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3D business cards give the illusion of length, width, height, and movement, but are more expensive and require a different printing process. They can contain up to 30 images and are used to set businesses apart. Non-lenticular 3D cards come in three types: pop-out, shaped, and alternative media.
3D business cards, also known as lenticular cards, are small single documents used for marketing that give the appearance of length, width and height. In some cases, the cards also create the illusion of movement. These cards are desirable for business people because the cards stand out so well compared to traditional ones, but they are much more expensive and require an entirely different printing process. Broadly, the term can also refer to cards that can be folded or otherwise manipulated into an image or shape that has three dimensions, or that naturally has three dimensions due to the medium on which images or text are placed.
Traditional business cards can contain multiple images or text, but the images or text appear in 2D, with only length and width. Paper looks the same no matter what angle someone sees it. With a 3D lenticular card, the card’s appearance changes based on the angle. You need at least two images or text bases for this to work.
Even though a person needs at least two images or text to create 3D business cards, there are no limits to what a person could choose. Image and text choices generally depend on the message the business wants to send. As businesses evolve and have different marketing needs, images and text can become more or less desirable to use.
To create 3D business cards, the first step is to gather images or other graphics for inclusion. Depending on the effect a person wants, up to 30 separate images can be used. With so many images, the effect can be similar to an extremely short video. After collection, images and other graphics are flattened into individual frame files. The individual files are then digitally stitched together, after which they can be printed onto the smooth back side of a lens or onto a substrate such as paper that can be laminated onto a lens.
The more complex process of printing creates a visually impressive tool that professionals can distribute. This comes at a literal price, however, as lenticular 3D business cards are much more expensive than traditional cards. Companies that want to use lenticular printing for their employee cards need to decide if the cards can pay for themselves through any sales they could generate. Small businesses often cannot afford these types of cards, with the irony that small businesses are typically the ones most in need of a marketing tool that can set them apart from their competitors.
Similar to traditional 2D cards, companies offering 3D business card printing often require a customer to purchase a minimum number of cards. Lots with increments of 50 or 100 are most common. Some companies offer a discount when a person reaches a certain number of cards in one order. Having a minimum order amount means that the printer can offset most of the paper production costs.
As for non-lenticular 3D business cards, there are three main types. The first type is the pop-out type, which allows recipients to fold parts of the card to create a picture or words. The second type involves paper or card stock that is manipulated into a specific shape that represents the company, such as a cell phone for a mobile service representative or lip gloss for an esthetician. The third type uses alternative media for communication, such as a clothespin for a cleaning company. This type of 3D card is not a business card at all and can be much more difficult to produce, but it is included in the card category because it serves the same purpose.
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