For a professional model, the composite card, often called a comp card or Zed card, functions as the primary physical marketing instrument for securing work. This double-sided card quickly presents a model’s range and measurements to casting directors and clients. Understanding the industry-mandated specifications for this tool is necessary for any model preparing to print a batch for distribution. This article details the exact, current, industry-standard dimensions and the technical printing specifications required for a professional presentation.
Defining the Comp Card and Its Purpose
The purpose of the comp card is to provide a concise, high-impact summary of a model’s look and professional statistics. It is designed to be easily reviewed by clients and casting directors during go-sees or at agency submission meetings, offering a quick assessment of suitability for a role. Standardization in size is not arbitrary; it ensures the cards fit neatly into agency filing systems, standard portfolio binders, and presentation boxes. This uniformity signals professionalism and respects the established workflow of the modeling industry.
Standard Physical Dimensions
The physical dimensions of the comp card are the most important factor for agency acceptance and client usability.
In the North American market (United States and Canada), the industry standard size is $5.5$ inches by $8.5$ inches. This half-letter size is the most common format for filing and storage in agency offices across the continent.
For models working internationally, particularly in Europe, the A5 size is the prevalent standard. A5 measures $148$ millimeters by $210$ millimeters, which is approximately $5.8$ inches by $8.3$ inches. Adhering to these established dimensions prevents a card from being misplaced or discarded due to non-standard sizing.
Essential Layout and Content
The visual content is structured to maximize impact within the limited space. The front of the comp card is reserved for a single, prominent image, typically a strong headshot or a striking editorial shot that best represents the model’s current aesthetic.
The reverse side showcases three to five diverse images demonstrating the model’s range. These secondary photographs must include a clear full-body shot, a profile, and a commercial or lifestyle look to showcase versatility.
Accurate physical statistics are positioned alongside the images for quick reference. Required measurements include height, weight, bust or chest size, waist, and hips, presented in both imperial and metric systems for international use. Additional data points are shoe size, hair color, eye color, and dress size, and maintaining absolute accuracy in these statistics is paramount.
Professional identification requires the model’s working name, the representing agency, and the agency’s complete contact details. This information must include the agency phone number and a dedicated booking email address. Personal contact information is omitted to ensure all communication and booking inquiries are filtered directly through the management team.
Technical Printing Specifications
The physical manufacturing details dictate the perceived quality of the card. A sturdy paper stock is required, usually $14$ point or $16$ point card stock, which provides rigidity for professional handling and durability. The finish is another preference, with a high-gloss UV coating often favored for photographic realism, though some commercial models prefer a matte or silk finish.
Technical preparation requires specific file setup to ensure quality. A required $1/8$-inch bleed margin must be included around the perimeter of the card, extending the image past the trim line to prevent white edges after cutting. All important text and facial features must be kept within the designated safe zone, typically $1/4$ inch inside the final trim line, protecting content from accidental cropping.
The Shift to Digital Comp Cards
The physical card is now supplemented by a necessary digital version used for online submissions and email distribution. The preferred file format for a digital comp card is a high-resolution PDF, which preserves the layout and typography exactly as designed for print. Alternatively, a high-quality JPEG can be used, saved at a minimum resolution of $300$ Dots Per Inch (DPI) if a client intends to print it.
When submitting the card via email, the resolution is often reduced to $72$ DPI to optimize the file size for easy transmission. Maintaining a small file size, ideally under $1$ megabyte, ensures the card bypasses email server size limits and loads quickly for the recipient.