11 game-changing business card trends for 2020 - 99designs (2024)

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.

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

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

1. Shape-defying business cards
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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.

2. Etched business cards
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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.

See Also

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3. Business cards with colored edges
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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.

4. Hand-illustrated business cards
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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.

5. Business cards with clean, minimal lines
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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.

The 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.

6. Textured materials
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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.

7. Neon business cards
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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.

8. Autograph business cards
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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.

9. Business cards with natural motifs
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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.

10. Monochrome business cards
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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.

11. Business cards with colorful brush strokes
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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.

Get inspired by the business card trends 2020
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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!