Photo Card
There are moments when words fail to communicate what we desperately want to say. While we all have our ways of self-expression, there’s nothing like capturing these moments through a photograph. Gone are the days when letter-writing served as the only option for people to share their sentiments with one another.
Over the years, using photo cards to reach out to loved ones has become a popular practice among individuals of any age group. But with technology slowly taking over, do photo cards still have a place in modern-day society?
Photo Thank You Card Template
Simple Wedding Photo Thank You Card Template
Birthday Photo Thank You Card Template
Christmas Photo Card Template Example
Editable Wedding Thanks Photo Card Example
Moving Announcement Photo Card Example
Boat Invitation Photo Card Example
Why Photo Cards Still Matter…
In an age of instant text messaging, electronic mail, and virtual communication, how can something as simple as a photo card manage to compete with these digital platforms?
These days, sending a bunch of emoticons or emojis across the digital airspace is no big deal. We could easily share images to friends and family whenever we want to, as long as internet connection is available. With the easy access to these modern tools, why should anyone ever consider using a physical card to communicate with loved ones?
It’s simple, really. If you think about it, the conventional method has become relatively uncommon these days that people have finally learned to appreciate it for what it’s worth. There are many reasons why photo cards were extremely popular over the years, which is why it’s important for us to recognize its value even in the modern times. You may also see fall greeting card designs & examples.
Here are some instances where photo cards have played a huge role in:
1. In Invitation Cards
When we reach a new milestone in our life, we feel this uncontrollable need to celebrate the occasion surrounded by the people we care about the most. This is why many people send out wedding invitations, birthday invitations, or perhaps even graduation invitations to loved ones a few weeks before the actual date. But why do you think most people would rather produce a photo invitation card than a plain, non-photo card with simple text on its cover?
For one thing, photo cards are more personalized in nature. The emotional connection felt through the photograph of the card is something that words could never bring to life. For instance, an invitation card for a young girl’s 16th birthday celebration can be an eye-opener to someone who has been a part of her life. You may also check out examples of name card design.
The girl you used to carry around the playground is slowly growing up, and this momentous occasion is proof that time waits for no one. Through a photo card, you get a glimpse of a moment that will soon turn into nothing more than a memory.
2. In Greeting Cards
This is something that many individuals continue to practice these days — sending photo greeting cards over the holidays, along with other joyous occasions.
Expressing our heartfelt sentiments of love and gratitude through a greeting card or thank-you card is one of the simplest and purest acts of kindness in today’s age. Fortunately, greeting cards have stood through the test of time and have never depreciated in value due to the unique role it plays in the world of direct communication.
Photo greeting cards are most common during the holidays, specifically Christmas time, because of how it captures the essence of the season. Many parents go crazy over Christmas cards because it gives them a reason to gather the whole family together for an annual family portrait. Sending photo cards to relatives and friends is the perfect opportunity to get your family picture updated.
As for a photo thank-you card, just imagine receiving one from a close friend who had just gotten married. Though the card’s main purpose was to express the couple’s sincerest thanks to guests, it also functions as a great form of memorabilia to remind everyone of that special day.
3. In Postcards
What’s a postcard without an image? It’s almost like a burger without buns, or a glass of iced tea without the ice. To put it simply, utilizing a photo for the postcard brings everything together. Nowadays, many tourists or visitors of a given area share their experiences to loved ones through a travel postcard. It may seem like a simple gesture to most, but seeing the places that someone you care about has visited can build a sense of excitement inside of you. The photograph lets you visualize everything you read about in travel blogs and books — who knows, this might just inspire you to embark on your solo trip.
From a breathtaking scenery to a historical landmark, the impact a photo postcard can leave its recipients is something that a thousand words can never do.
Printable Pregnancy Announcement Photo Card Example
Wedding Save the Date Photo Card Example
Types of Photo Cards for Your Inspiration
Everyone talks about how cards are designed, what type of elements to use, or what design tools work best, but the basics of card-making also tackles an area that not a lot of people seem to acknowledge: the different types of cards.
