Become an Image Consultant

An image consultant is someone who helps others project a pleasing image, whether for work or personal reasons.  Image consulting has become a booming business in recent years, thanks in part to many companies returning to a more formal dress code following the “dot com” era, and to TV shows like What Not to Wear and Queer Eye for the Straight Guy that have brought renewed attention to the importance of personal appearance.

Image consulting has been around in various forms for years.  During the “Golden Age” of Hollywood, for example, the studio “image machines” would mold actors and actresses into marketable box office stars by changing their names, hair color, and wardrobes, and by training with voice and diction lessons, etiquette lessons, dance lessons, and the like.  Later, when John F. Kennedy dazzled television audiences during the 1960 Presidential campaign, image training became an important part of the political arena.  When the “Color Me a Season” craze swept the world in the 1980’s, attention was again brought to the image consulting industry.

Today, image consultants come in all shapes and sizes and offer a variety of services, including things like:

• Image Analysis
• Color Analysis
• Makeup Analysis
• Wardrobe Consulting
• Wardrobe Training
• Personal Shopping
• Etiquette Training
• Appearance Management
• Perception Management
• Personal Branding
• Visual Branding

Image consultants are in demand by both individuals and corporations, helping people makeover their appearance and wardrobe to do things like:

• Attract a mate
• Return to the workforce
• Transition from one industry to another
• Create an effective business image
• Create an effective public image
• Improve sales closing rates
• Win pageants or talent contests
• Make an impression in the marketplace

Some image consultants work with children, some only work with individuals, some only do corporate work.  Others do all kinds of consulting work.

While you typically don’t need a license to become an image consultant (unless you apply makeup, which may require special licensing, depending on where you live), you do need to posses a few key skills, including:

• A thorough knowledge of clothing styles and elements, including
  fabrics and designs
• An understanding of what kinds of clothes look best on different
  body shapes.
• Knowledge of what’s appropriate attire for different situations
• An understanding of what kinds of things add to – or distract
  from – a desirable image

While many image consultants begin their careers with little or no training, they soon discover that to compete effectively, they need to get trained.  This is particularly true if they wish to work with high-profile clients or in big fashion cities like New York, Los Angeles, London, or Paris, or if they want to work in the lucrative field of corporate image consulting.  You can find more information and resources at The Association of Image Consultants International Website at:

http://www.aici.org

So could you be an image consultant?  With an eye for fashion, good people skills and a little training, you could indeed join the ranks of this rapidly growing industry.  Just figure out what you like to do, and go for it!

Recommended Resources:

	Could you be an image consultant? With an eye for clothing and the information in this guide, you'll be floored by what's possible in the image industry. It's simply THE best resource I've seen on the subject, hands down. Discover how to turn your interest in fashion into a lucrative career in this red-hot industry. Become an Image Consultant today!
Self Presentations	Get training materials for a successful image, figure challenges, makeover magic and more.  These PRE-PACKAGED talks, designed for the busy image consultant, include a presenter's manual, Power Point Presentations, and handouts for the group.  "Buy it today, give it tomorrow" with these handy image consultant programs.