[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Designing QSL cards (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 1/6/2014 3:56:55 PM EDT
I'll never have something as fancy as Brundoggie's amazingly beautiful wooden QSL card... But I don't want to send out some boring B&W plain text only card either. But when it comes to artistic talent, I come up short. I can't draw for shit, and I suck at layout. So other than copying other people's cards, what suggestions or tips do you guys have for creating a new(and first for me) QSL card? About as far as I've gotten so far is thinking about a double-sided full color card with a pic of my current shack on the back. Or maybe run it through a filter to turn it into a B&W line drawing to save money on printing. Talk about an annoying case of indecision  |
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As a new operator, I didn't want to get a lot into QSL cards to start. I went with http://www.cheapqsls.com/ . While they only let you pick from their stock graphics and do not do photos, their prices seems reasonable when looking at other sources and they have a good review rating on eHam. They seem to have an option for most any budget, I went with the deluxe black ink card with backside report for only $18.49/100. It is even cheaper per card if 250 are ordered. I know there are other sources that let you do your own graphics, I am sure someone will post them here. |
| I made the card in this website http://www.radioqth.net/ (It was posted in here), and they I took the PDF to Office Depot, and they printed 300 using photo paper (100 pages x 3 cards) for 90 something bucks. |
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Not knowing there were a lot of places, run by hams, that can do cards for you, I simply took an interesting photo of me and friends in an activity we enjoy, and took it to a friend who is a printer. I had already asked one of my ham club members what should be on a card, looked at a few, and with the printer, we drew in some white blocks with necessary info like freq, time utc, date, etc. Printed on the card was my call sign, city, state, grid, lat/long. I still have a hundred or so left.
For that card, two of my friends in the photo have passed away. I decided to do a completely different card. With permission, I used a photo taken by the club president, who is a great photographer, taken from the club station looking through the legs of our tower, framing a beautiful sunset. Lots of oranges and purples in the sky. A storm had just broken. I used white letters over the dark areas, and again, white blocks, labeled, for the contact info. I'm using those new cards now. You need to use a photo and/or text colors that give good contrast, easy to read. And this does not mean just dark on light of vice versa. Some colors just don't work together. Green on blue, or orange and blue. Look at other's cards. But for now, for a new ham, you can get one of the more generic looking cards from any of the many card services. Send them out. And look at the cards you get back. You'll eventually get an idea of what works for you, what reflects your personality, what about you that you want to convey to others. |
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As far as WHAT to put on the front of your QSL card, I'm considering some (3, maybe 4) historical and scenic sites in Texas, and maybe a shot of the Dallas (my QTH) skyline across the top 1/2-1/3 of the card. So the Alamo, Johnson Spaceflight Center, Natural Bridge Cavern, etc, etc, etc.
ETA Then on the back in a "shadowed" line style have a very faded representation of the pic used and, slightly darker, a small bit of descriptive text for that pic. All this around a place to stick the label for the QSL itself. I figure that'll tell international people a bit of trivia about Texas. |
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Your photo would work great for a QSL card. I got a few hundred standard cards from cheapqsls to get me started. I went through them qucikly. I had some nicer custom cards made this time around. I actually had 2 designs made & got 500 each. These should last me a little while.
I really enjoy getting the QSL cards. LoTW verification is great, but real paper cards rule! 
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I used this and this for my latest 
http://www.radioqth.net/qslcards 
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I can try to copy and paste some text onto it if you shoot me some pictures. http://a.pomf.se/aicpmf.jpg You microphone is overheating. You must have been talking too much.
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OP, here's whatcha do.
