subject: How Essential Zed Cards Are In The World Of Modeling [print this page] What is the most important marketing tool for a model nowadays? Yes you got it, these are called zed cards, also known as comp cards or model cards. Fundamentally, these cards serve three purposes being the models portfolio, business card and source of basic stats. Typically, zed cards are composed of two or more photos of the model plus basic information about him/her. Among these basic stats are the eye color, height, weight, etc. The paper stock used is usually 8.5 x 5.5 which is printed on both sides. For quite some time, zed cards have been used as a noteworthy marketing collateral of any model. Also, it is quite inexpensive to produce. In essence, zed cards are used by three groups of people models, agents and the agents clients.
The very first group of people who undertake zed card printing are models. These models use zed cards to endorse and market themselves to modeling agents. Usually, when a model appears in an open call, he/she meets with the agent. The latter then reviews his/her portfolio on the spot and then conducts a brief interview. Open calls happen fast and quick; hence, there is not a great deal of time that can be spent for each applicant. As soon as the interview is done, the model leaves his/her zed card behind. Meanwhile, after the open call, the agents will confer with each other and discuss the turnout of the activity. Now this is when the zed cards play a major role. The moment a heated discussion arises because of models they prefer or dislike, these zed cards are used for reference. Remember these cards are the only source the agents have about your ability and characteristics. Thus, it is truly vital that you hand out impressive zed cards to leave a more remarkable impression when it comes to your ability, experience and of course, professionalism.
The next batch of people who utilize zed cards are the agents. When an agency hires models, the agents become responsible for endorsing and marketing them. However, this should not stop the models from endorsing themselves as well. Usually, agencies display these zed cards in racks much like an artist displaying his artwork on the wall. Why is this done? The main objective of displaying these zed cards is to provide any client a quick catalog of all the agencys available talent. This makes it easier and faster for modeling agents to promote their models. This may be an attractive way of getting bookings but this is usually not the main approach. What agents typically do is send out these zed cards through mail to all the people who would find them handy --- art directors, magazine editors, photographers, and producers, among others.
Lastly, the third group of people to benefit from zed card printing are the paying clients. The moment they receive the zed cards, it is now up to them to decide who they will choose. Apparently, the good feedback that your agent will give about you can help them decide; however, they will still greatly rely on your zed cards. What clients usually do is keep a record of all the zed cards they receive so they can refer to them in the future. The number of models indexed in most companies ranges between 100 to 1000. It is thus crucial that you make your zed cards truly interesting and impressive.
Your zed card printing should be carefully planned and thought about from the very first step. This will ensure that you come up with zed cards that would win the taste of agents and clients.
