Picking a Job Title on Business Cards
In the freelance world, you have the freedom to put whatever you want on your business card. The job position you choose will show your audience a glimpse of what they can expect from you and your company.
We’ve shared some templates for you to create your own business card, and some great examples of unique business cards, but what you call yourself is as important as the visual appeal of your card.
Here are a few titles for your consideration:
Director:
Positive – Doesn’t indicate the size of your business; fairly innocuous
Negative – Can indicate that you don’t really know who you are yet, and your business is still developing.
Owner :
Positive – Clearly states your role in the business
Negative – Can indicate that your business is very small or your ego is very large
President:
Positive – By definition, president means “one who sits in leadership”
Negative – If you are the president but the only employee – you’re sending a mixed message
CEO/CFO:
Positive – Shows that your company is very large, and you answer to a board of directors
Negative – Shows that your company is very large, and you answer to a board of directors
Grand Poohbah/Head MuckyMuck:
Positive – Shows that you have a sense of humor, and a fun organization
Negative – Can show that you don’t take your business seriously
And there’s a compelling argument to omit the position altogether. This can show that your business is fluid and flexible, and no one is tied down to just one position.
Of course, it doesn’t matter what your business card says if you aren’t sharing it with anyone. The point of the business card is to help people remember who you are after you have had a conversation with them. Your business card alone is not going to get you new business – unless your job is creating business cards.
What do you have on your card, and why did you choose it?
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I use Design Executive … wrestled ages with it! Can you be a sole trader and be a director?
I like it – nice and simple, and most importantly – clear!
Design Executive is genius! I am going to “borrow” that from you
I use Creative Director as well, seems to convey that I am able to lead creatively or handle the creative duties myself.
I would of course advise against “president,” “CEO,” “chairman,” and other technical terms because there are actual requirements to fulfill such duties (like a board, or partners, or a corporation)
Arvin,
I like that mix of words. It shows a more human side to your role and suggests that you would be someone who others should work with.
I believe “owner” to be the worst choice, because you tell people something they will clearly remember if they are told, and there’s no info on what you are doing.
“Director” on the other hand is pretty much the honest and plain way to put it since you are most propably going to direct the job in hand, this makes more sense if you are not the only guy in the company and even more sense if you make clear your area of expertise too. A designer who is working with other people (inside or outside the compeny) to finish a project at a regular basis could describe himself as the Creative Director or something similar.
I simply chose ‘Founder’. After six years of going it alone, I found that it wasn’t easy to be the only one tackling every aspect of every project for every client. So I started sub-contracting out the work and have created a nice little network. Since I started it, I’m the Founder of that group.
Natalie,
I would partially agree with that title.
My question would be, do people who receive your business card understand this is happening? I mean, personally I don’t see anything wrong with using the word “Founder” on a business card.
Mine does not have a title. The card states that Adrinah Design does graphic design. From my website, it’s clear that I’m running a 1-girl-show. I didn’t want to seem like I was trying to be something I’m not.
I must say though, I’ve seen some of the goofy titles and I really like them. Definitely shows that you don’t take yourself too seriously and that you like to have fun!
I just write:
Rick Messer
Freelance Graphic & Web Designer
I do the same thing – I’ve been doing it for a while, but have also had “Graphic & Web Design Specialist”.
I am not really a business card guy, but the email signature gets changed often! over the years it has evolved from Flash Developer – Web Designer/Developer – Web Developer / Consultant
I have a client from the West Coast that in a random (joking) conversation I described my development as “creating experiences, not websites” and it has become a running joke so I have been trying to think of a good job title that has “Experience…” in it, so if any of you have a fun suggestion let me know!
how about “Experience Architect”
I don’t have a business card yet, but this is something I should think about. I’d love to meet someone who calls himself “Grand Poohbah” in his business card though haha!
I’m a freelance copywriter/creative and I don’t use a title. My card is a referral tool for my website really.
