Comp Cards
Composite cards go by many different names (Comp Cards, Index Cards, Zeds/Seds). Composite cards are miniature portfolios, which are mass produced.
They are kind of like business cards, only bigger (usually 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″). The front of the composite card is usually a model’s head shot with her name on the photo (or on a border of the photo), and the back has a series of photos featuring the model in different photographic styles. The back of the card also typically has the models stats (age, measurements, hair & eye color, weight, height, clothing sizes, etc.) as well as the contact information for the agency the model is signed with. If the model has particularly good features or special talents, that is also often listed on the composite card. Remember to think about how you want your photo shoot to be like when taking pictures for your comp card.
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 modeling 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.
When modeling 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.” 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.