Letterpress, or letterpress printing, is a method of relief printing that utilizes a printing press: a process by which a predetermined set of copies are produced by a repeated direct impression of an inked, raised surface against sheets or a continuous roll of paper. And in the world of business cards, it’s an approach that creates a host of incredible results.

The incomparable crisp impression forged by the letterpress printing process is more popular than ever before due to its razor-sharp precision and vintage aesthetics (and feel).

This painstaking and comprehensive process makes letterpress one of the planet's most preferable business card printing methods, and from start to finish, not a single detail is spared.

Our letterpress printing process involves making a bespoke plate of each design to ensure the ink is successfully imprinted into the card stock with the aim of developing a finish that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the touch.

While the term business card represents the exact form and functionality of a - well - business card (a card that is used for the purpose of business), it's a topic worth exploring, nonetheless.

Here we go.
Business cards: a definition

Traditionally, business cards are used as a primary means of business people presenting their contact information to other businesses and partners or potential customers and clients.

Typically presented in a compact, rectangular format, a business card features a valuable mix of graphical content, branding and key contact details aimed at offering critical information while creating an impactful first impression.

To put the visual value of a business card into living, breathing perspective, here is a traditional rectangular-style business card from our personal library:

Even in the digital age, business cards are an effective networking tool thriving and in countries including China and Japan where the exchange of business cards is almost ritualistic. Business cards offer a physical way of sharing information about who you are, what you do, and what you're all about.

Having your business card ready to present to others when required demonstrates a higher level of professionalism, and even today, these miniature promotional works of art are one the world’s most effective direct marketing tools.
Business cards: the origins

Here's a brief glimpse at the origins of business cards for your reading pleasure:

Initially known as 'trade cards', business cards began their life back in 17th century England. As there were no notable street numbers in London at the time, these ‘trade cards’ had two primary functions: advertising and navigation - yes, they were mini maps as well as promotional tools.

By the late 1800s the popularity of trade cards had spread across the country and overseas, becoming a tried and tested promotional tool for everything imaginable, from baby milk and pianos to live produce patent medicines. The business card, as we know it today, was born.

Of course, over the centuries, advancements in printing and technology have transformed the business card, making it a more visually-striking, innovative and functional networking tool than ever before - but let’s not forget that it all began with the trade cards of the 17th century.

Business cards: the sizing

These days, business cards come in all kinds of wonderful shapes, sizes and mediums, but for your reference, here is a rundown of standard, or traditional, business card sizes according to region:

Europe:

A standard European business card size is 90 mm (3.543 inches) in Width and 55 mm (2.165 inches) in Height. This can vary slightly depending on your printer, so make sure to check in advance the preferred size used by your supplier.

North America:

A standard North American business card size is 89 mm (3.5 inches) in Width and 51 mm (2 inches) in Height.

Want to know more about business cards? Get in touch and we’ll be happy to answer any business card related questions you may have.

Blind letterpress is a process used by Jukebox to achieve subtle impressions in cardstock without strongly affecting the opposite side of the stock. This creates a visual effect similar to debossing, where there is an impression made without any ink. This process does not create as deep or obvious impressions as those achieved through the traditional debossing process. Blind debossing will not produce an opposite emboss of your design on the back side of the card. You may see some slight show through on the back of thinner stocks, but this will not be an embossed effect. 

Blind debossing can be used on almost any type of stock, however if you are choosing this method so you can print on the back side of the card, we recommend one of our 24pt Mega Thick stocks.

We can letterpress designs with full bleed (print to the edge); however, it is highly recommended to avoid this for full covered backgrounds. Letterpressing areas with large ink coverage will appear blotchy and you may receive a File Error about this from our Prepress team.

Letterpress is intended for a minimalist look and is typically designed with ample white space. If you prefer to fill the background with designs, please do so with minimal ink coverage. For example, use patterns as opposed to a full solid colour.

You may request a Custom Print Quote and submit your files to see if they will be suitable for Letterpress.

Not all designs are suitable for Letterpress output. Below are some guidelines for Letterpress printing:

Letterpress cards are printed with spot colours – which will need to be defined in your supplied press-ready PDF file.

Please see: Setting up press-ready spot colour file.