple business card

The elements interact with technique and the results are very impressive in this design by Ian Douglas

Business cards trends 2020 example: david bishop business card

This design keeps it simple yet eye-catching with cleverly arranged lines and text by Arthean

Business cards trends 2020 example: undress design label

All variations of this business card are chic and minimal, by pecas™

6. Textured materials

Textured cards stand apart from others, giving the recipient an increased sensory experience. These cards make great use of white space and emphasize unique card stocks. A minimal approach is therefore a good way to go in this business card design trend.

Business cards trends 2020 example: cork business card with texture
A textured cork business card by Silicium Studio
Business cards trends 2020 example: business card made from rough material

A textured business card design with extra rough edges by Hart Design

Business cards trends 2020 example: vendetta business card

Texture gives another way to perceive a business card, design by Venndetta

Business cards trends 2020 example: gray border black business card
This design takes advantage of the textured look and feel to center the logo, by Ian Douglas

7. Neon business cards

These cards catch the eye with their bright and beautiful color schemes. They are best for those who prefer boldness over subtlety. In a world of black and white, text-heavy business cards, these designs let the bold colors do all the talking.

This trend is ideal for businesses dealing with technology and other modern industries.

Business cards trends 2020 example: geometric neon business card
Fearless technology expressed with neon by LoneWolv™
Business cards trends 2020 example: neon business card

Business card design by Prozmajevski

Business cards trends 2020 example: neon business card

Business card design by Jecakp

Business cards trends 2020 example: neon business card

Business card design by Prozmajevski

Business cards trends 2020 example: all the colors business card

This business card gives out a pretty pastel crayon impression with muted neons, by 1+2=12

Business cards trends 2020 example: motion and adrenaline business card
The purple text pops amidst the white in this design by KisaDesign

8. Autograph business cards

Signatures are no longer commonly seen, except on important documents and objects autographed by celebrities. Yet, signatures are undeniably personal. When you receive a business card with a signature on it you understand that you will be working with a person and not a large corporation.

This trend makes use of cursive, paired with understated colors and sparse text. While not all of them employ an actual signature, in these designs the business cards appear “autographed.” This another great way of emphasizing old fashioned person-to-person communication in this era of bouncing from app to app.

Business cards trends 2020 example: feng flow yoga card

Here’s a card that encapsulates the intimacy of the product it offers, yoga classes. Design by katie_kat

Business cards trends 2020 example: alc coaching business card

The signature of a personal coach is all there is on one face of the card, with information on the other. Design by EWMDesigns

Business cards trends 2020 example: signature microblading business card

This card may look simple but none of the personal touches are missing by 7plus7

Business cards trends 2020 example: lara aqel cinematographer business card

All the essential information is present in this feather-like business card by Akedis Design

9. Business cards with natural motifs

Whether for a flower shop or a kindergarten, this business card trend employs natural motifs that speak to our societal desire to have deeper connections with nature.

Color is common for these cards although by no means necessary. And if you think they’re limited to flowers, think again. Some of these designs harmoniously use serifs and floral tones alongside other natural motifs—and it works.

Business cards trends 2020 example: natural floral business card
Design by Mad pepper
Business cards trends 2020 example: field boutique flower card

A single flower decorates this card for a floral design company, by lindt88

Business cards trends 2020 example: business card with natural illustration

Business card design by pecas

Business cards trends 2020 example: leaves landscape business card
Images of leaves form the background of this card while the drawing is the logo. By Birendra Chandra Das

10. Monochrome business cards

Black and white is always a trend, especially when it comes to business cards. These designs update the classic black and white style by playing with modernist approaches.

Business cards trends 2020 example: monochrome business card design
An ultra-modern, monochrome business card design by Ian Douglas
Business cards trends 2020 example: black and white business card

A black card that is really beautiful and minimal, design by bcostudios

Business cards trends 2020 example: minimal black and white business card design

A minimal business card design by HYPdesign

11. Business cards with colorful brush strokes

Watercolor brushstroke effects give a sense of warmth and humanity to business cards. While this style could work for anyone, it is especially effective for art and fashion-forward companies.

Business cards trends 2020 example: watercolor business card design
A beautiful watercolor business card design by HYPdesign
Business cards trends 2020 example: purple butterfly business card

Things get positive and personal in this logo and business card design by Ava N Garda

Business cards trends 2020 example: gallery watercolor business card

The colorful, oil-painting style of this business card is perfect for an art gallery. Design by Knightmare”

Business cards trends 2020 example: peach business card
A business card for a boutique, which could also easily be a name tag at a boho chic wedding. Design by GoodEnergy

Business cards are a seemingly rigid medium, but the business card trends of 2020 show us that the boundaries are there to be pushed. The small canvas may at first feel challenging to work with, but challenges spark creativity helping you to think beyond the norm!

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