A Fine Collection of Cardious De Business

“Textbook” latin scientific names included, Rule29 was given the honor of curating and designing the latest installment of Rockport’s incredibly popular Best of Business Card Design series. It seems like we just started this project yesterday, but in reality, it was more like 14 months ago (but who’s counting). Regardless, it’s been a great honor to be chosen with the daunting responsibility of following up the great work that was done for the previous editions.

Personally, it was a great experience getting to really immerse myself in the publishing process. From organizing the entries coming in (no small task for our small team, mind you) to overseeing the final layout of the book, I was able to learn something from each step. Over time, I became rather attached to the product that we, as a team, were building.

It all began with the cover. Once that design was established, the call for entries was distributed and we began receiving a multitude of great entries (especially during the extended deadline period, because we all know how designers love to procrastinate). And when I say ‘multitude’, I mean it. We received over 2500 entries from all over the world. The chosen cards were then organized into the proper categories and scanned/photographed. Then we began the daunting task of laying out all 240 pages of the book in a way that kept fresh but consistent throughout. Finally, we received a few rounds of revisions and proofs, and before we know it… BAM… we have a book in our hands.

I’m so proud of projects like this because it puts the benefits of working collaboratively out on display for the world to see and experience. It’s not talk of ‘teamwork’. It’s a tangible example of excelling through working together to produce something much more substantial than any one person could do on their own.

The result of months of work, countless manilla folders, and hours upon hours of designing, organizing, and revising is a book that we are genuinely proud of. We’re grateful to Rockport Publishers for including us in the series, and we hope that everyone will find the ninth book as useful as the eight the preceded it.

I almost forgot: You can pick the book up at Amazon for $29.70 (coincidence?) or at many of your favorite bookstores around the country.

With this project under our belt now, I’d love to see what other collaborative projects you, our faithful reader, are proud of making. So, let’s open up and share – don’t be shy.