The subject basically sums it up.  I want to have comp cards available so that I can start sending them to agencies.  Whats a good set up, how many pictures should be on it and how much should I expect this to cost?
Thanks a bunch.
Jared

I don't know but will you marry me?

Find an agency first; let them help you put it together.

Ok, but often times dont agencies want you to provide them with something such as a comp card first before they work with you?  Or are you just saying base it upon what they want you to provide them with?  Thanks!
Jared

No.  You can send in pictures of you to be considered.  Better yet, go to open calls.  If you are signed, they will arrange the comp-cards with the agency letterheads (but likely you will pay for it or they will take it out of your paychecks).

Ok cool thanks, other than keeping your ears to the street how do you find out about open calls?  And Isabel, you have mail, lol.
Thanks again
Jared

Hi,

For an overview of comp cards check out the Modeling Advice homepage at:

http://www.modelingadvice.com/CompCards.html

Links to a number of comp card printing companies are listed at the bottom of the page.

Oh and you’ll probably want to spend a little time reading through the wealth of valuable material at the Modeling Advice homepage.  The homepage is found at:

http://www.modelingadvice.com


For some great advice on designing comp cards and some beautiful examples visit Joe Edelman Photographic’s web site at:

http://www.joeedelman.com/model/comp.shtml

Be sure to explore Edelman’s site.  I think the images there might give you some ideas about what you want to include in your portfolio.

Edelman recommends the following companies for comp cards and both look good to me:

ICOMPCARDS
1330 Waldorf Blvd.
Suite #303
Madison, WI   53719

Main Office:  (515) 279-4170
Main Fax:      (866) 848-9508

http://www.icompcards.com/


OTL Graphics
2 Lakeside Ave
1st Floor Studio
Berwyn, PA 19312
Phone:  (610) 408-0540

http://www.otlgraphics.com


However I have no personal experience with any of these companies. 

I hope that you find this helpful.

Take care,
Tom

Thanks everyone for your help on this matter I really appreciate it

Jared,
This is tough.
Your location and possibly your age (though for men I am not sure if it is as stringent) will limit your ability to pursue editorial/fashion type modeling.  If the age ends up not being a factor you might consider moving to a larger market... but.... you may have some wonderful success in the commercial print/ commercial market right where you are.... however, your images in your port are very limited in this regard.  I am going somewhere with this...
The rule of thumb is generally this:
Editorial/ Fashion... do not go in with a comp.. go in to an open call/ send snaps or polaroids.  Not much to think about, but very very competitive and specific.. You need to be in a major market.. ie NYC, Miami, LA, Dallas, Italy etc.... and lesser Chicago, Atlanta who are much more commercial oriented.  IN other words NOT DC.

Commercial:
You better be prepared.
Make sure you have a solid commercial composite for your market (there are different looks & shots that go over better depending on your location... ie here in philly we need corporate style and medical style etc on our cards.....)  and probably (preferrably) a nice solid acting headshot with the resume stapled to the back.
The agent may still want to have you reprint comps or headshot based on additional images they prefer in your port.... or may have you reshoot to get the correct look if they like you...... be prepared and buy only a small amount at first.. 50 to 100 to start.. this will get you thru mailings and interviews.

My advice... look at some local agencies boards and get a feel for what works.  Make a card.  Go on some go sees LOCALLY.. commercial agents wont work with you if you are more than about and hour or two away.  IF you want to pursue fashion/ editorial as well then just pop in on the go sees or send snaps (not pros from your book as this sends a predefined perception of how well you photograph and it may not be what they want)  BE prepared to move.

I will look at your shots again and offer some suggestions on what might work in commercial, but check your local agents... and you might consider Baltimore if you are close enough too.

Hope this helps!

https://pic1.modelmayhem.com/5/0/8/1/5/ … 68a0bf.jpg

https://pic1.modelmayhem.com/5/0/8/1/5/ … d6ae53.jpg

These two are ok to use, but you really really really need a strong interaction shot and a smiling headshot (two.. one acting and one comp)  plus perhaps a business commercial shot.

A great place to get fab! comp quality and where I order all of mine now after trying several places including the one my agent gets a discount at is OMP... they have awsome quality.  Price is higher but well well worth it.
Joe edelman has some great info, but dont expect to put too many shots like his on your card... they are too overprocessed and are frowned upon for that reason.

Cool, thanks!  I have some others I might work with my portfolio on here a lil bit to try to get a more businessy shot on there.