Yes, more traditional business practices are going digital these days. Though sometimes, a good ol' physical business card is just as effective for that networking event, trade fair or random grocery store encounter.
But to make yourself memorable, leave behind the ho-hum, stock-designed business cards in favor of something a bit more creative. Who knows? It might be worth that little extra investment when your company stands out from the stack of cards already on everyone's desk.
We scoured the Internet and found some pretty clever designs. Check out our list below of 30 creative business cards (in no particular order) -- they leave quite the impression.
1. Face to a Name
Truly put a face to a name with this design by REACTOR.
Embedded image courtesy of Imgur, donveto.
5. Hacker
If you're a coder or web guru, why not show off your skills?
[img src="http://i.imgur.com/zP0wd.jpg" caption="" credit="" alt=""]
Embedded image courtesy of Imgur, BurgerGrease.
6. LEGO
This "card" doubles as a LEGO toy and memorable desk ornament.
[img src="http://i.imgur.com/CKhHF.jpg" caption="" credit="" alt=""]
Embedded image courtesy of Imgur, skmotay.
7. Not Just a Card
This card design complements what the company mission and includes actual lawn seeds. Designed by creative agency STRUCK.
Images courtesy of STRUCK.
8. Hungry?
Who wouldn't love a business card you can eat? The only hitch would be noting down all that contact information before taking a bite. Dizzy Design created the card for The Bombay Bakery.
[img src="" caption="" credit="" alt=""]Source: cardobserver.com via Kathy on Pinterest
9. Snack Time
Organic beef jerky, anyone? Designed by the folks at Rethink, Canada.
[img src="" caption="" credit="" alt=""]Source: adsoftheworld.com via Scott on Pinterest
10. Useful
A business card you can truly use as a tool. This design also from Rethink, Canada.
[img src="" caption="" credit="" alt=""]Source: rethinkcanada.com via liberal sprinkles on Pinterest.
11. Cheese Grater
Yet another useful business card.
[img src="http://i.imgur.com/iZdEgOa.jpg" caption="" credit="" alt=""]
Embedded image courtesy of Imgur, dogbombs.
12. Natural
This card gets back to nature with a wood design.
[img src="" caption="" credit="" alt=""]Source: Uploaded by user via Cassel Promotions & Signs on Pinterest
13. Just Stretch It Out
Since you have to stretch it to actually read the text, this flexible card is super playful. And hey, the design stretches the imagination (pun completely intended).
[img src="http://i.imgur.com/Y053n.png" caption="" credit="" alt=""]
Embedded image courtesy of Imgur, kid_z.
14. Photo Genius
If you're a photographer, this design conveys a visual career with a camera viewfinder display.
[img src="http://i.imgur.com/DspoH.jpg" caption="" credit="" alt=""]
Embedded image courtesy of Imgur, lordla.
15. Clear
Another transparent-style card.
[img src="" caption="" credit="" alt=""]Source: bce-online.com via Sarah Müller on Pinterest
16. QR Codes
Though arguably QR codes may not withstand the test of time, they could be a good way to lead people toward your online content.
Image courtesy of Flickr, Thomas Low/Thomas Lowe Design.
17. Augmented Reality
Want to get more interactive? Augmented reality cards can be unique solution. But the recipient usually has to hold these special cards up to his/her webcam for the experience to work.
Video via YouTube, andysignerdesigner.
18. Shapes
A unique square card with color that pops.
Images courtesy of Flickr, Kyle Van Horn/kvanhorn.
19. Beyond The Square
Why be square (or rectangle)? Cards with different shapes stand out amongst a pile, but some might not fit nicely in your wallet.
[img src="" caption="" credit="" alt=""]Source: neatdesigns.net via Lloyd on Pinterest
[img src="" caption="" credit="" alt=""]Source: pressingletters.com via Kiana on Pinterest
20. Mini Me
Why does size matter? Go mini. Design by MOO.
Image courtesy of MOO Inc.
21. Circle
Another anti-rectangle design.
[img src="" caption="" credit="" alt=""]Source: graphicfetish.com via Anna on Pinterest
22. Double-sided
Mullet style: party on the back, business on the front. Design by MOO.
Image courtesy of MOO Inc.
23. Facebook Style
For true social media aficionados, emphasize your brand's Facebook presence. Design by MOO.
Image courtesy of MOO Inc.
24. Minimalist, Yet Personal
These handmade cards with hand-stamped ink leave an original impression. Designed by The Awesome Project.
[img src="http://cardobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/awesome-business-cards.jpg" caption="" credit="" alt="Hand-Made Awesome Business Cards"]Source: businesscarddesignideas.com via j on Pinterest
28. Words of Encouragement
Get direct with your text. Apple retail stores have reportedly used this card design for recruiting.
29. The Irishman
Sometimes, humor is the best way to break the ice.
[img src="http://i.imgur.com/85RUrLj.jpg?1" caption="" credit="" alt=""]
Embedded image courtesy of Imgur, boomtownbuzz.
30. How Woz Rolls
Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak's card is totally sleek in a geeky kind of way.
[img src="http://i.imgur.com/hVjch.jpg" caption="" credit="" alt=""]
Embedded image courtesy of Imgur, dre10g.
What is the most creative business card you've ever received? Let us know in the comments.