Get a stack of cards, 3x5, 4x6, lined, unlined, whatever. Take a ball point pen and an the top write "Cash is low, times are hard, please accept this QSL card" Then put your call, the QTH, QSO's call sign, the date, time frequency, mode and a brief description of your rig IN BALLPOINT. I GUARANTEE whoever get it will truly appreciate it. Mark my words. It will likely be taken by the recipient to his club meeting and passed around. It's not the class of the license, it's the class of the operator and that one will score BIG points for originality. |
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I used this and this for my latest
http://www.radioqth.net/qslcards <a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/derek45/media/M1%20GARAND%20CMP/IMGP6047.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/derek45/M1%20GARAND%20CMP/IMGP6047.jpg</a> That is a pretty awesome card you have Derek, one of my favorites. |
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OP, here's whatcha do. Get a stack of cards, 3x5, 4x6, lined, unlined, whatever. Take a ball point pen and an the top write "Cash is low, times are hard, please accept this QSL card" Then put your call, the QTH, QSO's call sign, the date, time frequency, mode and a brief description of your rig IN BALLPOINT. I GUARANTEE whoever get it will truly appreciate it. Mark my words. It will likely be taken by the recipient to his club meeting and passed around. It's not the class of the license, it's the class of the operator and that one will score BIG points for originality. This, I love all the cards I get, even the simple ones. Except for the one from Columbia with the chubby, hairy, shirtless guy. |
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This, I love all the cards I get, even the simple ones. Except for the one from Columbia with the chubby, hairy, shirtless guy. Quoted:
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OP, here's whatcha do. Get a stack of cards, 3x5, 4x6, lined, unlined, whatever. Take a ball point pen and an the top write "Cash is low, times are hard, please accept this QSL card" Then put your call, the QTH, QSO's call sign, the date, time frequency, mode and a brief description of your rig IN BALLPOINT. I GUARANTEE whoever get it will truly appreciate it. Mark my words. It will likely be taken by the recipient to his club meeting and passed around. It's not the class of the license, it's the class of the operator and that one will score BIG points for originality. This, I love all the cards I get, even the simple ones. Except for the one from Columbia with the chubby, hairy, shirtless guy. Me, too. One of the guys here, Beefington, QSO's me from AK after a bigger drama than you and I pulled (believe it or not) and he said he left his cards at his home QTH. I said "send me anything!" The hand made card he sent drew a comment from the card checker. "We don't see enough of this anymore," he chuckled. "You ought to be pretty proud of it." I'm proud of your, too. I worked for it.
What I think I am going to do tomorrow is dig his out and get a frame and frame yours and his next to each other. They're both pretty special. |
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I dug this thread out for a couple more comments.
I now have 2 Arfcommers QSL cards in a frame hanging on my wall. They are Brundoggies and Beefington's. The reason for that is they are BOTH very classy operators. What is interesting is that Brundoggie's card is a fine piece of art and Beefington's is handwritten post office post card with the pertinent information written on it. Both of these operators gave to me their time and effort to make a QSO with me. Beefington froze his ass off for 3 hours in a fucking snowbank in Alaska to help me get my WAS. When Beefington and I finally QSO'd be IM'd me and told me his cards were in Virginia. I told him not to worry and just send me confirmation on a piece of paper or something.He took a post card and a ballpoint and sent me confirmation which I was grateful for. Incidentally the card checker loved it. The reason Brundoggie's card is next to Beefington's is because he is a classy operator and not because it is an expensive card. Had Brundoggie been a jerk that was trying to buy his way to stardom I simply would have flipped the card in the trash alongside two others from a couple of lids that have made the trash can over the past couple of years. Instead, he's a classy operator and his card is in a special place.. Sometimes I think that too much is made of QSL cards by newer operators. When you look at what a QSL card is, it is nothing more than written confirmation of a QSO and that's about it. A scrap of paper will do. Of course, we are pretty much proud of our hobby and do want nice things but when you are getting started you'd likely be better off worrying about your antenna or something and not your card. Just get some cheapies to get started with and as your station grows go from there. For a new operator to worry about cards is a case of worrying about the wrong things for the wrong reason. Incidentally, most of you guys are pretty classy operators and I appreciate QSOs with all of you. Incidentally, "Cash is low, times are hard, have a handmade QSL card." on a plain post card has a certain style to it. If I received one I would likely frame that one, too....AFTER I got through laughing my ass off. |
| Question that goes with this: Do you need to sign or hand write any part of the QSL card? What I am getting at is I print mine off the printer and it has the info printed on it. Do I need to sign my name on it to make it "legal" for ARRL awards? What is to stop some on from down loading a photo, printing up the cards with all the contacts they need to get an award. |
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Question that goes with this: Do you need to sign or hand write any part of the QSL card? What I am getting at is I print mine off the printer and it has the info printed on it. Do I need to sign my name on it to make it "legal" for ARRL awards? What is to stop some on from down loading a photo, printing up the cards with all the contacts they need to get an award. Many of my QSL cards, especially from DXpeditions have a sticker on the back with the information regarding the QSO on it. I have not had one challenged. Quite often the ones from DX managers have a stamp on them. |