Anyway, someone recently told me we’re not copywriters, we’re “persuasion architects”. Sheesh. Can you imagine that on someone’s card…?
It’ll work when the card says “Copywriter” and pointing to the website with a manifesto that has a line with the “persuasion architects” included:
“What you want is not a group of copywriters to just get work done and get things out there—anyone could get any job done. What you need are persuasion architects; writers who get the job done and bring in results…”
I think the word “Architect” should stick to the field of Architecture. It sounds pretentious to me when I hear it in other professions like I.T. Not to mention the confusion when looking for “Intern Architect” positions with design firms, you get a mix of building design and I.T. positions.
I don’t have a position/title on my card either. I’ve got my logo, my phone, my website, and my twitter account on it. Gets the job done, I guess.
I have two sets of cards that I can give out. This way, if I’m with a prospective client and they are extremely serious I can give them my “Professional” card with the title of “Designer & Developer”. On the other hand, if I’m with someone I’m able to joke around with I have a card that says “Designer & Beard Enthusiast”. That card is actually featured here http://cardview.net/gallery/design-crumbs-business-card/1128/
I think that’s a clever idea! I do not have a title on my business cards but instead I include a brief slogan that describes what I do. I’ve been playing around with the idea of making my business card more standard with a title but I really like the design I’m using, so why not have two cards for different contacts! Great idea!
My first card said, “Evil Genius,” but very few people understood that one. My current one says, “Proprietor/Art Director,” but I feel like that doesn’t really capture what I do or my sense of whimsy.
I’m considering something like, “Designs Things,” or “Good Listener,” or, “Collaborator,” for my knew ones.
Senior Designer, FTW.
I put, “Web Developer.”
I like that people know I’m a single man operation, and the title states exactly what I do!
I’m so glad to see this article. I have a writing company that has, give or take, 10 subcontractors. I didn’t feel right saying “owner,” “president,” or anything else. So I simply didn’t include the title.
But then again…the positives and negatives were pointed out wonderfully in this article. So maybe it’s time to go back to the drawing board.
I think a title that describes your business is best.
eg. Web Development and Graphic Design.
–
Im yet to get a business card, but mine would follow suit to something like that.
Good question. I don’t have a business card yet and I’m not sure what I’d put as my title. But it’ll be something that reflects my sense of humor, definitely.
“GRAND POOHBAH/HEAD MUCKYMUCK”
– This was unexpected and made me LOL.
I am an editor
btw, we have a tutorial about how to create a molten chocolate business card design in photoshop, here: http://ibrandstudio.com/tutorials/create-a-molten-chocolate-business-card-in-photoshop
Hope it useful, thanks
I’m “Founder & Creative Director”.
Works for me.
I also struggled, and eventually decided on “Informaticien Certifié”, which translated to Certified IT Specialist. It says (I hope) to clients that I’m a professional, yet not too specific so that I can wear multiple hats (I provide networking and web dev services).
I chose “Art Director” rather than “Creative Director” because it seems more reasonable for my age. Rather like the 23-year-old supposed Vice-President of Social Media (or whatever), I think titles should align with career progression, even with the self employed. Art Director, in my case, is also my job, not just a rank.
RoboPixel
Jeremy Dombrowski
Web Application Developer // Design Robot
I think it’s playful, in-theme (RoboPixel/Design Robot), and sends the right message — although I want to stick the word “consultant” in there somewhere…
Good stuff! I see people who run one man show businesses and write on their name cards CEO and Founding Director….hilarious!
I have my name and “Copywriter” as job title.
But here’s a tip: also put the address of your website on the business card, not just your email and phone number. Particularly, if your website is geared for selling.
Frequently where I live, it is very regular to see business cards with a job title like: John Smith, Manager-Owner, very funny to say it is a one-person start up.
Translation: Juan Perez, Gerente-Propietario.
