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There are
essentially five types of modeling. They are: Do I need a comp card? -- If you are entering into the entertainment industry, a comp card is a necessity. This low cost product is your way of selling yourself. This is your chance to make a
great first impression. Comp cards will show models photos, vital statistics and contact information. What is a comp card? -- The composite is your calling card and your business card. The Composite Photo Card (Comp Card) helps to get you noticed and considered for projects. A comp card (sometimes called a Zed card) provides a small collection of pictures and basic stats on card stock or rigid paper. It is a standard marketing tool that has been around for many years and is still very essential to have today. Comp cards are relatively inexpensive and are versatile sales tools. Advertising -- Comp cards are very useful in hiring talent. Comp cards are often displayed in racks on the walls of modeling agencies. This makes it easy to go into a modeling agency and quickly scan the talent they have available. Comp cards are also mailed to photographers, art directors, and others to advertise new talent or to show updated looks or expanded capabilities of an established model. Comp cards often are held in a photographer's talent file for future project consideration. They give the photographer the ability to show prospective clients a selection of talent available for a project in addition to providing a resource file for the photographer's reference when projects arrive. Comp cards can be used in other fashions, but they remain a very essential marketing and advertising tool for a model. Quality Photos -- The ultimate success of a comp card comes down to the quality of the photographs. The quality of the photographs comes from the quality and talent of the model and the professionalism and creativity of the photographer and his team. To have an effective comp card you need to start with an excellent set of photographs. Most important is an eye-catching, grab-your-attention-from-across-the-office head-shot for the front of the card. You can have great photos and a poorly produced comp card and still come out with something useful. Bad photos and bad production will indicate you are not a professional. Of course top photos, innovative design and top comp card production will announce you as a top-tier professional model. Besides a great head-shot, the comp card will have other photos that show your experience, your versatility, range, and what type of work you are seeking. For best results all of the photos should be the highest quality you can obtain at your stage in your modeling career. Don't Buy In Bulk -- Most comp cards are black and white, however, many from larger agencies are in full color. The actual style of the comp card can vary widely, so many agencies have a "stock design" that they recommend that models use. As with portfolio photos, models are responsible for paying for their own composite cards. Since you'll need a new set of comp cards each year, don't buy "in bulk" just to end up throwing away hundreds of unused cards. When you are starting out, 100-200 is a good number to order. You can always get more in the future if you run out. If you are not with an agency, a professional photographer who shoots composites and portfolios can help in recommending photo selection, design, and a good local printer. There are also numerous companies who print up composite cards through "mail order." Make sure to request samples of their work before making an order, because quality levels vary drastically among suppliers.
Composite cards are meant to be given out generously. Always keep some in
your portfolio to hand out to clients, and make sure that you keep a ready
supply with your agency so that they can send them out to prospects as
well. Two Sided Comp Cards --
Full Color Actor Cards / Headshots --
Four Panel Comp Cards --
Samples -- If the model has particularly good features or special talents, that is also often listed on the composite card. There are many new and eye-catching looks possible for a comp card. Today comp cards can now use all of the graphic design, advertising, pre-press and printing techniques that are used by the clients you are trying attract. Comp cards remain a key selling tool for a model so you should make it as effective as possible and move beyond the standard comp card.
Pricing -- Comp cards are relatively inexpensive and are versatile sales tools. While prices vary based on region, layout, and design - here are some general prices to go by, always shop around before deciding on a printer. Two Sided Comp Cards --
Actor Cards / Headshots --
Four Panel Comp Cards --
Note: All prices are based on Full color prints. Black and White prices average about 25% - 35% less than the prices quoted for most layouts. |
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