Starting Your Modeling Career: Comp Cards

Comp cards, a.k.a composition cards, Sed Cards, z card, zed cards, digitals

Models are an essential part of content creation and marketing. There are many specialties in the modeling world, ranging from high fashion, commercial, street fashion, and more. But how do you start modeling? Comp cards, a Book, and your Social Media presence are the three pillars to building your career. In this post, we are going to discuss Comp cards.

Photos By D. Phillips Studios, Model Joy Alonge, Managed By Divine Souls

Composition cards, or Comp Cards, are the business cards for models. They go by several names, including Sed Cards, Z Cards, Zed Cards, and Digitals. These photos represent yourself and give a clear insight into who you are and how you will fit into a business campaign. They include essential body data like name, measurements (height, chest, waist, hip), height, age, shoe size, dress size, hair color, and eye color. The cards usually include five photos of yourself in an A5 format. The card traditionally consists of the front image with a photo that has eye contact with the viewer, and the back has your information. Besides this close-up portrait shot, you can also have a half- or three-quarters-body shot and a full-length body shot. Sometimes an action shot is also included. Generally speaking, this is not the time to be creative; that is for your Book. But agencies and clients are different, so asking is never a bad idea. In line with these photos, a neutral background and a wardrobe are also the norm. Often a black top and pants or a white tee are expected. Dark wash Jeans without rips are OK but avoid loud accessories and makeup.

These photos need to stay up to date. New hairstyle, new comp cards, grew a beard, new comp cards. The agency and client are trying to decide on their campaign's look. So if you have luscious red hair in the Comp Card but have since gone blonde and short for an edgy street look, that might not work for the client, and more importantly, you can be missing opportunities with others. If there is a specific job you want, like swimwear, make sure you include that as well.

Cost can vary depending on the photographer and the amount they need to shoot. Also, the dollars can add up fast if you want to include a makeup artist or a stylist. If you're starting your career and know how to edit, that can save on cost. Just make sure you don't go overboard; the expectation is natural. You can try to find a Time for Prints (TFP) shoot. TFP shoots are free of charge and serve as an exercise for the photographer to try new techniques or settings. At Retina Creative Lab, we work both with agencies and individuals. If we have a previous relationship with your agency, we can set everything up for you; if it's new, we look forward to working with them to get the right shots for you.

Comp cards are essential for finding jobs and starting the application process. Comp Cards are how the client sees your suitability for their campaign. This is the first impression you make! Having high-quality, well-designed comp cards is a sign of tidiness and reliability. Contact Dan at Retina Creative Lab if you are ready to start your modeling career and need some Comp Cards.