Z-Cards, Zed Cards, Comp Cards, etc.

What is the difference between Comp Cards and Zed Cards??

This is a question that gets asked every once in a while; so I thought I would address it briefly; And a few other points.

The answer is:
The same difference there is between a sweet potato and a yam.. in other words, NONE..

Effective comps are an essential marketing tool for models.

They are effectively your business card, and a reminder to an agent, photographer, art director, etc. what you look like and what looks you can portray.

While oversized comps are cute; most agents have a filing system that holds mostly 8.5x11 sheets (standard paper size).
Therefore comps are best at this size or 5.5 X 8.5.

Personally, I’m a big fan of the 2-sided comp. with a headshot and stats on one side, and 4 images with varying looks on the opposite. (and variations in your look is ESSENTIAL to being marketable...)

My best advice is to have the work of at least 2 to 3 different photographers on your comp.

Get out of the studio for most of the shots, too. the head shot should be done in studio; but you want your comp to show that you are comfortable with working on location.

Color is better; but if you can’t afford it yet, black and white will do nicely.

Have A LOT of people look at your images before you pick those 5 for your comp.
get professional and non-professional opinions, from men and women.

Your Comp card is a VERY important marketing tool. It represents you visually when you cannot be there in person.

Make sure it lives up to your standards (and then some).

Layout is important! Look at other cards, and make sure yours is in the "best of breed" category in terms of layout and design. Yes, you are the most important aspect of your card, but if the card just generally looks cheesy, you may get paseed over without much of a look (think of turning your resume hand-written on lined school paper... presentation is important)

And don't cut corners on the printing. It's of little use to you if you spend a good deal of money and time on great photography, editing, layout, etc. It is a waste if you do not get good results in the final step.

Take care of your Comp cards! Dont turn them in to Agents, Photographers, etc. with bent corners, rips and scratches.

Good Luck!

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