I have written “creator + designer” on my business cards
When I did my first cards, I decided to go with “creative designer” (at the time I wasn’t really looking at marketing myself as a one-man shop. They were more for personal presentation). Next time I order cards, I’m thinking of going with something that straddles both seriousness and whimsy. Just not sure what that might be just yet…
I’ve been freelancing for a long time but never really got it formalized with a website and business cards. I’m thinking of doing all that now and I was wondering how I should introduce myself since a lot of corporate clients want to know where I stand.
Here most corporate clients want to know that there is someone above the person they are in touch with so I’m confused on what to put on there since i’m a one-man operation but not everyone wants to know that.
I’m thinking Web Design Specialist or something similar, kinda gives it a spy feel
Myself, Creative Director. As others have said, it matches the authority I want, the ability to handle a task myself or delegate tasks to others (like phone calls and such to my VA). Overall, I have had no problems with it.
I have yet to put together a business card for myself, but I’ve been toying around with an idea. The business card would be somewhere between a personal contact card and a business card promoting my blog or my online business. Anyway, the title I’ve been thinking about is “Change Maker”… would this come across to arrogant?
I use Web & SEO Manager, that’s what I do so, I think being honest is crucial!
I run my own freelance business and deliberately did not put a title on my card so that I could adapt to any opportunity that may arise once I had started my business. As it is, the types of jobs that I have landed over the last few years have varied considerably from a “creative designer” to a “virtual assistant”.
I just put “Web Engineer” on my business card
I went with “Creative and Technical Director”. I thought that things like CEO or President were far too pretentious for a small organization. Heck, they could even be pretentious for some medium sized organizations, IMO. Might as well stage a coup in a small 3rd world nation and establish yourself as “President for Life”, though a card that said “el Presidente et Dictator pour Vie” would be pretty cool.
I use “webdesigner, illustrator” as a double title to emphasise that I create mostly online media and to take my illustrative skills forward also.
Editorial & Commercial Photography works well for me.
I use : “Web Project Manager”.
I freelance, so I have my name and position in the “title” of my business card: Graham Strong, Freelance Writer. It basically appears as the company name would. Then I just have contact info and slogan with a simple background design.
Other than that, I don’t list a title. My position on positions is that if you have to make it up, it will come off as insincere. Don’t get me wrong — if people want to call themselves “Head Word Chef” or whatever on their business card, that’s their prerogative. Who am I to say? (That’s why we’re freelancing, right? So we can follow our own vision?)
Personally though, I’ve decided not to do it.
~Graham
I don’t have a position on mine either. I have my business name ‘Ruby Lime Design’ and my name and a brief description of what I do, that makes it obvious to most people. I use moo mini cards for my business cards, people love them, made from recycled plastic and each one is different and quirky – in my field it reflects the art/creative/design things I do.
I like to use Internet Programmer, seems web developer and design have been over used.
So happy to see an article on this topic! I’ve been designing my own cards for my newly established, one-woman business, and have been torn on whether to include a title or not. I specialize in web and graphic design and marketing consulting.
After reading all the comments, I’m thinking of going with “creative specialist.”
I like the confidence that the word “specialist” portrays, and it is a bit more unique.
Mine says:
Sonali Agrawal
website designer + front-end developer
This article certainly gave me some food for thought! I don’t have a business card yet, but my email signature simply says “Freelance Writer”. When designing my business cards in the near future, I’ll keep your pros and cons in mind
I need new ones. I currently have just “Web + Print Designer” on there, but I was thinking of putting just “Creative”, “Creative Lead” or “Creative Mind” as the title. Just something a little different.
Good ones to consider here though.