Given how buying pre-made simple cards can be incredibly costly these days, crafting your own photo card is a great way to test out creative waters. But before you begin initiating a design, you need to select the right type of card fold to meet your requirements.
Listed below are some of the most popular card types, from the simplest to the most complicated styles:
1. Standard Fold Card
As the most basic card fold technique, there’s not much to say about this type besides that it allows you to fold your card vertically or horizontally once in half. The end result of the standard fold card is similar to the usual structure of a booklet. Here, you can decorate the card as you wish on either side of the card panels, which also folds to equally-sized parts. You may also see best greeting card designs & examples.
If you want to keep the photo card super simple, then this would be the perfect option for you.
2. Square Fold Card
A square fold card is fairly similar to a standard fold card but instead of forming a rectangular shape, it’s folded into a square. This type of card is typically made from a single sheet of paper, and is folded neatly together to cast two equal panels.
3. Gatefold Card
Imagine the gates to one of those old castles that open from the center of the property’s entrance.
A gatefold card does exactly that: it’s like a pair of gates that part in the middle to reveal what’s inside. With a total of three panels altogether, this type of card has two distinct folds, creating equal flaps that meet at the the center of the card. This is a great option for anyone keen about the element of surprise. You may also like photo greeting card designs & examples.
Funny Joke Birthday Photo Card Example
Chalkboard Christmas Photo Card Example
4. Tri-Fold Card
From its name alone, the structure of a tri-fold card is pretty self-explanatory. This type of card consists of three equal panels that are formed when the card is folded twice in opposing patterns. Identical to leaflets and tri-fold brochures, this card type is great for storing a good amount of information in different sections. But due to its structure, images added to the photo card must be of a smaller size compared to those pasted on the first three card types. You may also see examples of business card design.
5. Aperture Card
If you’re quite familiar with how old children’s books were shaped back then, then the structure of an aperture card might ring a bell.
Folded similarly to a tri-fold card, an aperture card consists of three panels and two folds. The only difference is, the front cover of the card contains a cut-out shape which reveals a framed design on the other side. This ‘hole’ is normally created at the central panel to keep it proportional, while the left panel is then folded and stuck down to create the back part of the window where the design is found. You may also like examples of creative greeting cards.
Once the card has been fully designed, you can then open it like an ordinary standard fold card.
6. Accordion Card
To create an accordion card, you must first fold the card three times to create four separate panels. Each panel must be exactly the same size as the other, where the three folds are also of equal distances apart. If you’re considering to put a good number of images on your photo card, then this card type is highly recommended.
7. Rocker Card
Creating a rocker card is really simple — as long as you do it correctly.
The first thing you need to do is to fold the card in half, and then cut a curve out of the bottom of the card in order to form a tear-drop shape. The only tricky about this figure is trying to keep the curves completely equal, or it may not live up to its name. You may also check out what to write in a thank-you card.
So when the photo card is stood up, with the curve used as a support system, it can rock back and forth when touched.
8. Pop-Up Card
As an avid fan of pop-up books as a child, this card type is definitely the most nostalgic one on the list.
The name of the card already suggests its key feature — when the card is opened, images begin popping out from the center to make them appear three-dimensional. Pop-up cards comprise of tabs that are cut out from the card blank. Images are then pasted onto the bottom section of these tabs and folded distinctly to fit the size and shape of the card. You might be interested in corporate greeting card examples.
Once opened, readers are immediately greeted with the 3D image of the subject. Though creating this type of card might require some time (and a few trials) to perfect, it’s still a fun and creative way to leave a lasting impression among recipients.
Baby Birth Announcement Photo Card Example
Simple Photo Business Card Example
9. Cascade Card
While this might not be the most ideal structure for a photo card, it’s still something to consider for anyone seeking for a cool, crazed-out card style.
A cascade card is sometimes made out of two cards, but you can also work with a single sheet to simplify the process. These cards consist of two panels that interlock at particular slots, allowing it to spring out similarly to that of an accordion, then fold flat when laid down. You may also see credit card designs and examples.
Cascade cards are very appealing to look at, yet demand a significant amount of time and energy to create. But if you’re up for the challenge, make sure to start crafting your cards several weeks before the actual event to ensure that these are delivered on time.
