Business cards are rooted in 15th century China, where it was common to make small bamboo cards bearing a person’s name. The tradition then crawled into Europe through 17th century sailors.

Nowadays, it is usual to exchange business cards all over the world and there is an idea that a greater quality card equals wealth and status. In fact, the fictional serial killer in the novel (and movie) American Psycho, Patrick Bateman, was so preoccupied with status that he had an obsession with his colleagues’ business cards.

Find out more about the history of business cards with our infographic below: