Graphic Design for Models & Freelancers: How to Create a Standout Card or Video Using Canva
A complete SAM Studio guide for building your comp card, portfolio card, or intro video — even if you’re not a designer.
Read Time: 12 minutes
Category: Modeling | Freelancing | Branding | Design | Canva
Read Time: 12 minutes
Category: Modeling | Freelancing | Branding | Design | Canva
🌟 INTRODUCTION: YOUR CARD IS YOUR VISUAL BUSINESS CARD
Models, freelancers, makeup artists, photographers, and creatives in the UAE ALL need one thing:
👉 A professional card that introduces who you are — in one clean glance.
This card (sometimes called a comp card, model card, talent card, or portfolio card) is:
what agencies request first
what brands review before hiring you
what photographers check before collaborations
what production teams evaluate
what casting directors use for selection
And in 2025, Canva has made it incredibly easy to design a card that looks premium, stylish, and agency-worthy.
This guide shows you EXACTLY how to create:
✔ A model comp card
✔ A freelancer card
✔ A creative portfolio card
✔ A branding video intro card
✔ All using Canva
✔ Step-by-step
✔ SAM Studio–approved
Let’s begin.
👉 A professional card that introduces who you are — in one clean glance.
This card (sometimes called a comp card, model card, talent card, or portfolio card) is:
what agencies request first
what brands review before hiring you
what photographers check before collaborations
what production teams evaluate
what casting directors use for selection
And in 2025, Canva has made it incredibly easy to design a card that looks premium, stylish, and agency-worthy.
This guide shows you EXACTLY how to create:
✔ A model comp card
✔ A freelancer card
✔ A creative portfolio card
✔ A branding video intro card
✔ All using Canva
✔ Step-by-step
✔ SAM Studio–approved
Let’s begin.
1️⃣ What Is a Modeling / Freelancer Card? (And Why You MUST Have One)
A card is a one-page visual profile that summarizes:
who you are
what you look like
what you do
your strongest assets
your contact info
For models, it usually includes:
3–5 images
name
height
measurements
location
contact / IG
agency (if applicable)
For freelancers (photographers, makeup artists, designers, etc.), it includes:
profile photo
services
mini portfolio
niche
contact info
brand colors / identity
This card is your digital handshake.
who you are
what you look like
what you do
your strongest assets
your contact info
For models, it usually includes:
3–5 images
name
height
measurements
location
contact / IG
agency (if applicable)
For freelancers (photographers, makeup artists, designers, etc.), it includes:
profile photo
services
mini portfolio
niche
contact info
brand colors / identity
This card is your digital handshake.
2️⃣ Choosing the Right Style (UAE Market Expectations)
Your card must match the local style — clean, premium, minimal.
✔ Good styles:
black & white minimal
soft beige aesthetic
clean grid layout
editorial layout
subtle colors
luxury fonts
soft beige aesthetic
clean grid layout
editorial layout
subtle colors
luxury fonts
❌ Avoid:
loud colors
heavy borders
too many effects
busy backgrounds
heavy borders
too many effects
busy backgrounds
UAE brands prefer the luxury minimal aesthetic.
3️⃣ Step-by-Step Guide: How to Create a Modeling Comp Card in Canva
Let’s build your card from scratch.
Step 1 — Open Canva & Choose Template
Go to:
👉 Home → Templates → Search “Modeling Comp Card” or “Model Card”
Choose:
✔ clean layout
✔ multiple photos
✔ space for text
✔ strong typography
You can also choose a blank template for full custom design.
👉 Home → Templates → Search “Modeling Comp Card” or “Model Card”
Choose:
✔ clean layout
✔ multiple photos
✔ space for text
✔ strong typography
You can also choose a blank template for full custom design.
Step 2 — Set Your Dimensions (Important)
Typical comp card sizes:
📏 A5 (148 × 210 mm)
📏 5 × 8 inches
📏 1080 × 1920 px (digital version)
Since the UAE market uses digital PDFs, use 1080 × 1920 px or A5.
📏 A5 (148 × 210 mm)
📏 5 × 8 inches
📏 1080 × 1920 px (digital version)
Since the UAE market uses digital PDFs, use 1080 × 1920 px or A5.