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Question that goes with this: Do you need to sign or hand write any part of the QSL card? What I am getting at is I print mine off the printer and it has the info printed on it. Do I need to sign my name on it to make it "legal" for ARRL awards? What is to stop some on from down loading a photo, printing up the cards with all the contacts they need to get an award. No need to sign. Just fill out your QSO information. Anybody with a computer and a printer can make a fake QSL card with your name on it. Don't take it to serious. It's a hobby after all. |
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No need to sign. Just fill out your QSO information. Anybody with a computer and a printer can make a fake QSL card with your name on it. Don't take it to serious. It's a hobby after all. Quoted:
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Question that goes with this: Do you need to sign or hand write any part of the QSL card? What I am getting at is I print mine off the printer and it has the info printed on it. Do I need to sign my name on it to make it "legal" for ARRL awards? What is to stop some on from down loading a photo, printing up the cards with all the contacts they need to get an award. No need to sign. Just fill out your QSO information. Anybody with a computer and a printer can make a fake QSL card with your name on it. Don't take it to serious. It's a hobby after all. Trust me, I don't. LOL But if you get on QRZ, you would it was a matter of national security... |
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OP, here's whatcha do. Get a stack of cards, 3x5, 4x6, lined, unlined, whatever. Take a ball point pen and an the top write "Cash is low, times are hard, please accept this QSL card" Then put your call, the QTH, QSO's call sign, the date, time frequency, mode and a brief description of your rig IN BALLPOINT. I GUARANTEE whoever get it will truly appreciate it. Mark my words. It will likely be taken by the recipient to his club meeting and passed around. It's not the class of the license, it's the class of the operator and that one will score BIG points for originality. Yes! You went to the effort. |
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I'm going to take a picture of myself in a fake leopard jacket, a Goochi hat turned backwards and a grille standing in front of a late 90's Celica and an overweight bikini model with extensions. I will be holding a katana and a Baofeng. I will use lots of lens flare. I'll throw a gang sign and have FBGM across the bottom in code. I will add a speech bubble that says, "U no u wanna 'work' me, nomsayn?" I will have this printed at "fast print" quality and glued to 3x5 cutouts of cereal boxes.
Thoughts? |
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I'm going to take a picture of myself in a fake leopard jacket, a Goochi hat turned backwards and a grille standing in front of a late 90's Celica and an overweight bikini model with extensions. I will be holding a katana and a Baofeng. I will use lots of lens flare. I'll throw a gang sign and have FBGM across the bottom in code. I will add a speech bubble that says, "U no u wanna 'work' me, nomsayn?" I will have this printed at "fast print" quality and glued to 3x5 cutouts of cereal boxes. Thoughts? Oh, why the fuck not. Anything beats getting yet ANOTHER picture of a pule of junk radios sitting on shelves.
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Oh, why the fuck not. Anything beats getting yet ANOTHER picture of a pule of junk radios sitting on shelves. Quoted:
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I'm going to take a picture of myself in a fake leopard jacket, a Goochi hat turned backwards and a grille standing in front of a late 90's Celica and an overweight bikini model with extensions. I will be holding a katana and a Baofeng. I will use lots of lens flare. I'll throw a gang sign and have FBGM across the bottom in code. I will add a speech bubble that says, "U no u wanna 'work' me, nomsayn?" I will have this printed at "fast print" quality and glued to 3x5 cutouts of cereal boxes. Thoughts? Oh, why the fuck not. Anything beats getting yet ANOTHER picture of a pule of junk radios sitting on shelves. I'm just tryna keep it rrrreal, yo! |
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I'm going to take a picture of myself in a fake leopard jacket, a Goochi hat turned backwards and a grille standing in front of a late 90's Celica and an overweight bikini model with extensions. I will be holding a katana and a Baofeng. I will use lots of lens flare. I'll throw a gang sign and have FBGM across the bottom in code. I will add a speech bubble that says, "U no u wanna 'work' me, nomsayn?" I will have this printed at "fast print" quality and glued to 3x5 cutouts of cereal boxes. Thoughts? Drop the katana and hold an oversized pimp cup and I'll want one. |
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Drop the katana and hold an oversized pimp cup and I'll want one. Quoted:
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I'm going to take a picture of myself in a fake leopard jacket, a Goochi hat turned backwards and a grille standing in front of a late 90's Celica and an overweight bikini model with extensions. I will be holding a katana and a Baofeng. I will use lots of lens flare. I'll throw a gang sign and have FBGM across the bottom in code. I will add a speech bubble that says, "U no u wanna 'work' me, nomsayn?" I will have this printed at "fast print" quality and glued to 3x5 cutouts of cereal boxes. Thoughts? Drop the katana and hold an oversized pimp cup and I'll want one. It's a chalice! |
So, I just used a place to print mine that does my business cards. I used lighter weight stock (14pt) mainly because nobody actually stamps and addresses the card anymore, they all come in envelopes.