10. Easel Card
An easel card is generally made up of one piece of cardboard paper that uses a variety of folds to form its three primary parts: the front panel, the back panel, and the stand. The end product would look like an easel holding up a canvas to viewers. What makes this a good option for a photo card is the way it emphasizes the subject in a way that is subtle yet creative. You can stick the photo on the front panel of the card, and use various papers, dyes, and embellishments for decoration. You may also like rack card designs & examples.
11. Shaker Card
Shakers are a lot similar to aperture cards, due to the obvious cut out at the middle of the front panel that forms a tiny window for your design. However, instead of giving viewers a peak at what’s inside, this ‘window’ will be used to hold sparkling glitter and other embellishments, which have been sealed in with acetate. You may also check out business card logo design examples.
After cutting out your window, you must then use a foam sheet to create enough space between the acetate and the back panel in order for the ornaments to move around freely. You can then glue these pieces together and open the card like a standard fold.
12. Diorama Card
This card type involves a lot of gluing and taping together, so you better have some adhesives ready before you start making your photo cards.
A diorama card features several card folds that make up multiple dimensions for the foreground and the background of the card design. Though there are many ways to create this type of card, the finished product will always comprise of multiple layers of paper and cards to form a three-dimensional scene. This creates incredible depth for it to garner a great amount of attention from viewers, making your photo card something they’ll never forget. You might be interested in fashion business cards.
13. Spinner Card
If you’re itching for something that’s a bit more interactive, then a spinner card is exactly what you need.
The concept of this type of card is simple — as you move the card to different sides, the ‘spinner’ slides along with it. To make one, all you need to do is cut out a long box from a piece of card, and layer it on top of a blank card. You can use a coin or any coin-shaped ornament to make the ‘spinner’, layer it with a foam pad, and put the photograph or image on top of it. You can then place the coin within the box to make it slide around when moved. You may also see disney greeting card designs & examples.
14. Panorama Card
A panorama card is basically a highly complex aperture card that reveals several layers of cards containing different windows filled with a variety of embellishments and designs. This can come in various shapes and sizes, depending on its visibility and your personal preference. Like a diorama card, this generates three dimensional scenes that could tell a beautiful story when strategically pieced together. You may also like holiday card designs & examples.
Many designers employ this type of card for weddings and baptisms by decorating the material with lace, floral, and glittery embellishments that are impossible to ignore.
Classy Baby Shower Photo Card Example
How to Design a Memorable Photo Card
You’re probably itching to design a good photo card by now, but the only thing stopping you is that inner voice saying, “Where do I start?”
The great news is, crafting a photo card isn’t as difficult as it seems. With the right tools and mindset in place, you could easily create a beautifully-designed photo card that’s worth remembering. You may also see business card samples.
Now that we’ve discussed the different types of card-making folds to follow, it’s now time to construct the content of your card through these guidelines:
1. Identify your purpose.
What is the photo card for? Is it for an upcoming wedding, graduation, baby shower, or birthday celebration? Whatever your purpose for making the card is, make sure to have this settled before you begin designing the card. You must have a clear idea of who your audience will be in order to craft a card design that would suit their taste. This will give you an idea of how you want the card look, along with how it’s meant to make a person feel. You may also like wedding greeting cards.
2. Visualize the design.
Once you have established the specified function of your card, try visualizing its design. This is everything from the cover of the card, its primary subject, its content, as well as the message you wish to convey. By imagining the card’s design, you can easily think of the right elements that will bring the card to life. Keep in mind that the card should live up to its purpose, so creating a card that emphasizes a given subject. You may also check out business greeting card designs and examples.
3. Schedule a photo shoot.
The great thing about a photo card is that it uses images to communicate with recipients. Since you’re likely to send over a dozen cards at once, the least you could do is to include a fresh photo of the subject in an attempt to modernize the card a bit. To do so, you can schedule a photo shoot with a professional photographer. If their talent fee is too pricey for your budget, then you can find many amateur photographers who would do the shoot for free. You might be interested in examples of animated greeting cards.
