Samples

instantprint.
(www.instantprint.co.uk)

insantprint.'s sample package contained a variety of different samples of business cards (mostly) among other things. The samples varied in paper, texure and finish. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of some of the business cards, particularly the card with what feels almost like a velvet finish. As a sample pack I found instant print most impressive and helpful as each different type of business card had it's name, quality and info printed on the back of the card.

As so, I've just noted what types they sent and what I thought about each card and how I rated them:

VELVET CARDS: 450gsm, Silk Stock, Velvet Lamination
(Sturdy, soft, good quality print - 8/10)

LUXURY CARDS: 325gsm Multiloft Insert, 270gsm Outer
(Extremely sturdy, soft, fuzzy print - 6/10)

LUXURY CARDS: (2): 270gsm Multiloft Insert, 270gsm Outer
(Extremely sturdy, soft, clearer print - 8/10)

XBRIGHT CARDS: 324gsm, No Lamination
(Flimsy, rough, clear print - 4/10)

MATT CARDS: 450gsm, Matt Lamination
(Sturdy, soft, clear print - 9/10)

LUSSO CARDS: 350gsm, Fedrigoni Cotton Stock, No Lamination
(Slightly-flismy, rough, clear print - 6/10)

GLOSS CARDS: 450 gsm, Silk Stock, Gloss Lamination
(Sturdy, smooth, glossy, clear print if out of a light source - 7/10)

INSTANT CARDS: 350gsm, Silk Stock, No Lamination
(Slightly-flimsy, smooth, clear print - 7/10)

SOFT WHITE: 320gsm, Cream Paper, No Lamination
(Slightly-flimsy, smooth, cheap print - 4/10)

UNLAMINATED CARDS: 450 gsm, No Lamination
(Sturdy, smooth, clear print - 7/10)

solopress
(www.solopress.com)

solopress' sample pack contained a selection of business card samples, some postcards, stickers and a packet of Haribo. Whilst the sweet treat was appreciated I can't help but feel it bulked out what was quite a mediocre set of samples, only one card stood out as something I would consider using myself the 'ZENN' card photograpphed above, it had a higher quality finish to the rest of the samples with thicker card and a matte finish. Their standard business cards were just that, a standard run of the mill business card but their 810gsm Triple Layer Business Card stood out in the pack, the only issue I found with this card was the ink remained very glossy and made it difficult to read.

moo
(ukmoo.com)

I thought the moo sample pack was quite well put together and offered a variety (though smaller quantities of each) of samples, including business cards, stickers, cards, bookmarks. Their website is quite easy to use as I did a trial run before looking at going any further with my choice and moo.com allow you to design your cards and give you a printable pdf. to see how they print.

The particular stand out samples of business cards for me were the letter pressed cards and the rounded edge cards. There was something oddly satisfying about both and they each made me consider designs for my own card. The rounded edge was something I hadn't seen before and felt looked less corporate and more creative, which, as an illustrator is what I am promoting. The letter pressed card was beautiful in design but I'm not too sure if it is entirely relevant to myself as an illustrator.