POSTCARD ( SIZE:3.5x5.5 PAPER:14pt Premium Uncoated Cover COLOR:full/b&w TURNAROUND:Standard ) 1000 $59.09 http://artboxprint.com/ and if it's the first time you've used them, use "FIRST10" to get 10% off. If past performance is any indication, they'll be here in a week or so. They do business cards pretty well, I have no reason to doubt 'em for postcards. |
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So, I just used a place to print mine that does my business cards. I used lighter weight stock (14pt) mainly because nobody actually stamps and addresses the card anymore, they all come in envelopes. POSTCARD ( SIZE:3.5x5.5 PAPER:14pt Premium Uncoated Cover COLOR:full/b&w TURNAROUND:Standard ) 1000 $59.09Uploaded Files: FRONT: QSL.png, BACK: back side.pdf - Instant Online Proof (-$3.00)Sub Total: $59.09Shipping and Handling: $8.69Tax: $0.00 (0.0%)Total: $67.78 http://artboxprint.com/ and if it's the first time you've used them, use "FIRST10" to get 10% off. If past performance is any indication, they'll be here in a week or so. They do business cards pretty well, I have no reason to doubt 'em for postcards. Post what they will look like. |
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Vista print has a pretty good sale going on. I just ordered a couple different batches of 100 qsl cards. (I use their post card designer and make my own.)
I upload a combo of my own photos, some photos I have edited and some photo collages I put together. I then add the QSO info on the back with another photo or some other design. If you order more then $25 right now you get 50% off and free shipping. I just ordered 500 custom Post cards for $50.57 shipped to my door, including envelopes for said cards. Also keep in mind I made 4 different kinds for myself, and 1 other kind for a friend that wanted some. One side is glossy color and the other is black and white. Both sides are customizable. It will take me a long time to go through even 100 QSL cards as I usually don't send them unless I get a PSE QSL  ... Maybe I will start sending more now that I have plenty. Once I settle on a design I like I will stick with just one, or maybe make another one? 
I will post pics of them when I get them... |
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So, I just used a place to print mine that does my business cards. I used lighter weight stock (14pt) mainly because nobody actually stamps and addresses the card anymore, they all come in envelopes. POSTCARD ( SIZE:3.5x5.5 PAPER:14pt Premium Uncoated Cover COLOR:full/b&w TURNAROUND:Standard ) 1000 $59.09Uploaded Files: FRONT: QSL.png, BACK: back side.pdf - Instant Online Proof (-$3.00)Sub Total: $59.09Shipping and Handling: $8.69Tax: $0.00 (0.0%)Total: $67.78 http://artboxprint.com/ and if it's the first time you've used them, use "FIRST10" to get 10% off. If past performance is any indication, they'll be here in a week or so. They do business cards pretty well, I have no reason to doubt 'em for postcards. <GD> F5, F5, F5, F5. Pics not loading.  </GD>
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I'm going with el-cheapo cards my first time around.
I found that GoPrint.net has 500 single sided cards for $33 Shipped so I think I'll try them. I'll probably never use that many, but it costs less than ordering less of them. I figure they may not be the best in the world, but they are 4x6 14pt and are UV coated. I already have the card designed no I'm just waiting to see if I get the vanity call sign that I applied for last month before I place my order.
If anyone else wants to give them a try... GoPrint |
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I'm going with el-cheapo cards my first time around. I found that GoPrint.net has 500 single sided cards for $33 Shipped so I think I'll try them. I'll probably never use that many, but it costs less than ordering less of them. I figure they may not be the best in the world, but they are 4x6 14pt and are UV coated. I already have the card designed no I'm just waiting to see if I get the vanity call sign that I applied for last month before I place my order.
If anyone else wants to give them a try... GoPrint As I understand it, typical size is 3.5" X 5.5" - your 4x6 might not fit in a purpose designed display setup. But, then again, I could be wrong. |
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Yeah I was all hung up on taking some hi-def pics to use for the other side of my cards and then I realized the Witch king of Angmar from my avatar holding the 8mm FAL really personified my nature. So he's gonna be the art on the new cards. https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/41190821/ham/QSOcardN4STGv1back.jpg https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/41190821/ham/QSOcardN4STGv1.jpg  I like the FAL
I'll trade you for one of my M1 Garand cards Cant rember if you're in my log I'm at work right now |