I think in threes, so my job title reads
Designer, Brand Builder, Nice Guy
It’s always translated well with businesses of all sizes, as the humor sits at the end and isn’t overplayed. Simplifying “web designer” into “designer” also makes it easier to talk about other projects the company may have sitting around, should I have bandwidth to handle them. During a routine site design, smalltalk with the project manager resulted in the discovery that the company was looking for a print illustrator to design an invitation for their year-end fundraiser. I was able to pick up that quick work, and it turned into a handful of referrals from party attendees who raved about the look. The rest of my year is already scheduled because of that little invitation, which I never would have done if I introduced myself as a web designer or “web guy”.
I found out that if you have troubles picking the right position for your business card, the best thing you can do is not to write it.
Instead, I prefer to state the area of work I do.
For example I have “Strategy”, because I manage communication strategies for my clients in my small company.
Hope it helps!
Mine says “Content Maven” with “Writer and Editor” beneath the title. I’ve gotten all positive comments on this.
I include “Web Consultant” in mine. Though I’ve been really considering just removing the title all together.
In reality I’m a web designer and developer. But what’s funny is lately I’ve been getting hired for true consultant work, and not actually designing or developing. Just guiding projects. I guess my branding is working!
I use Interactive Experience Designer. A bit long, but it describes my purpose without defining my role.
As I read through the comments, though, I thought of a few other fun ones:
Customer Experience Catalyst
Effective Experience Delivery Consultant
Comprehensive Enterprise Modern Media Consultant
Global Content Delivery Orchestration Provider
Meh, I could probably riff all day.
Mine says Audio Ninja.
Mostly I make sounds for video games so wanted something fun.
Hey Ninja,
how’d you land that gig. I’m trying to provide original music for video games. Any suggestions on how to break in?
Thanks.
I usually go with Creative Director or Creative Consultant. Sounds professional but still artistic.
Mine simply says ” satisfier “
Like a couple of others, I opt for Creative Director. I think it takes some of the positives from both ‘Web Designer’ and ‘Director’. It’s an instant psychological perception and a first impression, but I quickly highlighted the need to be creative if I was going to give myself the glam title. Normal business cards just wouldn’t work, so I used MiniCards from Moo. Most times I hand one out, the comment I hear most is ‘ooh, they’re cute!’
How about just being yourself? Isn’t your name enough to describe you as a freelancer instead of coming up with a quirky or pretentious title?
If you feel you MUST title yourself other than a freelancer– then how about CREATIVE?
Hmm… thoughts?
On my card I have omitted a job title, instead I have opted for a short list (3 items) of the services I provide.
This may sound like a lot of text, but as there is no business address on the card (I work from home) it actually fills up space and creates balance.
Also, I try to avoid referring to myself as “creative”. IMHO I don’t think it adds any value or information. This is a complimentary word, when people call me creative I take great pride in it, but I don’t call myself creative.
It would be like giving myself the job title of “handsome web developer”
I agree that titles such as president, principal, etc. seem a little strange for a one-person operation. I couldn’t decide what title to use on my business card, so I didn’t include one: just my company name, my name, and the services I provide: developmental editing, copy editing, proofreading, and project editing (plus contact information, of course).
I just go with freelance designer or freelance graphic designer on my card. ^_^
I don’t have a card yet, but as soon as i make some i’ll most likely use the title “web developer” as that’s my main job in my freelance business.
My current business cards say “Personal Blogger”, which ticks me off because it’s just one of the things that I do.
It never even occurred to me to leave the position off entirely. I’m making new cards for Blogworld and will definitely be taking that route!
A timely article, a topic I have just started to consider while I go about the long and convoluted process of re-designing my logo and other promotional material for my own needs. As a freelancer, (and for ABN tax purposes) I operate under my own name which is all well and good for keeping things simple, though having a term like “Director” or “Owner” might confuse the receiver of the card.
I’m wanting to keep it simple and direct, whilst also flexible, at the moment I’m thinking:
(Graphic) Designer | Artist | Creative
Whilst all are true, they could also create a conversation when the card is received, and wouldn’t that be great!
I like “Creative Director”. It says even if you are a one-man-band, that there may possibly be someone else in the organization higher. Although, I’m sure a lot of clients like to know they are talking to the boss.
