Business Cards

Foundation source: use contexts/design-foundations-system.html for baseline, spacing, type role, surface, and image/text rules before translating them into print units.

System Waterfall

Apply in order: foundation context, tokens and brand systems, media framework, channel data, this business-card sheet, print/export checks. The template layer may define production mechanics, but it cannot override safe margin, identity, surface, or print-legibility rules here.

Media

• Format: 3.5 x 2in, horizontal.
• Surface: Warm Light front; Blueprint Dark reverse optional.
• Print: include 0.125in bleed if artwork touches trim.

Margins

• Safe margin: 0.1875in minimum.
• Preferred margin: 0.25in.
• Logo clear space sits inside safe margin.

Typography Scaling

• Name: Newsreader 11-13pt.
• Role: Lexend 7.5-8.5pt.
• Contact: IBM Plex Mono or Lexend 7-8pt.

Spacing

• Translate the system baseline into print rhythm: 0.25rem micro baseline and 0.5rem structural baseline map to the chosen print coordinate before export.
• Micro scale: 0.25rem, 0.5rem, 0.75rem, 1rem source equivalents.
• Keep at least 0.75rem source-equivalent distance between identity block and contact block.
• Do not use arbitrary gaps when a baseline multiple can describe the space.

Grid

• 4 columns x 3 rows.
• Gap: 0.08-0.12in.

Layout System

• Front: wordmark or square mark only.
• Back: name, role, email, phone, web.
• No slogans unless used as a special event card.
• Do not use bento boxes on business cards. The format is identity plus contact, not a modular dashboard.
• Text never sits over photography on standard business cards. If a special event card uses a macro texture, place text on quiet negative space and keep contrast print-safe.