_A Few Things You Need to Know About Comp Cards
_New to modeling? One of the first things you'll need to do is order a zed card. So what are zed cards, and what do you need to know about them? Here are a handful things that any aspiring model should know about zed cards.
5. What Are Zed Cards?
Zed cards, also sometimes called zed cards, are like a business card for models. It has a selection of images from the model's portfolio, and it includes the model's vital stats. Zed cards usually also include contact information for the model or for the agency to which the model belongs.
The bottom line is that a zed card is a connection between the model and a potential employer. When you go on a audition, you'll be expected to leave a zed card - the same way an actor would leave a headshot or a regular employee would leave a resume.
4. What Kind of Photos Go On a zed Card?
A zed card is like a smaller, focused portfolio. You want to wow your potential employer, and at the same time show some range. A zed card typically features a headshot or similar close-up on the front, and a selection of 3-4 images on the back. The back of the card should include some variety - different styles of make-up, modeling, hair, what have you. This is also a good place to feature full length shots, as opposed to the headshot on the front of the card.
3. What Information Should Go on a Zed Card?
The information on the zed card has two purposes - to list size and measurements and to convey contact information. You should include typical measurements like chest/bust, waist, hips, height, and weight. You may want to include eye color and hair color, although this is less important if it changes from time to time. Some models also choose to include shoe size.
As for the contact information, that's up to you. You want to include the simplest way for the casting agent to get in touch with you. If you have a website or online portfolio, you should include that. If you have a business phone number, you should include that. I would definitely include an e-mail address as well.
2. What Size Is a Zed Card?
Printers will offer you a lot of different sizes, but the traditional size of a zed card is 5. 5" x 8. 5". Zed cards were initially printed on A4 sized paper (~8. 5" x 11"), but this shifted to A5 size (~5. 5" x 8. 5") in the 1970's. The printer might offer you a slightly smaller\different size (~5" x 8") to conserve paper and make the cards cheaper. It's advisable to stick to the industry standard, however.
1. What Quality Paper Should You Use?
Zed cards should be printed on high quality, thick card stock. In terms of paper weight, this should be between 12pt and 14pt. Anything lighter than 12pt will seem chincy; you don't want to come across cheap. Some companies are beginning to offer cards printed on photo-quality paper, just like they offer "greeting cards" done on photo paper. Although they may claim that it will lead to better image quality, a good quality printer can reproduce colors well on card stock. You should stick with the typical stock so that your card is thicker and more durable, rather than settling for the thinner photo paper.
5. What Are Zed Cards?
Zed cards, also sometimes called zed cards, are like a business card for models. It has a selection of images from the model's portfolio, and it includes the model's vital stats. Zed cards usually also include contact information for the model or for the agency to which the model belongs.
The bottom line is that a zed card is a connection between the model and a potential employer. When you go on a audition, you'll be expected to leave a zed card - the same way an actor would leave a headshot or a regular employee would leave a resume.
4. What Kind of Photos Go On a zed Card?
A zed card is like a smaller, focused portfolio. You want to wow your potential employer, and at the same time show some range. A zed card typically features a headshot or similar close-up on the front, and a selection of 3-4 images on the back. The back of the card should include some variety - different styles of make-up, modeling, hair, what have you. This is also a good place to feature full length shots, as opposed to the headshot on the front of the card.
3. What Information Should Go on a Zed Card?
The information on the zed card has two purposes - to list size and measurements and to convey contact information. You should include typical measurements like chest/bust, waist, hips, height, and weight. You may want to include eye color and hair color, although this is less important if it changes from time to time. Some models also choose to include shoe size.
As for the contact information, that's up to you. You want to include the simplest way for the casting agent to get in touch with you. If you have a website or online portfolio, you should include that. If you have a business phone number, you should include that. I would definitely include an e-mail address as well.
2. What Size Is a Zed Card?
Printers will offer you a lot of different sizes, but the traditional size of a zed card is 5. 5" x 8. 5". Zed cards were initially printed on A4 sized paper (~8. 5" x 11"), but this shifted to A5 size (~5. 5" x 8. 5") in the 1970's. The printer might offer you a slightly smaller\different size (~5" x 8") to conserve paper and make the cards cheaper. It's advisable to stick to the industry standard, however.
1. What Quality Paper Should You Use?
Zed cards should be printed on high quality, thick card stock. In terms of paper weight, this should be between 12pt and 14pt. Anything lighter than 12pt will seem chincy; you don't want to come across cheap. Some companies are beginning to offer cards printed on photo-quality paper, just like they offer "greeting cards" done on photo paper. Although they may claim that it will lead to better image quality, a good quality printer can reproduce colors well on card stock. You should stick with the typical stock so that your card is thicker and more durable, rather than settling for the thinner photo paper.