A Comp Card helps to get noticed and considered for work. Next to a portfolio, a Comp Card (or composite card, model card or zed card) is a model's primary marketing tool and business card. Comp Cards are also used by actors and other people who seek work primarily based on their appearance.
A Comp Card is a printed card, usually A5 in size (Europe) or 5½ x 8½in (US), with a full-page headshot and the model's name on the front and four smaller images and the model's basic stats - height, eye colour, etc. - printed on the back.
A printed CompCard (or Zed Card) is an essential and relatively inexpensive marketing tool.
A Comp Card is a model's business card. Whilst you may impress an agency, a photographer or model scout when you go and meet them, the minute you walk out of their door, another stunning talent walks in and you will be forgotten in less time than it takes to say "next, please".
A printed Comp Card can be handed to a potential client or employer in a face-to-face meeting or mailed to a larger number of potential clients, employers or agencies, providing a very professional and memorable impression.
continued below
An online Comp Card on an agency's site serves a different purpose. As a mini portfolio, it is a valuable part of a model's marketing strategy.
Take some time to think about the design for your cards. Research your options on the Internet. A Comp Card does not always have to feature the layout that I described above. Make your Comp Card stand out but be sure that it is still recognisable as a model's card. Your creativity is the limit.
If your graphic design talents are limited, scout for professionally made templates on the Internet or, if you have a little spare cash, hire a graphic designer. A graphic design student might do it for the price of a meal in the local pizza parlour (or whatever else you have to offer).
