Top Business Card Design Trends for 2024

In the shadows of Wells Cathedral, a beautifully designed business card still holds its ground as a vital tool for creating a lasting first impression. At St Andrews Press, we’ve seen how a carefully crafted card can tell a story, showcase personality, and reflect professionalism—all in a compact format.

As 2024 unfolds, we’re excited to share some of the top business card design trends that are turning heads and making their mark. Whether you’re refreshing your brand or starting something new, these ideas are here to inspire.

1. Minimalist Design That Speaks Volumes

Sometimes, less truly is more. Minimalist business cards keep things clean and elegant, using plenty of white space and subtle design elements to let your information shine. It’s about making your card memorable without overwhelming the recipient.

Our Tip: Choose a single accent colour or an embossed logo to add a touch of sophistication without overcomplicating the design.

2. Business Cards That Do More

Why stick to a plain rectangle when your card can be functional and fun? We’re seeing clever designs that double as tools or offer interactive features. Think foldable cards, QR codes that link to your portfolio, or even cards that transform into something practical like a bookmark or mini calendar.

Why It Works: These designs make it easy for people to remember you—and hold onto your card.

3. Eco-Friendly Materials for a Greener Tomorrow

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a priority. From recycled papers to seed-infused cards that can be planted, eco-conscious designs show that you care about the environment as much as you care about your business.

Pro Tip: Include a small note on the card, like “Printed on recycled materials,” to highlight your commitment to going green.

4. Bold Typography That Commands Attention

A great typeface can be as powerful as a great logo. Big, bold fonts combined with contrasting colors make your name and business stand out. Typography-focused designs are a fantastic choice for creatives who want to keep the rest of their card simple yet striking.

How to Nail It: Use bold type for your name or business name, and keep the supporting text in a clean, understated font.

5. Unique Shapes and Sizes

Break free from the standard rectangle. This year, we’re seeing more square cards, rounded edges, and even custom shapes tailored to a specific industry or brand. A non-traditional card shape can leave a lasting impression.

A Word of Caution: While creativity is key, keep practicality in mind. Your card should still fit in a wallet or cardholder.

6. Designs You Can Feel

Adding a tactile element to your card can make it unforgettable. From embossed logos to soft-touch finishes, textured designs feel as good as they look. These finishes add a layer of luxury, making your card stand out in any stack.

Make It Count: Choose textures that enhance your brand message, like raised metallic lettering for a high-end look or natural finishes for an organic feel.

7. Colour That Pops

While neutral tones are classic, vibrant colors and gradients are stealing the spotlight this year. From bold neons to soft ombré shades, these designs are perfect for brands that want to exude energy and creativity.

Keep It Cohesive: Use colors that align with your brand palette for a seamless look across all your marketing materials.

8. Tech-Savvy AR Integration

Augmented reality (AR) is pushing the boundaries of business card design. By scanning a QR code, recipients can access interactive experiences—like a video introduction, portfolio, or digital business profile.

Best Practice: Make sure the AR element enhances the card’s purpose rather than feeling like a gimmick.

9. The Timeless Black-and-White Palette

You can never go wrong with black and white. It’s timeless, professional, and endlessly adaptable. This year, monochrome designs are being elevated with textured finishes, creative layouts, and pops of foil detailing.

Why It Works: It’s a classic that speaks to almost any audience.

10. Custom Artwork That Tells Your Story

There’s something special about a card that feels truly unique. Hand-drawn illustrations or bespoke designs bring personality to your business card and set you apart from competitors.

Our Recommendation: Collaborate with a skilled designer who can bring your vision to life in a way that aligns with your brand.

Final Thoughts

The best business card designs are those that reflect who you are and what you stand for. At St Andrews Press, we’re passionate about helping businesses create cards that leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re drawn to sleek minimalism, bold colors, or creative textures, we’re here to bring your vision to life.

Let’s design something memorable together. Ready to get started?

Inspired by GLASTONBURY

Make the sustainable choice

Recycled Paper and FSC® Certification

At St Andrews Press, we are committed to producing high-quality printed materials while minimising our environmental impact. That's why we've made a conscious decision to offer a full range recycled paper and print on FSC® certified paper as standard. In fact, we are FSC certified, but more about that later!

What is Recycled Paper?

Recycled paper is made from paper and cardboard that has been collected, sorted, and processed to create new paper products. This process reduces the need to cut down trees, saves energy, and minimises waste. The texture and color variations of recycled paper can give your flyers, leaflets, brochures, and business cards a distinctive, natural feel. This can be particularly effective for businesses that want to convey a sense of authenticity, heritage, or environmental consciousness.