It’s a little tricky, but I agree that President seems a little (hands off, but I’ll make sure the job gets done by my designers kind of title).
I like the suggestion of having two types of business cards too. One for the ultra-professional clients, and one for those who are more laid back.
i like “creative director” and creator + designer…
I recently has my business cards redone and I took the title completely off my cards. Since my business is fluid and I change and add to my service offerings on a regular basis; I found by not having a title it allowed me to be whatever I needed to be in order to make my freelancing business grow.
Also, I took my address off the business cards to make them look less cluttered. When was the last time someone sent you something through the mail?
Also, I listed an overview of the services I offer on the back of the card; this way people don’t have to remember what I do. Makes not having much easier.
My current business card doesn’t have a title, but I have been using “Visual Branding Specialist” in my email signature for the last year or so. This describes me well, since I handle the look for integrated marketing campaigns containing all aspects of print, web and identity.
I’m careful not to call myself a “Branding Consultant” like I used to, because it could convey I handle marketing strategy (for which I look to others’ expertise). Most of my clients are companies who have a director of marketing or someone else to handle the “business side” of branding, so it is my job to make everything appear unified and cohesive.
I love the comments on this post! So great to hear/see so many ideas on this topic.
I have always hated the corporate titles of “President,” “Founder,” or any combination of those! I would completely agree that your title says a lot to the corporate world and should match your career progression. As a 24 year old guy, who’s going to believe that I am the “President” – DUMB!
My current “title”-if you will- states “Web Strategist.” As I build various strategies for the web. Simple, clean, and appropriate for my age.
I use “Owner/Chief Web Developer”
You could also use “Chief Graphic Designer”
It’s kind of a play of “Chief Operating Officer”
This is interesting. I’ve always struggled with what to call myself, especially since I want to expand and not be just a one-man show with contractors but rather a small firm. Since my business is called Hetzel Creative, I think a title like Chief Creative would work nicely for my cards. Thanks for the inspiration!
This is interesting. I’ve always struggled with what to call myself, especially since I want to expand and not be just a one-man show with contractors but rather a small firm. Since my business is called Hetzel Creative, I think a title like Chief Creative would work nicely for my cards. Thanks for the inspiration!
I design business cards but I don’t have one yet , lol , anyways i think design ninja sounds neat.
Just had a new set of cards printed and deliberately omitted a title. I don’t want to be confined to one. Less is more
This is an interesting topic, because I have been battling with myself over what title to go with. I think the Ceo/president and other titles have been over used by businesses.
These titles usually don’t fit freelancers like us. I have decided to go with “design consultant”, this gives me room to express my skills in different ways to my client, asides just doing designs I also recommend the kind of paper to use and i also handle the print.
Well I use “creative boy” and I find it quite good
Just Designer. Simple and clear.
At the back of my name card, there are few lines of what kind of design I do. In English and Chinese. Still super simple name card.
Nice article thanks, I think “owner” is the worst choice, because there’s no information on what you are doing.
I’m a designer and illustrator so that’s what my card says but I’m seriously thinking to put ” I don’t do web” Just cos I don’t do them and don’t want to do them and I’m sick of people asking if I do them (when they don’t need them).
Would save me a lot of explanation lol
i am the founder of the website, and also CEO of the company. I originally think the title could be Founder & CEO, but not very sure.
Is Founder is the correct description for title on namecard?
Can you please give me an answer?
If an example can be sent, it would be great so..
We own a small logistics/freight forwarding company and also provide consultancy in Eastern Europe does anybody have an idea for a good business title; I despise titles such as Managing Director or Owner – love to have something more creative as well as some ideas for my hubby who also does the same….
Looking forward to your ideas !
