Becoming an image consultant is a great way to use your knowledge of fashion and style to help others. Image consultants are often hired by individuals, but you can also work for a company or in-house for a corporation. As an independent contractor, you can work from home or find clients through networking events.
There are several things you have to do before you start working as an image consultant. First, you need to acquire the proper licenses and certifications through the state where you will be operating. You also need to obtain insurance coverage so that if one of your clients is injured while getting their makeup done or trying on clothes, they will be covered by your policy.
Once you have all of these requirements taken care of, it’s time to start looking for clients! You can advertise in local newspapers or online job boards. You could also sign up with an agency that provides image consultants to businesses or corporations seeking out these services for their employees or customers.
Once hired by a client, it is important that they feel comfortable around you while they’re getting ready for an event or meeting. This means being friendly without being pushy when suggesting changes like hairstyle color choices or clothing styles that might not seem likely at first glance but actually look better once tried on together
How To Become Image Consultant
Image consultants work with clients across many industries to help cultivate their personal or professional image. While image consulting focuses on an individual’s outward appearance, the services and guidance they provide can inspire confidence and improve a client’s self-esteem. If you enjoy working with people and positively affecting people’s lives, a career in image consulting may be for you. In this article, we summarize what an image consultant does, the skills to succeed in this role and steps you can take to pursue a career as an image consultant.
Related: How To Become a Consultant
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What is an image consultant?
An image consultant is a specialist who provides comprehensive guidance to clients looking to develop their image in a way that aligns with their personal or professional goals. They do not limit their work to helping clients enhance or upgrade their physical appearance, but also help clients develop interpersonal skills so they can feel more confident and present the best possible versions of themselves. This profession offers flexibility and allows you to tailor your services to fit your interests.
Related: What Is a Consultant?
What does an image consultant do?
Image consultants take a systematic approach to developing an image strategy for their clients. They meet with clients to determine their goals regarding appearance and self-presentation, and to guide them through a variety of processes that lead to positive, visible changes. Depending on their specialty, image consultants provide targeted consultations on wardrobe and styling, hair, makeup and grooming. They also provide coaching on body language, etiquette and communication. Some image consultants create and deliver seminars and workshops relating to image development.
Related: 10 Types of Consultants
How to become an image consultant
There are many paths you can take to become an image consultant. Here are seven steps you can take to start and build your career in image consulting:
1. Attend related workshops and take courses
Image consultants benefit from having a background in related fields including beauty, fashion design or merchandising, psychology, marketing and communications. These fields can provide you with a variety of relevant knowledge and skills that apply to the work you’ll be doing as an image consultant. This step is especially valuable to those looking to earn certifications because it provides solid foundational knowledge. Many image consultants are self-employed and benefit from taking business courses such as business management or entrepreneurship.
2. Earn a certification in image consultancy
Most colleges and universities don’t offer degree programs in image consultancy. To receive official recognition of your abilities and skill set, there are certifications available. The Association for Image Consultants International (AICI) offers three certification levels for professional image consultants:
- Certified image consultant
- Certified image professional
- Certified image master
While there isn’t always formal certification required for a job, it can enhance your credibility as a consultant and help to build your client base. Image consultants, especially those who focus on beauty-related services, also commonly hold esthetician or cosmetology licenses.
3. Gain related job experience
A great way to develop your skills is by gaining experience in roles related to image consulting. Examples of relevant positions include a sales associate in a clothing store, a personal shopper or stylist at a department store, a beauty consultant at a makeup counter or as a hairstylist. These roles provide first-hand experience advising and working with clients.
4. Choose a specialization
Image consultants commonly focus on a particular service that aligns with their interests, strengths and abilities. If you’re great at networking and communicating, for example, it may be beneficial to focus your services on that specific aspect of image consulting. You can choose to focus on the fashion, beauty, etiquette and communication sides of consulting. Choosing a specialization can help you define your career path early on and develop your skill set. Choosing a specialization can also include targeting your services to a specific clientele.
5. Network
Networking with well-respected and established experts within your field and from a variety of related industries, such as event management, photography and media can connect you with potential clients and provide leads on future job opportunities. Networking is a great way to find initial clients, which can help to build your portfolio when you’re starting out your career.
6. Create a portfolio
Creating a comprehensive portfolio of your work is an essential way of attracting prospective clients. It’s a good idea to have a digital portfolio to provide to clients who cannot meet in person and a physical portfolio you can bring to meetings with new clients. Your portfolio gives your clients a clear sense of the type of service and results they can expect to receive. Use high quality photos and include feedback and testimonials from previous clients. Many consultants also use social media platforms to promote their work and attract new clients.
7. Develop partnerships
Depending on your specialization, you may not have the knowledge or skills to address certain needs. For this reason, developing partnerships may provide you with a network of professionals to who you can refer clients and provide them with the best results possible. In return, they can refer their clients to you based on your specific strengths and services you provide. It’s important to partner with people whose work you trust to ensure your client is receiving the best possible service.
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Image consulting skills
Image consultants use their interpersonal skills in order to create positive relationships with their clients and colleagues. Key skills to develop to become an image consultant may include:
Solid communication skills
The ability to clearly and effectively communicate is crucial when working with clients, networking and developing partnerships. When working with clients, solid communication is necessary to determine the goals of the client and develop an image that accurately brings that vision to life. Building your network and establishing partnerships requires frequent communication with others in your industry and is essential in creating a name for yourself, gaining credibility and growing your business.
Approachability
It’s common for people to feel vulnerable when seeking advice related to their image, so it’s important to remain approachable, positive and encouraging throughout the process. For some clients, making these changes may pose a challenge, so being patient and understanding when giving advice can help them feel more at ease and accepting of your suggestions.
Creativity
Developing an image strategy for your client often requires a certain level of creativity. In order to accommodate each new client’s unique set of variables, you must be able to come up with creative solutions tailored to the client’s needs, goals and preferences. Creating a personalized plan that addresses a client’s needs requires being able to visualize the desired outcome and determine the steps to turn a vision into reality.
