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Why Actors Must Pair Words With Visual Examples When Describing Their Type

By Annie Chadwick, September 26, 2025

One of the most common questions actors hear in workshops, meetings, or networking events is:

“So, what’s your type?”

It sounds simple, but the way you answer this question can either open a door or close it. Casting directors, agents, and industry professionals don’t just want to hear a vague idea of who you are on screen or stage—they need to see it. That’s why combining your words with visual proof is one of the most powerful tools you can use to communicate your castable type.

If you’ve already read our blog on How to Define Your Type, you know how important it is to identify clear, specific descriptions of the characters you most naturally play. Once you’ve done that work, the next step is to back those words up with visuals that prove your type to the industry.

>> Read more on How to Define Your Type

Why Words Alone Aren’t Enough

When you describe yourself as “the quirky best friend” or “the ambitious Wall Street upstart,” the words can land differently for every person listening. What one casting director envisions might be miles away from what you bring into the room. Without visuals, you leave your type open to interpretation.

Adding photos, self-tapes, and clips immediately grounds those words in your face, your energy, and your performance. Instead of relying on someone else’s imagination, you’re showing exactly how you embody those roles.

Pairing Descriptions With Headshots

Think of your headshots as the visual shorthand for your wheelhouse of characters. Each look should line up with a clear and specific type description. For example:

"Here are some recent headshots I shot with Sub/Urban Photography in NYC, which highlight my wheelhouse of characters I love to portray:"

• The charming hometown blue-collar guy with a checkered past and a lot of heart.
• The playfully menacing eccentric villain whose intentions are never quite clear.
• The down-to-earth grad student who’s always ready to listen.
• The Wall Street newcomer with a chip on his shoulder and a lot to prove.

By presenting both the description and the headshot side-by-side, you’re training the industry to connect your look with the type of characters you naturally fit.

Reinforcing With Performance Clips

Headshots show possibility, but self-tapes and reels prove range and execution. You don’t need a polished reel to get started—short, type-specific self-tapes can be just as effective.

For example:

And here are three self-tapes so you can see these casting types play out: Links to specific short reels

This approach creates a visual portfolio that instantly demonstrates credibility. You’re not just saying you can play a type—you’re showing it.

Why This Approach Works

• Clarity for the industry: Casting professionals can immediately match your type to the roles they’re hiring for.
• Confidence for you: Knowing you have headshots and clips that back up your words makes it easier to answer “what’s your type?” with certainty.
• Memorability: Industry folks meet countless actors. Pairing words with visuals makes you more distinct and easier to remember.

Final Takeaway

In today’s industry, where casting often happens online first, visual examples are the currency of credibility. Don’t just describe your type—demonstrate it. Create a portfolio of headshots and self-tapes that directly align with your castable characters, and you’ll empower others to see you exactly where you belong: in the roles you’re ready to book.