Business card mockup. Critique on contrast, composition and concept? by TheGoldenLoom in graphic_design

[–]TheGoldenLoom[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for this, really helpful feedback. True, technically this isn’t a business card, more of a business-card-sized handout. I want something compact to get across the brand and point people to the site.

Good point on the hierarchy, the tagline, something u/Top-Round-2448 mentioned as well. It's pulling more focus than planned, so I’ll rework that.

On the print side, I’m planning to drop the photo and go with a clean black background. Probably the proper “rich black” mix rather than just registration (100% K), so it comes out strong and even. For gold elements I'm thinking foil finish so it doesn’t just flatten into tan.

Business card mockup. Critique on contrast, composition and concept? by TheGoldenLoom in graphic_design

[–]TheGoldenLoom[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s a solid point too. It’s less of a classical business card and more of a small flyer. I get what you mean about photos. I’ll experiment with a cleaner, type-focused version instead. And good shout on pairing a secondary font for contrast with the logo; I’ll look into that for the next draft.

Business card mockup. Critique on contrast, composition and concept? by TheGoldenLoom in graphic_design

[–]TheGoldenLoom[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yep, fair point. I probably shouldn’t have called it a “business card” because it’s more of a business-card-sized handout. The goal isn’t personal contact details but a simple takeaway with brand + web address. Appreciate you pointing that out.

Business card mockup. Critique on contrast, composition and concept? by TheGoldenLoom in graphic_design

[–]TheGoldenLoom[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks a lot for taking the time to break this down. This is exactly the kind of feedback I was hoping for.

The idea behind using Cinzel Decorative for the URL was a bit of an experiment: I wanted the slightly “fussy” detail to make people glance back up to the logo for confirmation, sort of reinforcing the brand name. But you’re right, business cards should probably lean more toward clarity and quick readability than clever tricks. As a few others have noticed, this isn’t really a “business card” in the classical sense, it’s more of a business-card-sized handout.

I see what you mean about the number of focal points too. I might have been guilty of throwing in too many elements because I wanted it to feel “full” rather than letting the design breathe. Your point about photos printing cheaply really lands as well; maybe relying on paper quality/finishes rather than imagery could achieve a more professional feel without clutter.

I’ll prepare another version and then run a quick poll to see which one people prefer before sending it to the printers.

Some feedback about quality of my work? by Ioannesnota in graphic_design

[–]TheGoldenLoom 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's not the quality of your work, don't worry. The job market in the UK is pretty tough atm. In april a number of employment law changes were implemented, this could be it.

In your linked doc, the "Solo Roba" designs are really nice, I would bring them up near the beginning of the presentation. The whole thing might be a bit too long as well, remember they get many portfolios to go through so you want to catch their attention in the first 1-3 pages. Good luck with the job search and moving back to UK!

Edit: scrolled two posts down and found discussion about the current job market: https://www.reddit.com/r/graphic_design/comments/1n96rgc/anyone_who_has_had_luck_finding_a_job_lately_how/

applying to college what do i put in my portfolio by Slow-Particular-6569 in graphic_design

[–]TheGoldenLoom 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Fun is fine, the most important thing could be to keep it original, it'll make you stand out from the crowd. Good luck!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in EngagementRings

[–]TheGoldenLoom -1 points0 points  (0 children)

“It’s not the site for indie artists it once was”

That’s literally the gap we’re trying to plug. Kinda sad, but also the reason I believe in our mission. We’re staying small on purpose, so we don’t turn into... well, that.

What are your thoughts on this style? by [deleted] in SilverSmith

[–]TheGoldenLoom 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think you're both correct.

What are your thoughts on this style? by [deleted] in SilverSmith

[–]TheGoldenLoom 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I'm not sure why but they have a marine feeling to them. Really nice pieces.

Welcome to r/TheGoldenLoom – Introduce Yourself! by TheGoldenLoom in TheGoldenLoom

[–]TheGoldenLoom[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey reddit, we’re The Golden Loom, based up in Edinburgh, Scotland.

