What is a comp card?  - It is a great marketing tool !

Comp card is short for composite card, which is used by actors and models for commercial print auditions and self-promotion. The size I prefer is 5.5”x8.5”, with a headshot on the front and 3-5 images on the back. The purpose is to show as much variety as possible, so the casting director can envision you as different types. Ideally the images on the back should look like tear sheets from magazine ads.

Every actor should have one a comp card. Generally, a model’s comp card is editorial (like a spread in Vogue Magazine), while an actor’s comp card is lifestyle (talking on a cell phone or hailing a cab). Fashion work is reserved for models, but there’s a ton of print work for actors. Advertisers are always looking for attractive, everyday people to sell their products. 

A comp card is an important resource in addition to a headshot. It allows you to introduce yourself to industry professionals in a much more diverse way than with a headshot alone.  It opens up an entire new tool to generate castings and hence income.