How to Print Your Own Modeling Comp Cards

If you’re a freelance model who doesn’t have an agency to print out your comp cards, the good news is you can do it yourself after you’ve created your comp card in Photoshop or a similar program. The process of putting together an order for comp cards through a printing company is fairly easy and many offer simple step-by-step directions from beginning to end. Depending on how much money you have to spend, don’t worry about going over the top.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Comp Card Design
• Internet Access

1. To find good printing companies simply type in “comp card printing.” “comp cards” or other similar keywords into your favorite search engine. You’ll see a lot of sites pop up.
2. Go through each site and see the quality of the work and what methods they have for placing orders. Some sites allow you to choose from pre-made templates in order to build your comp card through their site, as well as have them printed, while others simply stick to the printing aspect.
3. Don’t just go for the first website you come across. Check out at least 3-4 different printing companies and compare the prices, as well as what quantities they offer.
4. When you are ready to place your order, read the directions carefully. Make sure your comp card design is in the appropriate file format (jpeg, gif, etc.) and upload your image(s). Also check that the size is within requirements.
5. Once you’ve uploaded your design, a preview will pop up. This is the time to go over everything and make sure you are happy with it.
6. Choose your quantity and add any special options to your order.
7. Finalize your order by selecting the appropriate payment method, providing your billing and shipping address and submitting your order.
8. Write down any tracking numbers or confirmation numbers you are given so that you can find out exactly where your comp cards are and when they will arrive.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to choose a card stock that is durable and won’t bend easily. The last thing you want is to have an accident and waste money on a bunch of comp cards that are bent and creased.
• For professional quality comp cards, stick to actual printing companies that specialize in this type of work. Kinko’s can get the job done but it’s always better to work with people who deal with comp cards regularly.
• If this is your first time printing comp cards, keep it simple until you get familiar with the process and have your comp cards in your hands. Remember, these aren’t going to be framed so they don’t have to super fancy or contain every feature that the printing company offers.
• Make sure you know the difference in options such as UV coating, semi-gloss, full-gloss, and other terminology that applies to your business card. The website will usually have a question mark next to each option to explain what it is.