Iron Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design · 2018
Ada Pack Business card
- A' Design Award 2018 Iron Winner in Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design
- Awarded April 15, 2018
- CLIENT: Ada
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 11,973
- Verification code E1E02D79F6 · Verify this award
About Ada Pack Business card
The client wanted to have a business card that "tells" what Ada Pack deals, to be lively, interesting and to immediately attract attention and challenge the reaction. The designer came to the idea of thinking about how to present a gift packaging service to be clear at first glance. The guideline was the decorative paper used on such occasions. The business card really attracts attention and calls for action. Whoever takes it in his hands, study it to the detail and looking under the decorative paper to see what is hidden there. The recipients are sorry to cut the tape, so they peek.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Ada Pack is the name of the new services, offering packaging services for merchants and retailers. The client's wish was to have a special business card that will be highlighted in relation to others and will clearly communicate the service the company offers. The business card is designed to remind you of the joy of giving. The red printed text on the card is correlated with decorative paper, to further emphasize the gift packaging service.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- The business card is the width 90mm x height 50mm. And Decorative paper is width 32mm x height 104m.
- Tags
- creative, business card, emotion, interesting
- Production Technology
- Technical specification
The business card is made of two parts, offset paper and decorative paper. The card is printed on the offset technique and cut to needed shape and for the decorative paper was used a screen printing technique. At the end, the decorative paper is wrapped around the business card and glued to itself. - Design Challenge
- The most difficult part was to make a final product, because a business card and decorative paper were printed in a different print company. So, I had the honor to wrapping and glued a decorative paper around the business card.
- Project Duration
- The project is created in March 2010 in Zagreb, and was rewarded at Creativity International awards 2010.
- Operation Flow
- An interesting reactions from people, which receive a business card, they are sorry to cut the wrapped decoration and look down below to see what is hidden. Mostly, everyone likes a business card because it's unusual.
- Research
- I made a research about few things, which techniques of printing would be given a good result on decorative paper and which techniques should I use for finishing, to obtain a desired shape of business card.
- Inspiration
- I found the inspiration in the wrapping of gifts, the idea was to wrap a business card (partly) in a decorative paper with a printed logo.
- Image Credits
- Nadja Skazlić
Colors of Ada Pack Business card
Design Interview about Ada Pack Business card
Visually demonstrate gift wrapping service, how business card would be clear on first sight. Also, client's wish was to have a recognizable and memorable business card, the card which would awake curiosity and encourage positive emotions and how could be more highlighted among the others.
Show how a usual piece of paper (offset paper) can be interesting when it wrapped with decorative paper, how can look more attractive and give an additional value.
Honestly, don't have a future plan for this project.
An idea came to me relatively quickly, then I spent a few days to develop it till the finish. Firstly, was thinking about covering a contact information, but very soon denied that idea because of fear that person which take a business card wouldn't want to cut tape. So I decided to keep information uncovered and that was proved as correct thinking.
Followed inspiration at that moment. Firstly, had an intention to play with color, tried to make something interesting. Then I decided to play with different color and other type of paper.
That was an ordered work for another company, which has represented itself with this part of direct communication.
Inspiration, good idea and wish to make something unique and special.
Not at this project, but speaking generally, other designs had probably left an impression on me and consequently on my work, my utterance.
Target was other companies which practice of giving a present to their business partner, and express an appreciation in that way.
I think, that could be a using of two different materials (offset paper and decorative paper), also as is used two different printing technique (offset printing and screen printing).
In this case it's obvious :)
Sketch block and pencil for developing idea, then hardware and software for realization.
Decorative paper with print, wrapped around the business card
Worked and communicated with master of the print process.
Technology has the main role in the process of realisation.
Analyzed the offer of service, what company doing and how.
The problem was that decorative paper couldn't be cut by machine, so I was forced to cut with my hand using a plain scalpel.
The organizer sent me an invitation.
Developed a more sense for organizing and producing, also confirmed myself how additional effort brings benefit.
Is an interesting to watch how people react when receive a business card, how they rotate it and research carefully, how peeking under the tape. How they start commenting excitedly, showing open interest.
Grand Interview about Ada Pack Business card
The creative idea of wrapping the business card in decorative paper stems from the very essence of the service provided by the company – gift packaging. My goal was to convey the experience, that is, the feeling of giving through business communication, which is not common for business cards. The inspiration came from researching the emotional reaction that occurs when opening a gift, that small moment of curiosity and anticipation. I wanted to transfer that emotion to a business level, allowing users to connect with the brand in a more personal and deeper way.
I aimed to reshape the classic concept of a business card and turn it into an interactive experience that would stand out from ordinary business cards. The inspiration arose from the desire to create a moment of surprise and subtle tension – the feeling that people often have when opening a gift. I wanted recipients to pause for a moment, to hesitate before revealing the content, thus creating a unique experience and a lasting impression of the brand message.