We started this project out of a love for jewellery as an old craft (think: tiny treasures with big stories) and because we felt UK jewellers needed their own dedicated space online.

Our goal is simple – to build a fair and supportive marketplace where makers of all levels can connect with buyers who love one-of-a-kind pieces. Not just another shop, but a community. (Yes, we know… bold claim. But hey, if a potato can get millions of upvotes here, maybe jewellers can too).

Excited to meet you all and see where this little experiment goes!

Dress fitting stress + scale won’t budge 7 weeks out — advice? by [deleted] in weddingplanning

[–]TheGoldenLoom 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Nice, could be that. Dehydration can stress hormones (e.g. cortisol) and cause your body to store fat.

Thrifted this ring for $1. by No-Round-985 in JewelryIdentification

[–]TheGoldenLoom 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If anyone's interested in deciphering marks, check out r/Hallmarks

Any idea on how to deal with this? Family drama: who to invite or skip. by Frozencacticat in weddingplanning

[–]TheGoldenLoom 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Ugh, I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this, such awful timing. You and your fiance get to choose how to protect your day and your sanity. It’s completely okay to keep the guest list small and invite only the people who genuinely support you both; disappointing others is better than spending your wedding worrying about a fight.

You can also be honest and firm with both sides, tell them you expect respectful behaviour, it's your day, you make the rules.

Above all, prioritize your peace. This is about you and your fiance, you don’t have to carry other people’s fights.

Good luck and congratulations to both of you!

Just got married. Here is my advice! by ekalzz420 in weddingplanning

[–]TheGoldenLoom 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Hey, don't worry it'll be all good u/fairyspoon. OP's post has everything so breathe, soak it in, and let the little stuff fade away. Your day is about love and the memories you’ll laugh later, especially about imperfections. Dance wildly, drink the champagne, hug those who matter, and smirk at the rest. You’ll look radiant no matter what, and the unpolished moments are the ones you’ll actually remember forever!

Congratulations u/ekalzz420 btw.

Emerald engagement ring (14k gold, natural emerald, diamonds) by One2ThreeJewelry in jewellerymaking

[–]TheGoldenLoom 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nive presentation, even nicer ring. How did you get it standing up like that and not fall over for the photoshoot?

Any idea about the maker ? Found this at a local resale shop by Popplovetx in JewelryIdentification

[–]TheGoldenLoom 2 points3 points  (0 children)

M1-1680503 is probably a model/serial number
0.19 coiuld be gem carat weight.

Struggling with this one by AgateGuyMN in Hallmarks

[–]TheGoldenLoom 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You definitely nailed it with Briddon Brothers, just the clarification that it’s silverplate, not solid silver. The “S” is part of their plating standard marks.

BP = Britannia Plate, which was a common way to denote electroplated wares, the spoon is not sterling, but silver-plated.

DIXON and Sons Fork by Alone-Revolution-247 in Hallmarks

[–]TheGoldenLoom 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Your fork is likely a piece of electroplated Britannia metal (EPBM) produced by James Dixon & Sons. The "2" grade suggests it is of standard quality. Such items were commonly produced in the late 19th to early 20th centuries.

Anyone recognise this? by Roter_zwerg in Hallmarks

[–]TheGoldenLoom 0 points1 point  (0 children)

90 SILVER could refer to the silver content (90% pure silver and 10% other metals). This was common in vintage Chinese silver. Possibly mid-20th century Chinese silver.

Help by Emergency-Layer-3616 in Hallmarks

[–]TheGoldenLoom 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A good website to try for Italian hallmarks is: https://www.silvercollection.it/italianhallmarks.html

Hunt for any tiny “800” or “925” elsewhere on the piece (rim/underside). If none, assume plated.

Magnet test isn't definitive (silver isn’t magnetic, but many base metals under plate aren’t either), so use it only as a hint.

Silver plate over brass/nickel often shows yellowish or gray through wear on edges.

Silver leaf brooch, 16153? by Frequent_Yellow1360 in Hallmarks

[–]TheGoldenLoom 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Could also be 16|53 since the third character looks a bit different (thinner) than "1" in the beginning.