Many thanks
) JUNE
Supply Chain Information Specialist
Thanks so much, I am procrastinating, cause I can’t decide…I am going trying to get back to graphic design after being out of the field for over 10 years.Think I will leave it off til I figure out what I want to be when I grow up…
My business is Event Management, I currently have Event Consultant on my business card. I’m in the process of changing my business cards and would welcome some advise on an alternative name, if something more suitable could be use.
I used Director of Web Services. This encompasses all aspects of what I do. I manage developers & designers, online marketers (SEO, PPC, etc), sales material and if I have to I can code or design.
I also like titles that tell someone what you do without asking or having to remember what you told them you do when you met 6 months ago.
Just getting around to making a new business card for a new service I’m offering under the brand name of BackupLogix. So far it seems mostly owners and creative types responding. I was thinking of a working title as well, something like “recover expert” or “recovery specialist”. Also had things like “recovery engineer” or “business continuity specialist”. Well, I’m still thinking and this thread got me thinking more.
Well, while I do take my business seriously I like fun titles.
I run two independent endeavours where I am “Chief Bear” of one and the “Head Hoo-Ha” of the other.
I think it’s important to convey a little of personality into our cards to help make us memorable.
I’m currently using Co-Founder/Business Development Director. However, as our business is expanding into create brand awareness by using multi-media, I’m toying with ” Brand Champion”.
Hello I am in the process of getting my business cards done for my business – 360 Brand Effects, the business is a promotional products company – my tag line is “the art of giving memorable gifts”, does anyone have any suggestions on a title to use?
Thank you
Debi
I would say, the position we tell in the business card isn’t the most important factor, but the design , the look and feel to attract people (professional look)
hi
well it take me about 3months to find something.. i’m not sure yet if i’m going to use it..
wizard of oz software engineer
Three members were involved in a partnership firm,Our nature of business is supplier of raw materials to biomass projects..
What will be the suitable title to be printed on a business card..
Kindly help me in this regard..
I’m a freelancer but have my business registered as an S-Corp. I go with “Principal, Creative Director.” I did struggle over the title as well so it’s nice to see a post about it.
I am helping compnies on sales, marketing , branding, distribution, account mangements ( stratagy) Also help the select new products to add to portofolio , market study , negotiation with manfucture on my client be half .
Any suggestion of what i should use ?
Thank you in Advance .
I’m currently using Marketing Visionary
My Partner thinks “VP” is a better fit for the Email Signature / New card?
We own an Advertising and Marketing Firm
Hey everybody,
I’m working in a medical company as a product specialist for Temperature Management, EMS Equipment, patient Care, Handling Equipment and Physiotherapy.
What title should I put on my business card?
A coworker who works in a different division but prints our business cards out recently printed a business card for my new assistant – without my consent. My assistant is now enthusiastically handing out his cards at conferences. I am afraid that my name will be misrepresented. This will be a conversation with them soon. But I am stuck with having an assistant with a short stack of business cards. I am not opposed to this but want some identifying tittle other than the company logo indicating the division. As a compromise, I would at least like to have my working group tittle put on their card so that folks know who they work under. Is this a common practice with subordinates?
Please advise,
I’m a one person operation dealing with casinos, country clubs, restaurants and other hospitality industry clients. They ae VERY serious about business and have zero humor when it comes to business performance.
I opted for no title. It also gives more room and readabilty to my card. The lack of a title is a conversation opener. It’s working very well.
Ha! Wonderful to read all the comments. Feels good to see so many people facing the same dilemma as me
I started as a freelancer developer before I decided to get more people on board and start my own company. Its a digital agency and we’re into web development and brand building.
I am the founder and owner, taking care of all the things myself – hiring developers/designers on board, marketing & publicity and business generation.
Suggest a good title, how does “Jack of all trades” sound?
From the above comments, I personally liked “Web Strategist” the best.
I guess I can use after modifying it a bit to “Chief Web Strategist” or just “Chief Strategist”. Thoughts?
I was going to put ‘Everything’ but that sounds silly. I think I’ll go for no title at all!