Comp card design (Sed / Zed card)

The comp card is a two-sided compilation of your best images. It is also called a Sed card, after the photographer who designed the layout in general use today. It can be called a Zed card and this is the name used for actors' comp card.
The usual layout is to have a head shot on the front and upto four smaller images on the reverse. The full physical statistics should also be printed clearly, especially natural hair colour and length. It should be printed on card stock and can be matte or gloss finish. The UK / Euro size is A5, whereas in the US the common size is 5.5" x 8.5". Fonts should be plain and clear and only in black or white colour. Your name should be in a large size but not to distract from the headshot. If you intend to specialise in one field, then include a representative image, along with a full body portrait. For the headshot, you want to be looking at the camera so that you can literally catch the viewer's eye. The main shot should always be in colour but the other images can be in black and white. It is a good idea to have the printer coat the card for protection to keep it looking good. Update your comp card regularly to keep it current. Only use your very best images. Have them remade if necessary. Use a professional photographer and Make-up Artist but do not have the photographs retouched. Have them printed off-set for best results.
The photographs you use should gel: they should cover the range of your abilities and tell the story of why you are the right choice. Have a card made for each client or situation. The images have to stand out while at the same time working together. The headshot has to stand out in a pile of 100 others on a table. Use variety in the images, expression pose etc - once more everything has to be aimed at the one target though. Don't mix mats, borders and full-bleed images - keep it coherent and polished.