|
The Use of the Fashion Model's Zed Card
|
By Jason Ramirez
[Hits: 12140]
|
|
The Use of the Model's Zed Card
A Zed Card (Comp Card, Zed Card, or Model Card) is the numberone marketing tool for a model. They serve as a model'sportfolio, business card and interview. A comp card typicallycontains a collection of 2 or more pictures and the models basicstats - height, eye color, etc. - printed on 2 sides of an 8.5"x 5.5" piece of card stock (12 pt stock.) Comp cards have beenaround for many years as the essential marketing tool for amodel and they will retain this standing because they are aninexpensive way to effectively and professionally showcase amodel's ability. Composite cards are used on three major levels- they are used at first by models, then by agents and lastly bythe agent's clients.
Level 1 - Models use composite cards to promote themselves tomodeling agents. When a model attends an open call they willtypically meet with the agent, have their portfolio reviewed andbriefly be interviewed. Open calls are mostly busy, so not a lotof time can be dedicated to each person trying out. When theinterview is over, the model leaves their composite card behind- never their portfolio. When the open call is over the agentswill gather to discuss the turn out. This is where the compositecard comes in to play. When the agents are discussing who theyliked and didn't, they can refer to the composite cards. Thiscard is the only reference that the agents have to yourportfolio and ability. A good card is going to leave a muchbetter impression of professionalism, experience, ability andexpertise than a snap shot or nothing at all.
Level 2 - After a model has been contracted with an agency, itbecomes the agents responsibility to market the model (thatdoesn't mean the model should stop promoting themselves.) Youwill notice that agencies usually displayed their comp cards inracks on their walls. This is done for the same purpose that anart gallery displays art work. The intention of displaying thecomposite cards is to give any visiting client a visual catalogof the talent that are available, and in turn making themodeling agents task of finding materials and promoting theirmodels easier. Although this aesthetic pleasing display is thisan effective method to boost bookings, it is not the primarymarketing method. Agents primarily send composite cards via mailto photographers, producers, art directors, magazine editors,other modeling agents, and many other potential clients.
Level 3 - This stage is for the ones who pay the bills -commonly referred to as the "clients." Once the comps have beensent to the clients, it is entirely in their hands to decide whothey want to use. Yes your agent should put some good words infor you, but ultimately it is the clients decision. From thispoint the client may choose you directly, or they may want tomeet you. But either way they are going to pursue you furtheronly because they have seen your look - and this is almostalways first seen on your composite card. Clients usually retainan index of all of the cards that they have received so they canrefer to a visual guide when selecting models. Some clients mayhave anywhere from 100 - 1000 models indexed in their company.This is why you need a good, professional comp card that makes agreat first impression.
The ultimate success of a comp card is going to come down to thequality of the photography that appears on it. The quality ofthe photography stems from the quality and talent of the modelalong with the professionalism and creativity of thephotographer and his or her team. The better your photographyis, the better your zed card will be. On the front of your cardyou will want an eye-catching shot that sets the stage for thetype of model you are. For markets like Minneapolis, SanFrancisco, and Kansas City a smiling shot works great sincethese are commercial markets. However, markets like New York,Los Angeles and Paris will be best approached with a highfashion photo on the front.
Most importantly good production is key. Good production willmake your photos look better, and bad production will bring thequality way down. Bad production makes you look asunprofessional as bad photography.
For more modeling articles search this web site further or checkout: Zed Cards | CompCards or www.icompcards.com andclick on the resources section
|
|
|
|
