How to Print Composition Cards
Composition cards, often known as "comp cards" or "zed cards," serve as a marketing tool for models and actors. These cards typically feature one to four pictures as well as important statistics such as name, age, height and measurements. Comp cards come in a variety of sizes, but 8.5-by-11-inch and 4-by-5-inch cards are most popular. Typically, actors have a larger card with a headshot on one side and a resume on the other while models may use a smaller card with more pictures and more detailed statistics.
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Instructions
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Select photos. Models will want about four photos that feature their different abilities. You need at least one clear picture of your face and one clear picture of your body. The photographs should be high quality and in focus with proper exposure. If you feel your photographs are inadequate, contact a local photographer or photography savvy friend to help you get better photographs.
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Design your card. An actor's card will feature a large headshot in either grayscale or color with his name written at the bottom. A model's card features several photographs, arranged in a pleasing fashion, with name, age and measurements on the back or bottom of the card. For best results, design your card using a computer program such as Adobe Photoshop. This will make it much easier to print extra copies of your card. If you are printing a smaller card, you can put two cards on each sheet of paper. Simply double the height or width of your file then copy and paste the second card next to the first. Make sure to do this for both the front and back of the card.
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Load your printer with high-quality photo paper.
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Print one copy of your card as a test. If you are printing a double-sided card, you will need to turn the sheet of paper over after the first side prints.
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Double check your test and your computer file. If you are satisfied, print your desired amount of cards. If you want 100 small cards and are printing two cards on each sheet, you must print 50 copies.
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Cut your card into the proper shape using a paper cutter. This will give you straight edges.
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Tips & Warnings
You can find companies to design your comp card for you if you lack design skills. These companies often offer complete packages that include printing.
References
- Photo Credit headshot image by Andrey Kiselev from Fotolia.com