Step 3 — Upload Your Photos
Use ONLY:
✔ high-resolution images
✔ consistent editing
✔ professional portfolio shots (preferably from SAM Studio)
✔ 1 beauty shot
✔ 1 full-body
✔ 1 editorial / lifestyle
✔ 1 strong profile shot
✔ high-resolution images
✔ consistent editing
✔ professional portfolio shots (preferably from SAM Studio)
✔ 1 beauty shot
✔ 1 full-body
✔ 1 editorial / lifestyle
✔ 1 strong profile shot
Step 4 — Add Your Details
For models:
Name (large)
Height
Bust / Waist / Hips
Shoe size
Hair color
Eye color
Location: Abu Dhabi / Dubai
Contact: phone + IG handle
Agency: if applicable
For freelancers:
Name
Area of specialization
3–5 sample works
Contact details
IG handle
Website
Style tagline
Name (large)
Height
Bust / Waist / Hips
Shoe size
Hair color
Eye color
Location: Abu Dhabi / Dubai
Contact: phone + IG handle
Agency: if applicable
For freelancers:
Name
Area of specialization
3–5 sample works
Contact details
IG handle
Website
Style tagline
Step 5 — Add a Branding Font & Color Style
Models should use:
✔ serif fonts (like Vogue aesthetics)
✔ minimalist fonts
✔ black / white / beige
Freelancers should choose:
✔ colors matching their brand
✔ a consistent aesthetic
Tip:
Use the same fonts you use in your Instagram Highlights & website for consistency.
✔ serif fonts (like Vogue aesthetics)
✔ minimalist fonts
✔ black / white / beige
Freelancers should choose:
✔ colors matching their brand
✔ a consistent aesthetic
Tip:
Use the same fonts you use in your Instagram Highlights & website for consistency.
Step 6 — Create a Clean Front & Back Version
Front Side:
One strong hero photo
Your name
Niche (e.g., Fashion | Commercial | Beauty)
Back Side:
Grid with 3–5 photos
Measurements / Details
Contact
One strong hero photo
Your name
Niche (e.g., Fashion | Commercial | Beauty)
Back Side:
Grid with 3–5 photos
Measurements / Details
Contact
Step 7 — Export Your Card
Export options:
✔ PNG (for WhatsApp / Instagram)
✔ JPG (lightweight)
✔ PDF Print (for agencies / brands)
Always keep:
📁 CompCard-Full.pdf
📁 CompCard-Mobile.jpg
📁 CompCard-Web.jpg
✔ PNG (for WhatsApp / Instagram)
✔ JPG (lightweight)
✔ PDF Print (for agencies / brands)
Always keep:
📁 CompCard-Full.pdf
📁 CompCard-Mobile.jpg
📁 CompCard-Web.jpg
4️⃣ How to Create a Video Intro Card (Trending in 2025)
Video comp cards are now HUGE, especially for:
TikTok
Instagram
brand submissions
casting videos
agency submissions
Here’s how to create one:
TikTok
brand submissions
casting videos
agency submissions
Here’s how to create one:
Step 1 — Choose a Vertical Video Template (1080 × 1920)
Search:
🎥 “Intro video”
🎥 “Model video reel”
🎥 “Aesthetic intro”
🎥 “Portfolio video”
🎥 “Intro video”
🎥 “Model video reel”
🎥 “Aesthetic intro”
🎥 “Portfolio video”
Step 2 — Insert 4–6 photos + 1 video
Use:
walking clip
turning clip
hair movement
expression close-up
Shot ideally in SAM Studio with clean lighting.
walking clip
turning clip
hair movement
expression close-up
Shot ideally in SAM Studio with clean lighting.
Step 3 — Add Clean Text
Examples:
Scene 1:
Name | Abu Dhabi Model
Fashion • Commercial • Beauty
Scene 2:
Height: ___
Measurements: ___
Scene 3:
Portfolio Highlights
Scene 4:
Contact | IG handle
Scene 1:
Name | Abu Dhabi Model
Fashion • Commercial • Beauty
Scene 2:
Height: ___
Measurements: ___
Scene 3:
Portfolio Highlights
Scene 4:
Contact | IG handle
Step 4 — Add Transitions
Use minimal transitions:
✔ fade
✔ slide
✔ dissolve
Avoid heavy animations.
