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An image consultant specializes in helping individuals showcase their best version to the world by providing advice on various aspects such as wardrobe, hairstyle, makeup, body language, etiquette, and communication. This profession is perfect for those who love working with people and have an eye for fashion and style. While breaking into the field can seem challenging due to the lack of a formal career path, there are valuable training and experiences that can help you succeed if you're committed to putting in the effort.
Steps to Follow
Becoming Trained as an Image Consultant
Enroll in a workshop or course. While there are few colleges or universities offering degree programs in image consulting, many provide weekend workshops and short-term courses that last between four to twelve weeks. These programs introduce you to the role and equip you with essential skills needed to excel in this field, such as conducting professional image consultations.
- Some of these programs offer a certificate upon completion, which can be a great addition to your resume.
- If local workshops or courses are unavailable, many online schools offer specialized courses, making it easier to learn at your own pace.
Enroll in relevant courses. If you're attending or planning to attend college, you might find that your institution doesn't offer a dedicated degree in image consulting. However, that doesn't mean you can't gain valuable skills through related courses. Majoring in Communications, Marketing, or similar fields will help you build a solid foundation for a career in image consulting.
- Art courses can be beneficial for an image consultant because they help you understand color theory, which is essential when advising clients on choosing the best colors for their clothing, makeup, and hair.
- Sewing lessons can provide insight into garment construction and how fabrics work together to create a cohesive look.
- Psychology courses can help you understand and interpret your clients' emotions and behaviors, enabling you to boost their self-confidence.
- Fashion merchandising classes are also highly recommended for aspiring image consultants as they offer a deeper understanding of the fashion industry and trends.
Gain experience through related roles. While securing a position as an image consultant right off the bat may be difficult, there are plenty of opportunities in adjacent fields where you can gain essential experience. Positions like personal shopper or stylist at a department store, beauty consultant at a cosmetics counter, or hair stylist will allow you to hone valuable skills for your future career. Even working as a sales associate at a clothing store can provide useful insights into fashion and customer preferences.
- Many image consultants begin by working part-time, allowing them to generate a steady income while building a client base.
Building Your Image Consulting Business
Choose a niche.
A significant number of image consultants decide to focus on a specific service. For instance, you might specialize in fashion consulting, helping clients curate a stylish wardrobe while offering makeup and hair tips. Alternatively, you may concentrate on etiquette and communication skills, guiding clients to project a more confident and professional image. Another option is to provide a holistic approach, covering style, etiquette, and communication to help clients refine every aspect of their image.
- Additionally, you may decide to work with specific types of clients, such as job seekers, executives, beauty pageant contestants, singles, or cancer survivors.
- Some image consultants prefer working with corporate clients, providing advice on things like employee uniforms, effective communication, and body language for sales teams, as well as multicultural etiquette.
Establish strategic partnerships. While an image consultant needs expertise in fashion, makeup, and hair, you might not have all the skills necessary to implement some of the changes. For example, while you can suggest a new hair color and style, you may not be equipped to actually cut and color the hair yourself. This is where developing partnerships with professionals like makeup artists, hair stylists, and personal trainers can be extremely helpful. By referring your clients to trusted partners, you can offer a full range of services, and in return, these professionals may recommend you to their clients.
- You might also consider forming partnerships with dietitians, cosmetic surgeons, dentists, and vocal coaches.
- It's essential to collaborate with professionals whose work you genuinely trust, so aim to partner with individuals you’ve personally worked with or have had positive experiences with. For instance, if a particular hair stylist has always delivered excellent results for you, ask if they’d like to collaborate on projects.
Provide complimentary makeovers. To build credibility and gain experience in working with clients, offer free makeovers to friends and family. For example, if a friend is attending a school reunion, help her pick out new clothes and give her hair and makeup tips. Be sure to take before-and-after photos of your work to showcase your skills.
- If you don't have enough friends or family interested in a makeover, try offering your services to local charities, such as shelters, where people may need assistance preparing for job interviews.
EXPERT ADVICE
Alena Le Blanc
Personal Stylist
Personal Stylist
Style is more than just looks. Fashion professionals begin by evaluating their clients' existing wardrobes to help them align what they already own with their desired image. Teach your clients about fabrics and garment construction, guiding them toward investing in durable clothing. Encourage them to try out new styles and experiment with unique looks that express their individuality.
Attracting Clients
Build a portfolio. Prospective clients won’t just take your word for it when you claim you can help improve their image; they’ll want to see evidence. That’s why having a portfolio showcasing your successful makeovers is essential when trying to attract clients. Even if your makeovers were free, before-and-after photos will give potential clients a clear idea of the results they can expect.
- Ensure that your portfolio features high-quality photos. If possible, use a digital camera instead of your phone to capture the images.
- Lighting matters in your photos—good lighting helps your clients see the full details of your work.
- It's smart to have both a physical portfolio for in-person meetings and a digital version you can email to clients who may prefer not to meet face-to-face just yet.
Get certified. While certification isn't mandatory, obtaining certification as an image consultant can provide credibility and make potential clients feel more confident in your expertise. The Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) offers certification that demonstrates you have reached a certain level of knowledge in the field and are committed to staying current with trends. Certification allows you to use the “AICI CIC” designation on your resume, business cards, website, and other promotional materials.
- To earn AICI certification, you'll need to submit a portfolio that includes client feedback and proof of at least 30 hours of experience in the image industry, along with other necessary documentation.
- You’ll also have to pass the AICI CIC Exam, which tests your proficiency in various image-related topics.
Create a website and social media profiles. Having an online presence is essential for any business, especially since most potential clients will search online before contacting you. Develop a website that includes your contact details, portfolio, biography, and client testimonials (if available). Don’t forget to establish social media accounts on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to further promote your image consulting services.
- Starting a blog about image consultancy can also be beneficial. It positions you as an expert and helps attract a wider audience.
Design business cards. While many people search for services online, word-of-mouth referrals are still important. That’s why business cards are valuable tools for networking and connecting with potential clients. You might meet new prospects at your current job, so it’s useful to carry cards with all your contact information. Be sure to distribute cards to your strategic partners as well, so they can pass them along to potential clients.
- Don’t forget to include your website and social media profiles on the cards, so clients can easily find you online.
EXPERT INSIGHT
Alena Le Blanc
Personal Stylist
Personal Stylist
Get to know your client’s needs before starting the consultation. I always start by scheduling a 30-minute introductory call with new clients to understand their preferences. I ask about their lifestyle, their previous experiences with stylists, and their budget, as well as any body shape or sizing challenges they may have.
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Stay up-to-date with the latest fashion trends by reading magazines, newspapers, and following runway shows.
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Being an image consultant requires the right personality. You should be outgoing, enjoy helping others, communicate effectively, and have a passion for fashion and style.
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Building a steady client base takes time. Patience is key, which is why it’s often a good idea to start part-time before going full-time in your image consultancy business.
