Image Consultant
The Work
Image consultants advise individuals and companies on all aspects of personal impact
and appearance.
As an image consultant with a client base of private individuals you could advise on:
colour analysis
style analysis
choosing and applying make-up
wardrobe management
personal shopping
giving talks and making presentations.
With corporate clients you could also give advice on the following:
training workshops
formal talks and presentations
branding
audits
executive coaching
body language
etiquette
NLP (neuro-linguistic programming).
You would work with people from a variety of sectors, such as public and private
companies, politics, media and retail.
You could work with the media, contributing to television and radio programmes, and to
articles in the local, national and specialist press.
Entry Requirements
There are no set entry requirements, but you may find it useful to have experience in
areas like:
sales and marketing
consultancy
public relations
retail
fashion, hair and beauty therapy
recruitment and human resources
management
training and coaching.
You would usually set up your own image consultancy business after gaining relevant
experience and qualifications.
You can do degrees, BTEC HNCs/HNDs and foundation degree courses in a variety of
related areas, including beauty therapy, design, marketing and media communications. To
search for HNDs, foundation degrees and degrees, see the UCAS website. Entry
requirements for courses vary, so you should check with colleges and universities.
UCAS
See the Hairdressing and Beauty Industry Authority (HABIA) website for advice on
qualifications and career paths within the beauty industry. Please note that HABIA do not
provide courses and are not able to supply lists of course providers.
Developing a business can be a lengthy process - you would need to promote your
service through advertising and PR, network with local businesses and other groups, and
build up a reputation.
You can gain the basic knowledge and skills you will need to start consulting by
completing foundation training in fields such as style and body analysis, colour analysis,
personal shopping, wardrobe management & make-up application.
Training is available from a number of providers, some of which are recognised by the
International Federation of Image Consultants (IFIC) - see the IFIC website for details.
International Federation of Image Consultants
Hours
You would usually work from home, so would need to have a suitable office space.
Alternatively, you may travel to visit clients at home or at work. Your hours will be flexible,
depending on your client base, so could include evenings and weekends.
Skills and Knowledge
a natural flair for style and colour
an interest in working with people and helping to make a difference to their lives
good communication and 'people' skills
the ability to put clients at ease
tact and good listening skills
the ability to get clients to follow your advice
a positive and self-motivated approach
the ability to run your own business.
Training and Development
As an experienced consultant, you can gain accreditation at Associate or Master level
from the IFIC in conjunction with City and Guilds. As a Master image consultant you may
be awarded a Fellowship. It is not essential to have accreditation, but it is a way of
showing potential clients that your work meets industry standards.
Visit the IFIC website for details of recognised training providers (all private companies),
advice on choosing training, and the Masters Award.
You can also develop your skills and knowledge by attending IFIC seminars, workshops
and other events.
More Information
Federation of Image Professionals International
www.tfic.org.uk
Hairdressing and Beauty Industry Authority (HABIA)
www.habia.org
Opportunities
Almost all image consultants are self-employed. Some work for large agencies
(sometimes international), and specialise in a particular area of the work.
Income
Experienced image consultants with plenty of clients can expect to earn up to £30,000
a year.
Those in the corporate sector who are in demand, can earn in excess of £40,000.
Salaries depend on the area of activity in which consultants work, and on how successful
they are in building up a client base.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
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