What is a Comp or Zed Card?

If you have any interest in delving into the fashion / modeling world, you need to know what a comp card is. They're more or less like business cards for models.

What Goes on a Comp Card?

A comp card needs to do a few things. It should contain contact information. It should show a potential director or talent scout what you look like. And it should cotain some vital information or statistics that will help determine whether you are the right model for the job.

Traditionally, these cards had a headshot or large image on one side and a set of smaller images on the other. The standard industry size is 8.5" x 5.5", and the card should be printed on 12pt card stock or a thicker stock. High quality printers will use a heavier stock, like 14 pt card stock, and include a gloss finish on both sides.

What Information Goes on the Comp Card?

To some extent, that's up to the model and the agency.

There are some traditional measurements that go on a comp card - bust, waist, and hips for women, suit size, waist, and inseam for men. Other pertinent information includes eye color, hair color, and possibly shoe size.

The subject of contact information is a bit more touchy. Surely, you should include your professional name (if different from your real name). But do you include a phone number, an e-mail address, a portfolio website, your Facebook? Choose the contact information that will help a potential employer find you but still maintain a level of professionalism. A Facebook page is ok if it's professional, but if it's a personal page... stick with a professional looking e-mail address.

Where Do I Get One?

You could go to a photographer/graphic designer and have them make up cards for you. Olinda Gibbons Photography is one potential example. A small set of 50 cards will run you $60, and you can order them here.

Or, you could have a go at designing your own cards. Take the tidbits of info above and turn them into a design. Better yet, study templates and examples like those at Digital Photography How To. If you're creative, you can design your own card and send it to a local printer to be produced.

Either way, if you're serious about modeling, you need to find a way to get a comp card. This is a necessity. Without one, you'd be like a lawyer without a business card.