Playing Your Cards

September 2005
Jeremy Alford

Scott Hodgin is all about first impressions. If you visit his posh digs in downtown Baton Rouge, you'll discover his effect is tragically hip, as if he had branded a lifestyle. The office of Tilt, his graphic design company, has smooth lines and warehouse walls, complete with a large-screen TV, surround sound and an Xbox console ready for play.

From behind a set of rounded glasses and a friendly smile, he'll introduce himself and present a business card the size of two long fingers. Set against a metallic checkered background, the Tilt logo jumps out, debossed on a miniature dome. On the back of the card, the logo is somewhat caved and offers hidden goodies when you twist it in the light.

It's a perfect fit for the urban sophisticate look Hodgin wants for Tilt.

"It has all kinds of bells and whistles," says the 28-year-old Hodgin. "People will hold onto slick-looking business cards like this. The logo is the most important thing on here. It's a shame when people want to skimp on design. This is the way you want people to view your company."