Why Choose FSC® Certified Paper?

FSC® certification ensures that the paper comes from responsibly managed forests. By choosing FSC® certified paper, you support sustainable forestry practices and help to protect our planet's forests.

A Glastonbury Connection

Glastonbury, a town only 6 miles from our factory, is steeped in history and spirituality, is also known for its commitment to sustainability. Many local businesses and organisations throughout Somerset and the South-West prioritise eco-friendly practices, including the use of recycled paper and FSC® certified materials.

By choosing St Andrews Press, you're not only getting high-quality printed materials, but you're also supporting sustainable practices and contributing to a greener future.

Let's work together to create beautiful, sustainable printed materials.

Contact us to discuss your printing needs.

"Print with Purpose: Why Choosing an FSC®-Certified Printer Makes a Differen

In today’s eco-conscious world, every choice we make counts, even down to where we get our print materials. Going with an FSC®-certified printer is more than just picking up some paper—it’s a powerful way to support responsible forestry and reduce our footprint. So, let’s dive into why printing sustainably with an FSC®-certified partner matters and how it can make your brand stand out.

What Exactly is FSC® Certification?

The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) is a global organization that ensures forests are managed responsibly. FSC® certification means that a printer’s paper comes from well-managed forests that meet strict environmental, social, and economic standards. By choosing an FSC®-certified printer, you’re supporting forests that are being cared for to thrive long into the future.

1. Protecting Forests and Wildlife

Forests are more than just trees—they’re home to diverse ecosystems and tons of species. FSC®-certified printers source their paper from forests where biodiversity is prioritized, meaning no destructive practices, just sustainable logging that lets wildlife and plants thrive. When you choose an FSC®-certified printer, you’re backing practices that protect these vital habitats.

2. Cutting Down on Environmental Impact

Traditional logging can lead to deforestation, soil erosion, and a massive carbon footprint. FSC® certification promotes forest management that prioritizes replanting and responsible logging. When you choose FSC®-certified materials, you’re helping to keep forests healthy, so they continue to absorb carbon and fight climate change.

3. Supporting Local Communities

FSC® certification isn’t just about trees—it’s also about people. These certifications ensure that local and Indigenous communities benefit from the forests they call home. FSC®-certified printers work within a supply chain that values fair wages and ethical treatment, ensuring that forests support communities and their futures.

4. Showing Off Your Brand’s Green Side

Let’s face it, people want to support brands that care. When you choose an FSC®-certified printer, you’re telling your audience that your brand is serious about sustainability. Adding the FSC® logo to your printed materials shows that you’re walking the talk on environmental responsibility, which is a win-win for brand image and the planet.

5. Meeting Your Business’s Green Goals

If your business has sustainability goals, using an FSC®-certified printer is a great way to hit them. Many companies are looking to cut down on their environmental footprint, and FSC®-certified printing is a practical, impactful way to make a difference. It’s an easy switch that aligns with big-picture green strategies.

6. Keeping Quality High

FSC®-certified paper doesn’t just help the planet; it also looks great and feels high-quality. FSC®-certified printers use top-notch materials that ensure your prints look professional and last longer. It’s sustainable without sacrificing quality—so you don’t have to compromise.

Make the Switch to FSC®-Certified Printing

Every print decision adds up, and choosing an FSC®-certified printer is a small change with a big impact. It’s a chance to be part of something bigger, to protect our forests, and to show your customers you’re committed to a better world. So next time you’re ready to print, choose FSC® and print with purpose.

The history of St Andrews Press

Suppliers of high-quality printing for over 70 years

We proudly celebrated our Platinum Jubilee in 2022, marking 70 years since St Andrews Press was founded here in Wells.

St Andrew’s Press was established in 1952 and was primarily engaged in printing for the Cathedral of St Andrew in Wells, from which the company name was established. 

Our company was founded in the front room of Arthur Wood's house on the historic Vicars Close. We have grown somewhat since and now work out of an industrial unit at St Andrews Park on the edge of Wells city centre, producing high-quality printed materials for companies all over the South West and beyond.

1952 - 2024 : Our History

St Andrews Press traces its roots back to 1950, when Arthur Wood moved from London to Wells with his wife, Dulcie, and their two sons, Colin and Peter. Arthur, a Master Printer at The Times, and Dulcie shared a love of music, having met while singing in the Fleet Street Choir. This shared passion ultimately inspired Arthur to leave London and join Wells Cathedral Choir as a Tenor Vicar Choral

In those days, his job at the Cathedral required Arthur to sing both a morning and evening service daily and so he was only able to take part-time work at Clare, Son & Co., the local printing company. In 1952, in order to provide further income for his expanding family, Arthur finally decided to set up his own small printing press (named after the patron saint of Wells Cathedral) in a back room of his home in Vicars' Close adjoining the Cathedral.

Vicars Close, Wells, Somerset

With a bench-top 'Adana' printing press, and not a great deal of type, business grew surprisingly rapidly. The firm was very much a family affair with his wife Dulcie, and his father, Albert (a retired bookbinder), helping when possible.

Being a Master Printer, Arthur soon gained a reputation for his skill in producing top quality printing from what were very limited resources. With the work increasing, Arthur soon realised that larger premises were needed and moved the print equipment to a loft above the old stables in the car park of The Fountain Inn in Wells. Access for customers was via a ladder! Printing was produced on a leg-powered Cropper printing press and type was set by hand from cases, one letter at a time.

In 1956, Arthur moved the company for a second time, into a former carpenters' workshop at 43 North Road, which he rented from a gentleman named Arthur Dell. In September 1957, he took on his first apprentice, Andrew Linham.

In the late 1950s and early 1960s business continued to grow and a 10 x 15 Heidelberg Automatic Platen Press was installed at the new premises. It wasn't long before more staff were required and so two further apprentices, Ivor Ford and Ken Hopkins, joined the firm. Arthur also purchased a Linotype Hot Metal Typesetting machine in the late 1960s. 

Founder, Arthur Wood

In January 1959, St Andrews Press began printing the Diocesan News magazine with a monthly print run of 21,000 copies. On the strength of this regular work two Heidelberg Letterpress Platen Printing Presses were purchased.

In 1969, Tim, Arthur's third son, and another apprentice, Mark Fisher, joined directly after leaving Wells Secondary School. Tim served his 5-year apprenticeship and in 1974 left for a period of time to gain experience in other areas of the printing trade in the UK as well as spending a year in New Zealand. Mark would rise through the ranks to become Production Director and Company Secretary, eventually retiring in December 2013.

Tim Wood learning the ropes

As the years moved on investment was made in new technology. Hot metal type was gradually being replaced by phototypesetting machines that set the typed text straight onto photo paper. With all the new technology the staff continued to grow with Sally Masters joining as the Xerox operator in 1978 and Steve Collins starting as an apprentice in 1987; both are still with us today as Copy Shop Manager and Sales Executive respectively.

Shortly before Arthur retired he decided to take a huge step into the unknown by leasing a large high-volume photocopier. This was the Xerox 9200 which was revolutionary for its time, providing high-quality black and white photocopying at great speed with the ability to collate the sheets automatically into sets! Arthur finally handed over the reins to his son, Tim but continued to be available to offer advice and an extra pair of steady hands when needed. His dedication over the years was instilled into those who worked with him and is still reflected in the high standard of work that is produced today from St Andrews Press. 

As business continued to grow, Tim took the decision to move to the current premises at the small industrial estate at St Andrews Park with two litho presses - a Komori 426 4-colour and a Man Roland 202 B2 2-colour - as well as the various copiers and repro kit. After leaving the North Road site vacant, it was developed into housing and named Wood Acre after the Wood family.

Having safely steered the company for over 40 years, Managing Director Tim Wood sadly passed away in January 2017 after a short illness. Tim's attention to detail, customer service and a determination to meet customers' needs, no matter how complicated, trivial or different, all contributed to the St Andrews Press success story. It is a legacy that continues to this day and customers and staff alike were delighted when Tim's son, Tom stepped up to take the helm. Tom had cut his teeth at the Press in his late teens before going on to a profession in IT Management and was very happy to return to continue to run the family firm. And in a nice twist of fate, Iain MacLeod-Jones, who worked as our Design Manager at the time, was also a Tenor Vicar Choral in Wells Cathedral Choir and lived in Arthur Wood's former house on Vicars' Close, where it all began!

Investing in market-leading machinery from market leaders such as Heidelberg, Epson, and Ricoh ensures Arthur’s tradition of moving with the times is honoured. In 2020 three new Epson wide-format presses were installed to ensure we could meet the growing demand for signage and banners.

To meet the rising demand for digital print, we installed four new Ricoh digital presses in 2023, including a state-of-the-art 5-colour press capable of printing in white, clear, and fluorescent inks—the first of its kind in the southwest. In 2024, we also added a new foiling system, allowing us to provide customers with cost-effective, short-run foiling options

With over 125 years of collective experience, the 12-member team at St Andrews Press remains committed to face-to-face customer service, print expertise, and advancing the growing impact of print