A comp card, also known as a composite card or Zed card, functions as a model’s primary marketing tool. It serves a purpose similar to a business card but uses significantly larger dimensions to accommodate professional imagery. Understanding the exact size specifications is necessary for anyone seeking representation or booking work, as industry standards ensure uniformity and professionalism.
What is a Comp Card?
The comp card acts as a professional portfolio snapshot used by models during casting calls, interviews, and submissions to modeling agencies. Its design allows a casting director to quickly assess a model’s look and versatility without reviewing an entire physical book. Historically, the term “Zed card” was adopted from the original printing company that popularized the format. The standardization of the card’s dimensions is important because agencies require a uniform format for efficient filing, storage, and review across many candidates.
Industry Standard Physical Dimensions
The precise, standard size for composite cards used across the majority of the US and North American markets is $5.5 \times 8.5$ inches. This measurement is the default expectation for agencies and clients when receiving submissions. This size translates to approximately $140 \text{ mm} \times 216 \text{ mm}$.
This dimension represents an optimal balance between visual impact and practicality. The half-letter size provides ample space to display high-quality images and necessary statistics without overwhelming the reviewer. This size also fits neatly into standard model portfolios, briefcases, and filing systems used by agencies, making organization straightforward. Deviating from the $5.5 \times 8.5$ inch standard can cause logistical issues for agency staff who maintain a consistent organizational structure.
Regional Size Variations and Common Alternatives
While the $5.5 \times 8.5$ inch format dominates North America, acceptable deviations exist, particularly in international markets. Agencies in Europe and other global territories often use the A5 paper size as their standard for composite cards. The A5 dimension, measuring $148 \text{ mm} \times 210 \text{ mm}$ (approximately $5.83 \times 8.27$ inches), is similar to the US standard but aligns with the metric-based ISO 216 paper sizing system.
Some niche applications may utilize smaller alternatives, such as half-size cards closer to $4 \times 7$ inches. These smaller formats are occasionally used for specialized promotional handouts or trade show events where a full portfolio is not needed. However, these smaller cards are considered secondary promotional material and should not replace the industry-standard composite card required for formal agency submissions.
Essential Layout and Content Requirements
The standardized size is used to organize the required content in a clear, consistent manner for rapid assessment. The front of the comp card is reserved for a single, large, high-quality photograph, typically a headshot or a striking three-quarter body shot, along with the model’s professional name. This single image serves as the immediate visual hook that captures the reviewer’s attention.
The back of the card utilizes the remaining space to provide a snapshot of the model’s range and physical statistics. This area typically includes three to four diverse secondary shots demonstrating different looks or skill sets, such as commercial, editorial, or swimwear. Beneath the imagery, mandatory statistics like height, weight, bust-waist-hip measurements, shoe size, and eye/hair color must be legibly printed. The card’s size dictates the amount of information that can be included while maintaining readability, making concise presentation paramount.
Preparing the File: Technical Printing Specifications
Producing a professional comp card requires strict adherence to technical specifications. The digital file must be prepared at a resolution of $300 \text{ DPI}$ (dots per inch) or higher to ensure the final printed images are crisp and high-quality, avoiding pixelation. Color consistency is maintained by setting the file to the CMYK color mode, which is the standard profile for commercial printing, rather than the RGB mode used for digital screens.
A professional print file must also include a margin of error known as ‘bleed,’ typically set at $1/8$ inch or $3 \text{ mm}$ around all four edges. The bleed extends the background color or image past the trim line, ensuring that minor cutting variations do not result in white edges. Similarly, a ‘safe zone’ must be established $1/8$ to $1/4$ inch inside the trim line, guaranteeing that no important text or parts of the main image are accidentally cut off.
Maximizing Impact: Choosing Finish and Imagery
Within the constraints of the standard size, the choice of materials significantly influences the card’s perceived quality and impact. Using a heavy card stock, generally between $14$ pt and $16$ pt thickness, provides a substantial and professional feel. The selection between a glossy or matte finish affects how the photographs are presented and should align with the model’s brand.
A glossy finish enhances color saturation and contrast, making images pop, which is often favored for commercial or beauty modeling. A matte finish reduces glare and provides a more sophisticated, editorial feel, preferred for high-fashion submissions. Regardless of the finish, the imagery must demonstrate versatility and be of the highest professional quality to ensure the card stands out among submissions received by agencies.