Where Can I Get Modeling Comp Cards Made?

So you think you have what it takes to model. You're the right height, right build, clean skin, great look. But do you have a comp card?

Models carry comp cards the way professionals carry business cards. They contain all the necessary information - contact info, stats and measurements, and most importantly pictures. If you go on a casting call, you'll want to have a comp or zed card to leave with your potential employer. And you're going to want that card to be high quality and eye catching.

So how do you go about getting one of these comp cards...?

Who Is Responsible for Comp Cards?

This can be a bit of a touchy subject. On the one hand, if a modeling agency wants to represent you, you might assume that they're going to foot the bill for photography, comp cards, and a portfolio. A lot of less-than-legitimate "agencies" make money by telling people that they're going to make great models and then charging them an arm and a leg for these professional services.

On the other hand, this can be a big investment, and if you're a complete unknown an agency may see some potential but not want to dump hundreds of dollars into that potential future. An agency should charge you any fees up front to represent you, but in some situations (especially if you're not the next Tyra) it's reasonable for them to ask you to cover some of the costs for creating your portfolio and comp cards.

So Where Can I Get Them?

If you're near New York, LA, or another fashion center, you might find some local shops that will handle this task for you. Otherwise, you can surf the 'net and find some photographers/designers that can handle the job.

info about their comp cards, or jump straight to the ordering page. A small set of 50 cards will run you $60, while a larger set of 100 cards will cost $85 (shipping included).

In New York City, Digital City Marketing is another vendor that specializes in rush orders. They advertise that orders made by noon will be printed and ready by 5PM the same day. If you're in a hurry, that sounds like the place to go. You'll have to request a quote, though, to get an exact price.

A third choice is eModelComps - a less than local, seemingly Internet only retailer. A set of comp cards will run you $70 for 50 cards or $120 for 100. They look a bit old fashioned and outdated to me, but it seemed like a different type of merchant to include in the list.

Can I Create My Own...?

Good question. It would be unadvisable to print your own cards. A good comp card will have a gloss finish and come on a thick cardstock (12pt or heavier). You're not going to be able to get that quality at home in an inkjet printer.

You could, however, design your own cards and submit them to a printer like Vista Print. Digital Photography How To has a number of free templates that you can use to design your comp card, including this four image comp card. This will save you some cash, since the printing can be cheaper, but you'll need a bit of knowledge in the realm of graphic design. You may also need some expensive software, since a lot of the pre-made templates are available for Adobe InDesign - a professional software suite.

What to do? It's up to you. If you don't have the design background or the design software, find a photographer or designer that you can pay to make your cards. Sure, you might pay an extra $10 or $20 for your cards, but that's because they are providing skills and tools that you do not have.