Mlozano1982's blog

The Origin of Model Composites - The 80s and 90's

Long ago, zed cards were not affordable to create, and design tools were simple. Most new models didn't have the capital to print composite cards, so they started out with an uncomplicated 8x10, B&W print with a thick white outline. Vital stats were put on to the reverse side in plain text.

I can still remember those good old days, printing tons of copies of the same boring picture. So many times. These 8x10 photos were also somewhat expensive, and this impeded the model handing out them out. Models typically sent them to companies who were likely to offer them a gig, or to casting agents who were likely to use them. Models definitely missed out on some assignments due to the fact that they couldn't afford to pass out headshots to just anyone.

Later in her career, a model would grow to be more successful and pocket more moola. This would allow the model to order a one-color zed card produced by an offset printer. Only the most successful models in New York City could pay for full color. Offset printing requires a lot of money up front, but the cost became cheaper if a print run of hundreds or thousands of sed cards was done at once. Now, a model would have plenty of cards available - and the model could more readily afford to send a card to anyone who might be only somewhat interested in hiring the model. The comp cards were even cheap enough to use the postal service to send to casting agents around the world, extending a model's market.

The sed cards of yesteryear were a specific way due to the technology and costs involved with printing. This meant a single headshot on the front and a handful of photos, all a quarter of the available space, on the reverse of the card. A location was also reserved on the rear of the zed card to hold details for the model and a method of contact.

Printing techniques got in the way of the photos on the reverse of the sed card from touching in any way, and you weren't able to use any cool backdrops or layouts. All sed cards were therefore made on a white background, with thick white borders. These outlines also enabled the printing press to hold the zed card as it traveled through the printing process. They couldn't bleed to the edge, the way modern cards and layouts do. Despite the fact that printing technology has come so far, the zed cards we design in the present are still founded pretty solidly on this traditional design, which resulted from the realities of printing.

A Few Things You Have to Be Aware of About Modeling Comp Cards

Brand new to fashion modeling? Among the first things you will must do is design a sed card. So what are sed cards, and what ought you know about them? Read on for several things that any aspiring model should know about zed cards.

5. What Are Composite Cards?

Comp cards, also sometimes called zed cards, are in a way a business card for models. It contains a selection of pictures from the model's port, and it lists the model's vital stats. Comp cards often also identify contact numbers for the model or for the agency to which the model belongs.

When you get down to it a zed card is a connection between the model and a hoped for employer. When you go on a audition, you will be expected to leave behind a sed card - the same way a performer would leave a headshot or a normal employee would leave a resume.

4. What Sort of Images Go On a composite Card?

A composite card is kind of a smaller, focused portfolio. You want to wow your would be employer, and also show some range. A zed card usually features a headshot or similar tight shot on the front, and a group of 3-4 photos on the back. The reverse of the card should display some variety - different styles of make-up, modeling, hair, so on. Here is also a good place to use full length shots, instead of the close up on the front side of the card.

3. What Information Should Go on a Comp Card?

The info on the sed card has two goals - to list size and measurements and to convey contact info. You should have typical measurements like chest/bust, waist, hips, height, and weight. You might want to also list eye color and hair color, but this is less pivotal if it changes from time to time. You could also opt to include shoe size.

As for the contact info, that's up to you. You should include the best way for the person to find you. If you maintain a website or online portfolio, you would want to include that. If you have a business phone number, you could include that. I would definitely include an e-mail address as well.

2. What Size Is a Sed Card?

Print Shops will show you a lot of different sizes, but the traditional size of a comp card is 5.5\" x 8.5\". Composite cards were historically made on A4 sized paper (~8.5\" x 11\"), but this later became A5 size (~5.5\" x 8.5\") in the 1970's. The comp card printer might offer you a slightly smaller\different size (~5\" x 8\") to conserve paper and make the cards more cost effective. It's a good idea to keep to the business standard, though.

1. What Quality Paper Should You Use?

Composite cards should be done on high quality, thick card stock. In terms of paper weight, this should be between 12pt and 14pt. Anything lighter than 12pt will seem crappy; you don't want to come across cheap. Some printers are beginning to offer cards printed on photo paper, just like they print \"greeting cards\" made on photo paper. Even though they may say that it could lead to improved color quality, a nice quality printer can create colors well on card stock. You should stick with the usual paper so that your card is more heavy and more tough, rather than going for the thinner photo paper.

Warning Signs of a Modeling Scam

If you want to start in the industry of modeling, you must watch for untrustworthy people. Some hustlers are looking to steal from you, promising a great career in exchange for payment. When all is said and done you'll be left empty handed.

Here are some problems that you ought to try to dodge.

1. Forum posts. If you notice an flier posted somewhere - in a local paper, on a newsgroup, etc - then hesitate before responding. Real talent agencies have lots of ready talent, and they do not have to look around. You might want to respond to open casting calls, but elsewise classifieds like these are a bad omen.

2. Charging money up front. If the modeling agency charges you money in the beginning before you can be represented by them, then turn right around and get the hell out of dodge. This is an obvious omen that they aren't making earnings on paid gigs, so they need to make money elsewhere. If they aren't earning money, then you probably won't be.

3. Requiring that you use their connected photog. A real agency will tell you to get a set of images together in addition too some comp cards, but they won't force you to spend tons of cash on their own photographer. You ought to be able to shop around and pick a photographer or composite card printer who you like. If the agency really need a certain photographer, then they'll pay for it.

4. They want you to pay to take their modeling classes or whatnot. It's yet another way for them to scam you. It might feel more honest than a \"representation fee\" or something. But at the end of the day it's the same thing.

5. They guarantee you gigs. If only it were so easy. No one can guarantee that you'll get a job as a hand model, and any company that guarantees that is just trying to swoop in for the kill. odds are, they are attempting to convince you into offering them some cash.

Once you've heard about a handful of these scams, they become not hard to notice. The general idea is that the agency wants to find as many people as possible, charge them fees up front, and in the end keep them busy with a few casting calls. If new clients keep coming in the office, they don't worry you're back at Starbucks not working. They made their cash. Don't let that money be yours.