✔ fade
✔ slide
✔ dissolve
Avoid heavy animations.
Step 5 — Export in 1080p
Save as:
🎥 “Model Intro Reel – Your Name”
🎥 “Portfolio Reel – 2025 Edition”
🎥 “Model Intro Reel – Your Name”
🎥 “Portfolio Reel – 2025 Edition”
5️⃣ Example Layouts You Should Use (SAM Studio Approved)
Comp Card Layout (Minimal / Editorial)
Top: Name
Left section: Beauty shot
Right section: Full body
Bottom: Measurements + contact info
Top: Name
Left section: Beauty shot
Right section: Full body
Bottom: Measurements + contact info
Creative Freelancer Card Layout
Header: Name + Niche
3 photos showing your work
Short tagline (e.g., “Fashion retouching specialist”)
Contact
Header: Name + Niche
3 photos showing your work
Short tagline (e.g., “Fashion retouching specialist”)
Contact
6️⃣ Mistakes to Avoid When Creating a Card
❌ Using low-quality photos
❌ Using too many filters
❌ Using inconsistent color grading
❌ Using selfies
❌ Writing too much text
❌ Using childish fonts
❌ Adding borders, shadows, or effects
❌ Creating a cluttered layout
Your card should scream:
“Professional. Clean. Premium.”
❌ Using too many filters
❌ Using inconsistent color grading
❌ Using selfies
❌ Writing too much text
❌ Using childish fonts
❌ Adding borders, shadows, or effects
❌ Creating a cluttered layout
Your card should scream:
“Professional. Clean. Premium.”
7️⃣ Turn Your Card Into a Pitch Kit (Powerful Strategy)
Combine:
📁 Comp Card
📁 Portfolio PDF
📁 Digitals folder
📁 Contact Details
📁 Short Biography
📁 Intro Video Reel
Then share ONE link to brands & agencies.
➡️ How to Pitch Yourself as a Model to Brands
➡️ Freelancing Tips for Creatives in UAE
📁 Comp Card
📁 Portfolio PDF
📁 Digitals folder
📁 Contact Details
📁 Short Biography
📁 Intro Video Reel
Then share ONE link to brands & agencies.
➡️ How to Pitch Yourself as a Model to Brands
➡️ Freelancing Tips for Creatives in UAE
Other Blogs
How to Build a Modeling Portfolio in Abu Dhabi
How to Pitch Yourself to Brands
Behind the Scenes at SAM Studio
Model Wellness & Mindset in UAE
How to Pitch Yourself to Brands
Behind the Scenes at SAM Studio
Model Wellness & Mindset in UAE
🎯 CONCLUSION — DESIGN IS NOT ABOUT ART. IT’S ABOUT CLARITY.
A comp card is not decoration.
It is a business tool.
When done right:
you look professional
you stand out
you communicate clearly
you get more opportunities
you impress casting directors
you elevate your personal brand
And Canva — combined with guidance from SAM Studio — makes it easy.
Whether you’re a model, photographer, makeup artist, or creative…
your card is your identity.
Make it unforgettable.
It is a business tool.
When done right:
you look professional
you stand out
you communicate clearly
you get more opportunities
you impress casting directors
you elevate your personal brand
And Canva — combined with guidance from SAM Studio — makes it easy.
Whether you’re a model, photographer, makeup artist, or creative…
your card is your identity.
Make it unforgettable.
GET YOUR COMP CARD DESIGNED AT SAM STUDIO
If you want a card that looks:
✔ clean
✔ premium
✔ modern
✔ agency-level
✔ professionally designed
— SAM Studio can design it for you.
📲 Book your “Comp Card Creation Session” at SAM Studio
Includes:
Photoshoot
Portfolio photos
Canva template
Final comp card
One vertical video card
Full branding support
📍 Abu Dhabi | Photography | Modeling | Production
✨ Beyond Vision. Into Reality.
✔ clean
✔ premium
✔ modern
✔ agency-level
✔ professionally designed
— SAM Studio can design it for you.
📲 Book your “Comp Card Creation Session” at SAM Studio
Includes:
Photoshoot
Portfolio photos
Canva template
Final comp card
One vertical video card
Full branding support
📍 Abu Dhabi | Photography | Modeling | Production
✨ Beyond Vision. Into Reality.