Sedcard for Models: What Is It and How Do I Create One?
The sedcard — also called a composite card or Z-card — is the most important tool for every model. It’s your business card with agencies, clients and at castings. Without a sedcard, no professional impression. CM Models explains what needs to be on it and how to create a good one.
What is a sedcard?
A sedcard (from “sedding card”) is a compact image card — usually in 10×15 cm or A5 format — that a model presents at castings and bookings. At a glance, it shows:
- The model’s key photos (face, full body, details)
- Body measurements (height, weight, clothing size, shoe size)
- The agency’s contact details
“The sedcard is your first impression — and that counts. No client books without one.”
What needs to be on a sedcard?
Front
- Main photo: clean headshot, natural light, minimal make-up
- Name (first name only for minors)
- Agency logo and contact
Back
- 3–4 further photos: full body, half body, one editorial look
- Measurements: height | weight | clothing size | shoe size | hair colour | eye colour
- Agency contact
What photos do I need for the sedcard?
Your sedcard photos need to be professional — but not overproduced. What agencies and clients want to see:
- Natural headshot: clear face, good light, no heavy filters
- Full body, neutral: plain clothing to show proportions
- Character shot: your personality, an editorial look or a movement shot
- Detail photo: hands, hair or a specific feature that sets you apart
When do I need a sedcard?
As a newcomer to a model agency, the sedcard is usually produced right after signing the contract — often with the agency’s own photographer. At CM Models, you receive professional polaroids directly after your casting as a fresh agency member.
Creating your own sedcard — is that possible?
Technically, yes. In practice, not recommended. Self-productions often look unprofessional and can cost you castings. If you don’t have an agency yet, invest in a professional starter shoot instead of smartphone photos.
Ready for the next step? Apply to CM Models — after a successful casting, we take care of your first professional sedcard. Find out more about the requirements for models here.
Photoshoot for your sedcard: how to prepare
The sedcard shoot is often the first professional shoot of your model career — and therefore decisive for your start with agencies and clients. Anyone who arrives on set well prepared gets the most out of the day.
The most important tips for your first sedcard shoot
- Sleep and skincare: sleep enough at least two days before the shoot and hydrate your skin well — the camera doesn’t forgive tiredness
- Prepare your clothes: pack several neutral outfits (white, black, beige) — the photographer will choose on set
- Subtle make-up: for headshots, less is more; the focus is on your natural features
- Punctuality: professionals arrive 15 minutes early — it shows reliability and gives you time to settle in
- Bring reference photos: show the photographer examples you like — communication saves valuable shooting time
“A good sedcard shoot doesn’t need expensive locations or elaborate equipment — it needs light, a good face and a model who knows what they want.”
Next steps after the shoot
With your finished sedcard in hand, you can actively enter the application phase. Find out about the requirements for models and find out your body measurements as a model before submitting your documents. At CM Models, we accompany you from your first application through the casting to your finished sedcard — so your start goes professionally.
Kindermodel werden: Was Eltern & Kinder wissen müssen
Model Salary & Earnings: What Does a Model Really Earn?
Becoming a Model at 16: Requirements for Teens & Parental Consent
Model Contract: What You Need to Know — Rights, Commission & Termination
Model Tips: Dos and Don'ts - What Successful Models Do Differently
Modeling in China BTS: Gaia from Paris talks about her experiences as a model in Beijng x Shanghai
