For you do-it-yourself models out there who may not have an agency to put together a comp/zed card, here is a basic and cost-effective way of putting one together yourself. These step-by-step directions can be used no matter what version of Photoshop you may have since this process doesn't really involve the use of fancy, stylized tools. If you're a pro at Photoshop already, this project will be a breeze. If you're a beginner to intermediate Photoshop user, practice makes perfect!
The front side of the card is usually the models’ headshot along with the model’s name and agency logo (if it applies). The backside of the comp card usually has multiple shots of the model, usually four in number, as well as the model’s stats. BUT there are so many other versions. The most cost-effective method is to have your comp card stuff on one side instead of two, so you would put your headshot on the left half or right half of your comp card and 4 smaller images on the opposite side, with 1-2 lines of text at the bottom or top with the necessary information.
1. Open a new document and enter the size/dimension you want your comp card to be. 5.25 inches by 8 inches is usually the most common but you can make it whatever you need.
2. Use the paint bucket tool to add color to your comp card if needed.
3. Create a new layer in your original document.
4. Open the photos you want to put on your comp card and open each one in a new window.
5. Choose which photo you’re going to add first and open it in a minimized window (make sure your original document where you are building your comp card is the main window in full view).
6. Using the regular selection arrow tool, click and hold the mouse on your first photo and drag it over into your original document. If it works right, the photo will appear full-size in your original document. (Make sure this action occurs in your new layer and not the original one)
7. Resize your photo in your original document by pressing CTRL+T to create a sizing box. Press ENTER when you are satisfied with the size so the box will disappear. (To keep the dimensions and proportions the same, hold down the SHIFT button while resizing your image. Doing so without it can warp your image and make it wider or longer).
8. Go back and repeat steps 5-7 for the rest of your photos and create a new layer for each photo you add to your original document.
9. Resize everything as needed.
10. Once you have your photos in place and are ready to add text, create a new layer to work on.
11. For each line of text, it's best to create a new layer for each one so it’s easier to edit and move around. Try to have three lines of text so you only have to work with three text layers. Your name should be on its own layer, and the other two lines should consist of your model stats. *Keep the text clean and simple…not fancy fonts or strange colors. Stick to black or white font, depending on the background color of your comp card.
12. The necessary information that should appear on your comp card is: Model’s Name (this should be in bigger font that can be a different color than your other text), Height, Weight, Measurements (Bust-Waist-Hip), Shoe Size, Dress Size and Pants Size.
When choosing your headshot, be sure that it is a clean and clear photo shot from the shoulder up. You can be smiling or not smiling, whichever looks best. Your headshot/main photo should show you in your most natural state: wear your hair how you normally do (avoid fancy hairstyles and crazy colors) and keep your makeup minimal. Your other photos will show off your other looks so keep the headshot simple. Clients are just as interested in what you look like regularly as they are in what types of looks you can pull of. If you do different types of modeling that don't really go together (like maybe glamour and commercial/print or fashion), then it would be best to create a comp/zed card for each type of modeling you do that way you can customize it to suit the clients you'll be submitting them to.
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