Since these photographs are bound to be used for their personal portfolios, then you can still expect these images to be of top quality.
4. Create a draft.
If you’re quite new to the whole arts and crafts scene, especially when it comes to designing these traditional photo cards, then it might be best to start with a draft of your design.
In this stage, nothing is final, so you can create multiple copies of your proposed design to see which one works best. This will allow you to explore different design strategies and experiment with various design techniques to improve your skills in the craft. Also, this is the safest way to ensure that time and resources aren’t wasted on a poor, unpolished card design. You may also see christmas cards examples.
5. Think differently.
A standard design procedure would tell you to choose a layout, paste your picture then *BOOM* you get a photo card. But the best way to make something noteworthy is to come up with a distinctive design that’s nearly impossible to forget. To achieve this, try thinking out of the box. Go out of your comfort zone and experiment with various color combinations, illustrations, and graphics. You can even use a different structure or format for your photo card instead of the standard fold approach. You may also like vacation greeting card examples.
6. Set a theme.
Many individuals struggle with the design process because they fail to recognize the importance of theme-setting. Choosing a theme for your design ensures consistency throughout your photo card. For example, a wedding photo card could have a floral theme to match the essence of the celebration. This allows you to conceptualize on different flowery-like elements that can make the card stand out. You may also check out handmade card designs and examples.
Bear in mind that the theme should reflect the purpose of the card as well. The theme must highlight the message being conveyed, not overshadow it.
7. Make room for written text.
This is another reason why starting off with a draft can be a smart move. Though most of the card’s content would be printed, you still need to provide enough space for written text. This area may be dedicated for a short message addressed to individual recipients. You could keep this portion completely blank, or frame it with an abstract design to draw in attention.
8. Keep it simple.
While it’s tempting to create a photo card filled with glitz and glamour, you can never go wrong with a simple, yet eye-catching design. Simplicity doesn’t necessarily constitute to being boring, as a simple design can also be as grand as you want it be as long as you could find the right balance between each element. If you’re having a hard time assessing your work without being too biased about it, try letting another set of eyes criticize the card design for you. You might be interested in church greeting card examples.
Remember, creating a memorable photo card doesn’t need to cost you much, because what matter most is your ability to communicate your message through various design elements, and most importantly, the photograph. It’s about creating a meaningful design that could impact its readers one way or another.
Merry & Married Photo Card Example
Vintage Baby Photo Card Example
Vintage Horse Postcard Photo Card Example
Warm Wishes Photo Card Example
Just Married Announcement Photo Card Example
There’s a Photo Card for Every Occasion!
Photo cards are extremely flexible that they could virtually suit just about any occasion. These cards can help you express your feelings of love and gratitude in a tangible format, and with proper storage, the message can be kept alive forever. From anniversaries to baptisms, Thanksgiving to Valentine’s day, photo cards are ideal for any occasion you can possibly think of. You may also see farewell card designs and examples.
But photo cards aren’t limited to personal use, as many businesses can utilize these cards to connect (or reconnect) with clients and customers in a creative way. Say for example, building a loyal fan base can be pretty difficult in the corporate universe, which is why conducting various marketing efforts that can strengthen your professional relationship with consumers is vital to the business’ success. You may also check out congratulations greeting card examples.
Apart from offering gift cards to recurring customers, you can also send out physical photo cards to introduce upcoming products and promotions. This is a strategic way to grab the attention of your target audience, without trying to ‘push’ a sale. You could also use these cards as a way of greeting customers during certain holidays and special occasions. You may also like star wars greeting card examples.
In a world filled with gadgets and gizmos, Twitter tweets and Instagram posts, text messages and chat rooms — there’s nothing like going back to the basics with a good, old-fashioned photo card.
Apart from its tangible nature, photo cards are a lot more personal and intimate as opposed to the average communication mediums we’ve become accustomed to these days. This is the best way to make people feel appreciated during special occasions and monumental events that make life worth living. You might be interested in graduation thank-you cards.
At the end of the day, it’s about giving value to the little things that people do to make us smile. With a photo card, you can express your feelings and emotions in the most creative way possible!
Share :
