Expert: Kitty Kavey - 2/8/2007

Question
Please explain to me what com cards are and how they are supposed to be made. Portfolios? How many pages should the sample ones be and how many pics in each sample portfolio? What info should  be on your portfolio page about you? Thanks,

Answer
Comp cards, short for composite cards (and also called zed cards) are usually 5.5 x 8.5 card stock with generally color photos on both sides - a face shot (and your name) on the front, and a selection of photos and your stats on the back.  
An example can be found here: http://www.emodelcomps.com

You would need to supply a printer with professional modeling photos.  Alternatively, some people do print them out themselves, particularly if you are good with Photoshop or another similar program, and have a really great printer.  Normally, comp cards are used by commercial print models, and are submitted to agents to obtain representation.

Portfolios should contain tear sheets of the work you have done, and/or sample photos from test shoots.  Often they use 8x10 or larger photos.  Fashion models use portfolios more frequently than other types of models, but a portfolio is not required to submit to agents - and many fashion agencies ask only for snapshots from new faces for consideration.
If you were developing a portfolio as a new model, you really don't need that many photos in it.  What you do need is to make sure even if there's only five photos in it, they are your best five and show your range as a model.  

If you are making an online portfolio page, again - it's more important to have a few quality photos that show range, rather than many similar shots, or shots that are less than professional quality.  You should also include your stats (height, sizes/measurements, hair color, eye color).  If you have representation, you can include their contact information.  If you're only posting your information online, some indication of your location and the types of modeling you are interested in considering should be included as well.
Good luck to you,
~Kitty