Like most things in life, business cards have their trends. From color, stock, and font options, we've seen yearly business card trends come and go. And 2023 is no different. Nostalgia, sustainability, and individualism are predicted to be focal points of many brands' trends. From advertising to social media, we will see more of this in marketing campaigns. It has also found its way to self-promotion in the form of business cards. Even though sometimes not evident initially, a closer look will show these trends.
At a glance, we already see sustainability has transformed the paper-making industry, with more options now available. Eco-friendly stock options have become increasingly popular, especially for business cards. Uncoated stocks are another trend making massive headway in 2023. With its unique look and textures, it embodies both individualism and nostalgia. To help you make the best choice for your brand, we're sharing our business card trends forecast for 2023.
A look back at 2022
Before we break down the business card trends of 2023, let's look back at 2022. The last few years have seen business cards struggle. But the good news is that business cards are back in a big way! With the COVID-19 pandemic behind us, 2023 is the year of accelerating growth and human interactions in business. From trade shows to networking events, people are together in the name of business. And there's no better way to self-promote in these situations than with a business card.
In 2022, we saw inclusivity and accessibility spill over into the design realm. For business card design, this meant including braille for the visually impaired and color combinations for color blindness. We also saw a significant shift to sustainability, including using 100% recycled paper and pulp stock. Specialty printing saw embossing and metallic foiling thrive! These unique printing methods were welcomed additions to business card design. We hope to see more eco-conscious, inclusive, and specialty printing in years to come. With 2022 behind us, let's look at what 2023 has in store with the biggest business card trends.
2023 business card trends
Here are five business card trends to watch out for in 2023.
1. Mohawk Superfine business cards
Leading the trendsetters is the popular Mohawk Superfine stock. Mohawk Paper, a family-owned business, produces this premium paper. The company is North America's largest privately-owned manufacturer of fine papers. Today, Mohawk Paper has become an industry leader in sustainable paper-making. It sources pulp from sustainable forests, uses recycled fiber, and harnesses wind power for production.
As part of Mohawk's premium paper range, Mohawk Superfine is an acid-free, archival stock. It is produced to the highest paper-making standards. Renowned for being the most luxurious, uncoated, ultra-white stock, Mohawk Superfine gives brands a blank canvas. On it, they can create their ultimate business card design. The Super Bright 98 paper has a versatile and smooth texture. It works best with rich, full-color printing and specialty printing like vibrant foiling. Available in 18pt and 36pt thicknesses for sturdy, rigid business cards.
Learn more about Mohawk Superfine business cards.
2. Silk Matte business cards (Soft Touch)
Looking for an on-trend business card with a beautiful look and feel while being cost-effective? You've found it with Silk Matte business cards. Industry juggernauts like Apple, Samsung, and Omega Watches, use this stock to enhance their packaging design. So choosing this business card option puts you in good company. Silk Matte business cards will be a heavy hitter in 2023. It takes your branding to the next level by giving it an eccentric texture and sophisticated look.
The silk coating gives each card a rich, expensive texture like no other.
Bright or bold, you can add any color to the edges of your silk matte business cards.
Already associated with high-quality brands, these cards' smooth, velvety texture will connect you to the same premium quality. It is a knock-on effect that you want on your side in 2023. The unmistakable soft touch coating will also elevate your business card design. Additionally, it adds a layer of protection, assisting in each card's longevity. Available in thick 18pt and sturdy 36pt thicknesses for unmatched durability.
Find out more about silk matte business cards.
3. Bamboo business cards
Sustainability is a trend that we hope never goes out of style. Besides Mohawk Superfine, another eco-friendly frontrunner for 2023 is the bamboo business card. The bamboo plant sprouts up to four feet per day, requires no fertilizer, and is self-regenerating. This makes bamboo one of the most renewable resources available. With this unique resource, you can extend your brand's sustainability. Choose this biodegradable, acid-free (and trendy) stock to do the best for our planet.
Due to their classic appeal, versatility, and simplicity, bamboo business cards are an overall favorite. No matter the business you run or the industry you're in, it will work for you. With an off-white color and soft texture, bamboo stock is super adaptable. It will work for you no matter the design, color combination, or specialty printing option. Bamboo stock pairs well with minimal design, pops of bright color, and letterpress.
Head to our bamboo business card page for more info.
4. Colorplan business cards
If there's one thing most creatives can agree on, it's their love for the Colorplan Paper Collection. And that's why it made the list of 2023's most significant business card trends. Produced by papermakers G . F Smith, Colorplan represents achievement like no other paper. Over 80 years, this stock has been refined, perfected, and pushed to its limits. Today, in its final form, it is the one-paper, 55-color, and 10-weight range Colorplan Paper Collection. The paper is FSC certified, made with pulps from sustainably managed forests. Choosing Colorplan means getting an acid-free, recyclable, and biodegradable product.
From Mist and Candy Pink to Slate and Robert Yellow, Colorplan offers various colors to suit any mood or message. To complement its aesthetic appeal, Colorplan paper has a flawless vellum texture and a natural uncoated feel. Plus, this playful yet sophisticated paper option is the perfect canvas for detailed foiling and embossing. You'll get clean, breathtaking outputs when choosing these specialty printing options.
Get more info on our Colorplan business cards.
5. Black business cards
Take your business card to the next level with black business cards! Making a huge comeback, the bold cards have always made a statement. But, unlike previous black business card trends, the 2023 trend has it paired with foils. From dynamic holographic or bold metallics, there is no better combination! Black paper and foil printing are the perfect match. Indulge even further by adding detailed embossing to your black business card design. Adding mesmerizing textures and designs, embossing creates a beautiful richness and depth.
Produced with premium paper—including jet black, cotton black, and black suede—black business cards are the pinnacle of luxury. Add to that our textured coatings, and you can create something magical. Our black stock is available in thicknesses from 16pt to a sturdy 30pt. The perfect thicknesses for durability and longevity. Ready to get your own black business cards? Opting for our popular 24pt smooth suede stock option. Its velvet-like texture and sturdy thickness are a well-matched combination.
Discover more about our black business cards.
Stay tuned for more 2023 business card trends
With the pandemic over and businesses finding their feet, in-person interactions are booming. And there's no better way to self-promote in a professional environment than with business cards. As an affordable and effective marketing tool, it must remain trendy. Your business card should evolve as you do and as trends change. With so many incredible trends, 2023 will be an excellent year for business card design and production. Now it is your time to produce your business cards!
Get creative with textures, color, and specialty printing! But ensure you always remain relevant and on-trend. The least you can do in 2023 is choose a business card that is sustainably produced and uncoated. Ready to create your own business cards? Get inspired with our selection of business cards! From cannabis cards to premium offset recycled ones, you have plenty of options.