The combination of offset printing for the business card and screen printing for the decorative paper that wrapped it posed its challenges, especially since the parts were produced in different printing companies. This role required thorough coordination and careful management to ensure that the final result matched the vision. I had to rely on careful planning and clear instructions for each printing house to achieve precise color matching, dimensions, and positioning. In this way, I achieved a harmonious integration of different techniques, making the business card appear as a coherent design despite the complexity of the process.
In developing the design of the business card, a key focus was on the identity and new service of the company. Considering that their main business is gift packaging, I wanted the business card to reflect that essence through its physical characteristics. I drew inspiration from the aesthetic elements of gifts, such as decorative paper, allowing the business card to become a mini presentation of the services they offer. This connection between design and the company's services ensured that the business card was not just an informational tool but also an experience that strengthens the brand. Through every detail, from color selection to structure, I aimed to create an experience that clearly communicates the nature and values of the service to users.
When determining the dimensions of the business card, I considered several key factors that influenced the choice of measurements. The basic business card, measuring 90mm x 50mm, was chosen to fit perfectly into standard wallets and allow for easy handling. On the other hand, the decorative paper, measuring 32mm x 104mm, was selected with the intention of creating an element of surprise upon opening. These dimensions provide enough space for visual impact while encouraging the recipient's curiosity. I wanted to achieve an optimal opening experience that would emphasize the concept of giving and packaging. By carefully considering these dimensions, I established a balance between functionality and emotional experience, further strengthening the connection between design and service.
The choice of red for the text on the business card was a thoughtful step that further emphasizes the concept of giving. The color red symbolizes passion, energy, and joy, which perfectly aligns with the emotions associated with gift-giving. Additionally, the contrast with the decorative paper creates a visual connection that attracts attention and highlights key information. In color psychology, it is known that red can evoke a sense of excitement and anticipation, which further enhances the recipient's experience when opening the business card. This carefully chosen color not only strengthens the visual identity of the brand but also contributes to the overall experience of the business card as an interactive and emotional object.
When creating the Ada Pack business card, I relied on my previous experience working in a printing company and my education at the Faculty of Graphic Technology, for a successful performance. I used standard paper suitable for offset printing which allowed for clear and precise prints, while I chose decorative paper to create contrast and add an extra dimension to the design.The goal was to transform an "ordinary" business card into something extraordinary through the concept of wrapping, thus reinforcing the idea of giving. The decorative paper was not just an aesthetic element but also a means that encourages interaction and surprise when opened. This combination allowed for the creation of an emotional experience that elevates the business card above traditional business tools, further emphasizing the essence of the brand.
Winning the A' Design Award for the Ada Pack business card significantly impacted my further work in visual communications. This award confirmed the value of an innovative approach and showed me how important it is to think outside the box when it comes to design. Inspired by this success, I sought to introduce similar creative strategies into other projects, not shying away from experimenting with new materials and concepts.The recognition that the business card gained opened doors to new collaborations and projects, prompting me to explore the emotional aspects of design more deeply. I realized how important it is to connect companies and services with users on a personal level, thus creating a stronger emotional connection and bond between the brand and the consumer. I strive to implement this approach in all my works, always focusing on creating experiences that go beyond just the visual impression.
When designing the Ada Pack business card, the psychological dimension of interaction with users was crucial for me. Wrapping the business card in decorative paper was intended to evoke a sense of anticipation and curiosity, similar to that of opening a gift. This idea was successfully realized, as recipients reacted with hesitation – they did not want to cut the decorative paper for fear of "damaging" the design. This reaction showed that the business card functions as a kind of artwork, something that recipients want to preserve.Initially, I planned to place the contact information under the decorative ribbon. I create a few samples and shared, I noticed users hesitating to cut the ribbon. For that reason, I decided to present the contact information in a way that allows users to enjoy the design without the need to "destroy" the business card. This further reinforced the concept of the business card as a lasting, emotionally valuable item.
Physical business cards in today's digital world have a special potential as they provide an opportunity for an immediate and tactile brand experience. While digital communication becomes ubiquitous, I believe that physical business cards still play an important role, especially those that are carefully designed as exclusive, personalized items that leave a lasting impression.Business cards like Ada Pack, which incorporate innovative elements and encourage interaction, demonstrate how physical design can be an unforgettable tool in creating an emotional connection with the brand. Such special business cards serve not only to share contact information but also represent a strategic asset that exudes quality and uniqueness. The texture, weight, and design of these business cards can elevate the brand, creating a memorable impression. I believe that such exclusive business cards become an expression of the brand's identity and standards of quality, remaining invaluable even in the digital age. They simply act as a silent yet powerful representative of your brand, leaving a lasting impact.