10 Things to keep in mind when developing a logo

1.     Logo should be relevant to your activity, thus it will be more memorable and recognizable.
2.     Logo should be simple and clear. It should look clear even at a very small size (like on a business card).
3.     Logo should be unique, or at least not look too much like some other logo.
4.     Logo should be composed of shapes of flat color. Keep number of colors low, no more than 3. It will save you money on future printing costs.
5.     Colors should be easy to match and reproduce on different printing devices (inkjet printer, offset press etc.) and on different media.
6.     Logo should look well when printed in black and white. You may also develop a simplified B&W version of a logo for printing on a laser printer or sending by fax.
7.     Logo should not look too modern. Avoid using "fashionable" fonts or design elements. It may look outdated in a year or two.
8.     Think metaphorically. Circle is a metaphor of a globe, ellipse - of an orbit. Think of what can metaphorically describe your business.
9.     Show a prospect logo to your friends and clients and ask them what they think. Avoid a disaster.
10.     If you have chosen the logo - be consistent. Use the same logo (proportions, colors, typeface) throughout your documents. Make your identity your asset.

How to Design Ideal Business Cards

1. If it's the first time making your own business cards - try to estimate the real number of business cards you need for now. Of course, the more you print, the cheaper they are, but do you want to throw them away when your e-mail or address or telephone number changes? Or, do you want to cross out old data and write the new by hand? Therefore, be moderate - making a couple of hundred business cards is probably enough.

2. Ask for a professional designer's advise on your card's look. Even if you think that violet is your favorite color and your name should be engraved in gold, listen to the professional. Sometimes they are right.

3. If for now you are working alone, it does not mean that you will forever. Hopefully, soon you will be loaded with work and you will need to hire somebody. Therefore, make some blank business cards.

4. Ideal business card should be elegant and professional-looking. Do not use font larger than 9 point, do not overload your business card with names and titles, and any other information about your business. Hopefully, you will have a chance to tell all this in person.

5. Use expensive paper, preferably white or light-colored. Recycled paper is in fashion too, especially if you care about the environment. Consider unusual methods of printing, nowadays you have a great choice.

6. Even if you plan to operate in another country or some of your clients are speaking different languages, have separate business cards for each language. Double-sides business cards look less professional.

7. There are no strict rules on orientation of the text, so you can decide if you want it to be vertical or horizontal. However, it seems like usually conservative businesses have horizontal-oriented business cards, and creative ones - vertical.

8. If your business is creative (design, photo etc.) you can be creative with your business card as much as you want. You can add ornaments, crazy backgrounds, and use funny-looking fonts. Everybody will accept such business cards from a creative professional.

9. Make sure, that the size of your business card is standard, so people will have no trouble putting your card in their business card files. I, personally hate to use scissors when someone's business card does not fit mine, and many other people think so too.

10. If you do not have a nice pocket business card holder, buy one. Let it be expensive, made of leather, the one you could imagine a very successful businessman could keep his business cards. This small and very handy accessory will not let your business cards wrinkle, at the same time will enhance your professional image.

Finally, think of what someone could say about you and your business judging by the appearance of your business card. Make appropriate changes if necessary.