Visiting Cards: The Original 'Swipe Right' and Their Modern Makeover
Once upon a time, not so long ago in the grand tapestry of history, the art of social interaction was an elaborate dance with its very own props: visiting cards. Each diminutive rectangle of paper was a gentleman’s passport to polite society; his name and reputation rendered in elegant script.
What is a Visiting Card?
Allow us to escort you down the genteel corridors of history, and you shall discover the intriguing world of vintage calling cards.
Pioneered by the Chinese as early as the 15th century, visiting cards, or calling cards, made their grand entrance into Europe in the 17th century. In less than 100 years they had been transformed into an indispensable tool for the 'well-bred'. Anyone who was anyone in the social world needed to master the etiquette of distributing and receiving these little paper emissaries.
They were not mere pieces of paper! They were gentleman calling cards, each carrying a tale of their own. In short, they were the original 'like', 'follow', or 'swipe right' of the social media era!
Fast-forward a century or so and these cards so beloved by society had begun to transform into the business card we recognise today.
What’s a Calling Card?
Now, before we dive into the nuances of visiting cards and business cards, let's address another burning question; one that can sometimes cause confusion. What exactly is a calling card?
Well, across the pond, in the United States, our dashing visiting card was commonly known as a 'calling card'. Not too dissimilar from its British cousin, a calling card in the United States served similar social and professional purposes.
The Visiting Card Today
The change in nomenclature, from calling card to business card, was not a mere caprice. It signified a shift in societal norms, from the private drawing rooms of London to the buzzing, hustling world of commerce.
Just like original visit cards were the social weapon of choice back then, business cards soon metamorphosised into the snazzy, modern-day tool so beloved by professionals today. They said: here I am; this is what I and my business stand for.
Visitors Cards Design
The classic size of a calling card is 55 x 85mm - a perfect fit for the pocket and the palm. Although now they are longer limited to being stark white with a neat scrawl. Vivid colours, gilded edges, embossed fonts, glossy or matte finishes – everyone is able to create their own masterpiece!
Speaking of masterpieces, it’s the visiting card design that can make the difference between a card being slipped into a wallet or doomed to the nearest dustbin. In a world brimming with professionals, your business card must stand out. The design of your card, the font used, the information included, and even the feel of the cardstock must all be carefully considered.
The Custom Business Card
The design of business cards across the world can reflect cultural subtleties. But one thing remains true. A well designed one – from an embossed business card, to a simple, plain one, is not just a name and number on a piece of cardstock in your hand, it’s a story waiting to be unfolded.
So, whilst they remain inspired by the charm of the original concept, many people make their cards their own by marrying tradition with innovation. Just remember, there’s no rule when it comes to customisation. We say, have fun! The only rule is to make sure your visiting card is the perfect expression of who you are.
‘V-Cards’ vs Printing Visiting Cards
Let's not forget that the advent of digital technology has brought another transformation. The rise of the digital business card or 'vCard' has prompted some to question the relevance of the traditional business card. But the truth is, the printed version still trumps its digital cousin. The tactile experience of exchanging a printed card is still valued, providing a personal touch in our increasingly impersonal world. Indeed, it can be said that physical types of calling cards are more popular than ever.
In the age of 'next-day delivery' and 'instant messages', the visiting card nudges us to pause, to interact and to savour the joy of real, human connections. It’s a physical reminder of an encounter and a prompt for future engagement and the reason why a printed version stills trumps a digital visitors card.
Enduring Popularity
We hope we’ve shown how the humble visiting card is still valued as much today as it ever has been. It has journeyed across continents, from East to West, survived the rise of digitalisation and even outlived the fax machine! These small pieces of card have evolved from the drawing rooms of the United Kingdom, to become indispensable in the boardrooms of the United States and beyond. They have carried the burden of introductions, been the arbiters of first impressions, and sealed countless deals – and continue to do so. In short, visiting cards have journeyed from mere slips of paper to becoming a manifestation of our identity. So, here's to the visiting card, the ever-charming courier of camaraderie, an enduring emblem of social grace.