Re-brand Idea - Business Cards

It didn't take me long to start hating the branding I created for my identity and items such as business cards. After seeing lots of examples of personal branding at the degree shows and design exhibitions I went to, I have totally re-thought what I want to do, and where I need to be. I aim to re-brand myself, to appear less image based, and to have a less feminine style of work. An idea I thought of a while back, I think I will focus on 'Griffin'. I aim to look sophisticated and professional, rather than as solely an illustrator.

I will need to re-design:

// business cards // website // logo // cv // banners for blog // social media images

What does my existing branding communicate?
// illustrator // pattern designer // girly // follows trends // amateur

What am I trying to communicate?
// professional // talented // organised // neat // mature // graphic designer // communicator // illustrator

Font Choice:
After looking through my font choices and downloading some more to find one that was suitable, I decided on the font Arvo.

Experimentation:

I decided to play about with some business card ideas, here you can see the progress:

I've also tried out how this would look as a banner for on my blog. While I like how the business card is looking, I think it might look a bit too boring as a banner.

I decided to leave my designs for the day as I was getting a bit sick of them and look back with fresh eyes, which I was glad I did. I also asked a few people for their opinions, and everyone agreed it was definitely an improvement from my existing branding.

I experimented with creating 3d text, based on my new idea for the logo, but it wasn't working. I felt a bit disheartened at times feeling as if my software knowledge isn't as good as some others. However, I think I have a good eye for design, and know that the simplest designs can be the most successful.

Here is some more experimentation after a few days away from the original designs. I feel much happier with this layout. I can't wait to update all my branding, and appeal to a much wider audience.