A one-sheet summary of a model: best photos, measurements and contact or agency details. It is also called a composite card, zed card or sedcard.

How much does a comp card cost?

Making one on Mefolio is included with every model page, and Mefolio is free during launch. Printing costs depend on the print shop and the paper.

What size is a comp card?

A5 (148 × 210 mm) in Europe, and usually 5.5 × 8.5 inches in the United States.

What paper should I print it on?

Heavy, matte card stock holds up best in casting folders. Print a small test batch first.

Do I need a comp card to get signed?

Not usually. Agencies sign new faces from digitals and a few photos; the comp card is typically made once you are represented or start going to castings.

How often should I update my comp card?

Whenever your look, measurements or best photos change — the card must match what people see in the room.

Is a sedcard the same as a comp card?

Yes. Sedcard is the name used in German-speaking countries; composite card and zed card are other names for the same thing.

Comp card · Guides

Comp card: what it is and how to make one

A comp card — also called a composite card, zed card or sedcard — is a model's business card. One sheet with your best photos, your measurements and how to reach you or your agency. Casting directors keep them, agencies hand them out, and a good one gets you remembered after you have left the room. This guide covers what goes on it, the right size, how many photos to use, and how to make one in minutes without design software.

What is a comp card?

The name comes from "composite": several photos composed on one card. It summarises your look and your measurements so a booker or casting director can file it, compare it and call you back. In German-speaking countries it is called a Sedcard; zed card is another common name.

A comp card is not your portfolio. The portfolio (your book) is the full selection of your work; the comp card is the short version you leave behind.

What goes on a comp card

Front: one strong headshot or portrait — the photo that looks most like you on a good day — and your name
Back: three to five photos that show range: a full-length shot, a clean commercial smile, an editorial look
Measurements: height, bust or chest, waist, hips, shoe size, hair and eye colour
Contact: your agency's name and details, or your own email if you are freelance
Optional: your portfolio link, so they can see more

Comp card size

In Europe the common format is A5 (148 × 210 mm). In the United States it is usually 5.5 × 8.5 inches — almost the same size. Comp cards are normally printed on both sides, photo on the front and photos plus measurements on the back. Ask your agency if they use a house format; many do.

How many photos should a comp card have?

One on the front and three to five on the back. More photos make each one smaller and harder to read. Choose images that are clearly different from each other — not five versions of the same look — and make sure at least one shows your full body.

How to make a comp card, step by step

Pick your strongest recent photos: one portrait for the front, three to five for the back
Measure again — agencies re-measure at the first meeting, and a mismatch costs trust
On Mefolio, add the photos and measurements to your page; the A5 comp card is generated from it automatically
Open the comp card, choose Print and save it as PDF
Email the PDF, or print it at home or at a print shop

Printed or digital?

Both. A printed card is what you leave at a casting or go-see. A PDF or a link is what you send by email or message. Since most first contact now happens on a phone, many models send their portfolio link and bring the printed card in person.

Agency card or your own?

If you are represented, your agency usually designs the card in its house style, with its logo and contact — check before printing your own. If you are freelance, put your own email and portfolio link on it. Either way, the photos and measurements must be current.

Printing tips

Print on heavy, matte card stock so it does not bend in a folder
Print a small batch first and check colours and skin tones before printing more
Keep the PDF so you can reprint quickly when something changes

Mistakes to avoid

Old photos or old measurements — the most common reason a card is thrown away
Heavy retouching that does not match what they see in the room
Too many photos, or five photos of the same look
Tiny text, decorative fonts, or no contact details
No full-length photo

Comp card, portfolio and digitals

The three work together. Digitals show what you look like today, without styling. The portfolio shows your best work. The comp card summarises both on one sheet. On Mefolio all three live together: your page holds your selects and dated digitals, and the comp card is built from it — so when you update your page, the card follows.

Questions

What is a comp card?: A one-sheet summary of a model: best photos, measurements and contact or agency details. It is also called a composite card, zed card or sedcard.
How much does a comp card cost?: Making one on Mefolio is included with every model page, and Mefolio is free during launch. Printing costs depend on the print shop and the paper.
How many photos should a comp card have?: One on the front and three to five on the back, including at least one full-length photo.
What size is a comp card?: A5 (148 × 210 mm) in Europe, and usually 5.5 × 8.5 inches in the United States.
What paper should I print it on?: Heavy, matte card stock holds up best in casting folders. Print a small test batch first.
Do I need a comp card to get signed?: Not usually. Agencies sign new faces from digitals and a few photos; the comp card is typically made once you are represented or start going to castings.
How often should I update my comp card?: Whenever your look, measurements or best photos change — the card must match what people see in the room.
Is a sedcard the same as a comp card?: Yes. Sedcard is the name used in German-speaking countries; composite card and zed card are other names for the same thing.

Make your comp card

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