Skip to main content

Comp/Zed Cards


In addition to a portfolio, many models also have comp cards, also known as zed cards. These act as your business or calling card and are widely used by all aspects of the modeling industry, especially high fashion models.

In a nutshell, a comp card consists of:

- headshot and

- 3 to 4 of your best shots from your portfolio

- name

basic stats: height, weight, age (sometimes), and your measurements

- website (if you're a freelance model)

- email/phone number

Comp cards serve as excellent marketing tools to get models noticed and booked for jobs.

They are normally printed on card stock or other high grade paper so that they aren't flimsy or bend easily. Agencies tend to display their models' comp cards in the office for easy access to potential clients to see the various people the agency represents. These cards can also be sent out to photographers, casting directors, and anyone else in the industry who may be in need of models.

The type of photos you put on your comp card should represent the type of work you do, whether it's fashion, commercial/print, swimsuit, parts modeling, etc. Because you have a small amount of pictures that you can fit on the comp card, only include your best photos. While keeping the theme of your photos consistent, you also need to show your versatility.

Basically, all the photos should show different poses, different types of outfits and must be the highest quality. Include images where you are smiling and when you aren't. Anytime a client or photographer is looking to hire a model, you want to show them everything you're capable of all on one comp card. This may be easier said than done but it is possible.

There is no set format that you need to make for your comp card. Some are one-sided, others have photos and info on both sides. You can follow the template like the comp card image associated with this post or you can have one main image on the front and the rest on the back. The possibilities for this are endless so play around with different layouts until you find one that you're happy with.

If you're wondering if you even need a comp card, the answer varies. If you already have an agent and the topic hasn't been brought up, then don't worry about it. Chances are your agent is already marketing you using your headshot, portfolio, etc.

Comp cards are not mandatory in the modeling field so don't feel like you're doing something wrong if you don't have one. If your agent has advised you to get one, then ask them to guide you through the process so that it meets the agency's standards.

If you're freelancing or don't have agency representation, then putting together a comp card will definitely work in your favor. Some modeling agencies even ask for new models to submit comp cards if they have them. As long as you have a handful of good shots, you can throw together a comp card using programs such as Photoshop or at a printing place like FedEx Office. Prices vary and the more comp cards you print, the higher the price may be.

With people using digital files and at-home printing software, you can even design and print your own comp cards at home. FedEx Office and places like OfficeMax have all the supplies you need. Of course you should only pursue this option if you are really computer savvy or know someone who is. Most printing places have special discounts so there are a number of ways you can get a comp card put together to fit your budget.

There are also online printing labs that specialize in comp cards for models and actors. A few of these include:

https://www.printplace.com/products/comp-cards

https://modelplatform.com/comp-card-printing/

https://www.zazzle.com/s/comp+cards

Comments

Gadget Girl said…
Hi..informative blog. Thanks for posting. I'm not a model or actress. I will be working with a photographer and was doing some research. Would you have any info on resources for photographers for printing comp and Zed cards at the "best" prices?

Thanks.

Nannette
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Nannette! Thanks for the compliment. To answer your question, please see my most recent blog post titled, "Answering a Reader Question #26."
Anonymous said…
Hi, I have photoshop cs2 and was wondering how do you make your own comp cards?
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Deneshia, and thanks for your question. You'll find your answer in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #34."

Popular posts from this blog

Modeling & Pay Rates: How Much Should You Charge?

(This post is more targeted towards freelance models and not those with agency representation, although it may apply to those that have an agent but continue to find their own work.) A part of being a successful model is making money from the jobs that you book. However, being a freelance model comes with many challenges--figuring out what you should charge is one of them. I will say upfront that there are no established black and white rules when it comes to pay rates. Each modeling job is different, each client is different and budgets vary. Ultimately the factors that should influence what you charge should be the amount of experience you have, the strength of the images in your portfolio and the client's budget/needs. Not every client is going to pay what you want to charge. There may be times when you will be skipped over for charging too much or taken advantage of for charging too little. It's going to happen so be prepared for it and do not take it personally. It

What Are Male Models Supposed to Look Like?

The modeling world is filled with women. That's never been a secret and sadly, that often means male models fall by the wayside. There are successful male models in all categories across the industry but the fact that the modeling business revolves around women can make it challenging for newbies to figure out how to pursue their goals of male modeling. It is important to know that because there are different types of modeling categories out there, that means there are also different types of male models. They aren't all supposed to look alike and what ends up being in demand does change every year. Let's break down the common attributes that come with male modeling in various popular categories, shall we? THE MALE FASHION/RUNWAY/EDITORIAL MODEL These are the typical types of models most of us tend to think of when it comes to men in modeling. What is important to know and understand if you're an aspiring male model is that agencies have all different looks

Modeling and Weight

One of the first things I hear potential models ask is what the weight requirement for modeling is. Sometimes that is the main issue they worry about when it comes to pursuing modeling. Let me tell you right now that weight should NOT be one of those concerns. Obviously, the height requirement reigns supreme when measuring up to the modeling standards sought out by agencies. If you meet the height requirements--whether it's for fashion and runway or commercial/print--that is the first step towards starting on the path to modeling. How much you weigh shouldn't be your biggest fear. It is rare that anyone can look at someone and say, "Oh, my gosh, he/she looks like they are 5 pounds over our weight requirement!" It just isn't realistic. If you look at many modeling agency websites, they clearly list the age and height requirements--rarely, if at all do they list any weight restrictions. The general rule of thumb when it comes to weight is that for models who