Business cards are one of the elements of corporate design that should be pushed beyond just graphics, and converge with several processes to become what they should be: a memorable, collectible and impressive piece to be carried away everywhere. The following are perfect examples, and have overcome the graphic-only component of the piece by using different materials and techniques. A recognizable pattern in all these designs is the use of die-cuts.

One heavy piece: A print-sticked application directly on a metallic-emboss treated plate, Duffy And Partners business card. Duffy

Print applications on inset embossed paper; multiple textures in one piece.

Print with golden / silver special inks. You can feel the texture of this piece just by looking at it. Design by NothingSomething NY

A soft-looking print applied on top of printed hard-paper for Photographer John Bragg. Design by Funnel.

Inset embossing; die-cut with application on-top of it. Design by Luke Dorny.

Print application applied to a lapping-treated acetate. Easily modified for multiple employees and and their job description. Design by Catalyst Studios

Speaking of heavy, this business card has completely re-thought the concept into a metal token reflecting the goods of the product design company: Dashdotstudios

Showing the love towards former racing Greyhounds and the issues revolving around them, this dog-tag metallic embossed plate + tampography for the business cards of the National Greyhound Adoption Program is quite an achievement. Laurie DeMartino

Each of these card is unique, the result of a hand-made process by Ethan Martin

Barkley Evergreen & Partners developed this multi-textured, thick business card for 40 Sardines Restaurant. Delicate inset embossing and on-top applications.Barkley Evergreen & Partners.

Die-cut, soft foil emboss for the logo with printed paper application and a even subtler background pattern for the business card body. Design by Honest Brothers

Patterns and thickness are the main visual elements in this business card for Le Club Fez; again, a label die-cut applied to the body of the card allows for easy replacement for new data. Design by Hook USA.

A very unique design created with die-cut paper and a wrinkle texture. Design by the Michael Strauss himself.

Art with an industrial approach to a corporate field; very experimental business cards with different and unique results. Design by Sonner Valle

Space150 is recognized for their well-designed and executed business cards. Dry cuts, neon inks and inset emboss makes part of the main ingredients for this pieces. Design by Space150

Bonus

Another examples of business cards well-executed, with lots of textures and alternative printing processes helping stand out from the common: