Image consultants help their clients develop and project their best appearance through grooming, clothing selection, and, in many cases, training in etiquette and self-presentation. It is a job ideally suited for someone who is a people person and has an eye for fashion and style.
The demand for consulting has risen dramatically, and it is no longer exclusively for the rich and famous. Thanks in large part to social media, new opportunities have developed, and the field is wide open for highly qualified consultants.
If you’re interested in becoming an image consultant, this is all good news for you! The timing has never been better to begin your training.
The History of Image Consulting
The image consulting industry was birthed in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Previously, “image consulting” for the general public was unknown. Principles of attire and demeanor were only taught at fashion, modeling, and finishing schools, and only people in the public eye were likely to hire a consultant or receive a makeover.
In 1975, John Molloy’s landmark book, “Dress for Success” came out; seasonal color theories, originally developed in the 1950s, re-ignited; and the entire movement gained momentum.
As more women entered the workforce in the 1980s, they realized they were competing in a man’s world and recognized the importance of appearance for their success.
In the 1990s, high-tech companies adopted a more relaxed approach in dress, and “business casual” was born. However, employers soon began to see “business casual” degenerate to “anything goes”, so they employed consulting to re-introduce dress codes and standards.
Today, the definition of image consulting has expanded far beyond makeup, wardrobe, and hair makeovers to include:
- Body language
- Behavior
- Presentation
- Civility and etiquette
- Personal branding
- Communication
- Interview skills
Steps to Become an Image Consultant
Want to know how to become a consultant? Getting your start in the field can seem difficult because there isn’t an established career path for the position. However, training is available that can set you up for success in the industry if you’re willing to put in the work.
Step 1: Get Training
While formal consultant training isn’t necessary, it’s often valuable, especially if a person wants to earn professional certification. At the London Image Institute, we offer guidance to our students throughout their training and career, with an ongoing support system that ensures success.
You will learn to use your natural talents to transform people from the inside out. We’ll help you design your consultations and workshops and give you the skills to start a successful consulting business.
We provide consulting courses for all levels, with partners and strategic alliances worldwide to give you the most effective consultant training, relevant to your local market.
Step 2: Get Certified
The Association for Image Consultants International (AICI) offers three certification levels for professional consultants. The First Level Certification is for those who have passed the AICI’s certification exam, demonstrating knowledge of the core aspects of appearance development as well as appropriate business management skills.
The London Image Institute is an authorized Image Consultant Training expert under the AICI. All courses will give you certification and will prepare you with the skills to take AICI’s First Level of the Certification examination.
Being certified as a consultant can give you credibility that makes prospective clients feel more comfortable. The AICI certification informs clients that you have achieved a certain level of knowledge in the field and are committed to staying on top of new trends and developments. Becoming certified means that you can include the “AICI CIC” designation after your name on your resume, website, business cards, and other promotional materials.
Step 3: Build a Business
Entry-level consultants who want to develop their businesses have a few options. Some consultants work for apparel shops as personal shoppers to gain experience in helping clients with selecting clothing. Others attract private clients by offering seminars and classes on business etiquette, appearance, and personal presence.
Successful consultants who advance within their industry keep current of new styles and trends by reading industry publications and journals.
Choose a Specialty
You may choose to focus on etiquette and communication skills to help clients project a more confident, polished appearance. You could decide to specialize in fashion and style consulting and help clients build a flattering wardrobe, as well as provide makeup and hair tips. Or, you may prefer to advise on all facets of a person’s appearance, providing style, etiquette, and communications assistance to help individuals become the complete package.
Develop Strategic Partnerships
While a consultant needs to know about fashion and other image-related topics, you may not have the necessary skills to help your clients make changes. For example, you might be able to help a client choose a new hair color and style, but you may not have the training to do the cut and colorwork.
Build your network and develop partnerships with people in other professions whose skills you trust and can refer your clients to, like:
- hairstylists
- makeup artists
- personal trainers
- hairstylists
- dietitians
- vocal coaches
In turn, these partners can recommend you to individuals who are interested in a complete makeover.
Offer Free Makeovers
You need experience working with individuals to convince clients that you’re qualified to help them. Start by offering friends and family free makeovers and be sure to take before and after photos.
Create a Portfolio
Prospective clients what to see what kind of work you do so they’ll trust you to help them, too. Even if you’ve only given free makeovers, before and after photos show potential clients what kind of results they can expect.
Create a Website & Professional Social Media Accounts
When it comes to starting any kind of business, an online presence is a must, as most prospective clients will begin their search online. Add a blog page that focuses on consultancy issues and tips will make you seem like an authority in the field. Establish Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media accounts to help promote your consultancy business.
Create Business Cards
Some connections are still made by word of mouth, so it’s a good idea to have business cards that you can pass out to potential clients. Give some cards to your strategic partners, so they can also hand them out.
Final Thoughts on Consulting Careers
If you’ve been thinking about a career as a consultant, now is the time. You can help others transform their looks, understand color psychology, transform their demeanor, and their lives.
We will help you learn everything you need and support you every step of the way, even after you’ve graduated and earned your certification to become a consultant.
Learn from the best. The London Image Institute will help you to create your own special look that will turn heads and give you the self-confidence you need to succeed.
Call us today at (404) 255-0009.
