how do I become an image consultant?

Dec 26, 2012

Penelope W.

im about to start cosmetology school but I also have a passion for makeup and fashion....what should I do to pursue all 3?

Dec 26, 2012

Shelley W.

Image consulting is a very detailed field. It encompasses everything having to do with an individuals exterior appearance and right down to table manners and proper speech. I had to hire one for a client and I was amazed by the wealth of knowledge she acquired over the years to become what she is now.....an awesome image consultant. That being said I would start with immersing yourself in finding out exactly what it is you want to focus on regarding image consulting. You have those who are full service consultants, corporate image consultants who instruct individuals on how to properly address business partners from different countries and proper corporate dress and then you have just strictly fashion image consultants who bssically assist with clothing and accessory selection. I must say that the image consulting field is nothing like it was 10 years ago when big budgets were the norm. I know I stopped hiring them for clients years ago because now many department stores offer the same services for free (Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue......even Macys). If you want to get into fashion I highly suggest looking into the stylist field where you have the opportunity to work on movie/tv sets. Plus, it will tie in perfectly with your goals in cosmetology school. Definitely educate yourself about the different fashion time periods....its all about education. I could go on and on but then this thread would be a book. ;) 

Jan 6, 2013

Janice R.

Hi Penelope! I am a Certified Image Consultant in NY and I definitely think image consulting would be a great career for you if you are passionate about style and beauty. Your cosmetology license will definitely help, too, if you decide to become an image consultant because it would mean that you can provide beauty services directly to the client.

The great thing about image consulting is that you get to decide what services you want to provide- there's no such thing as a "cookie cutter" image consultant. If you want to provide hair styling and makeup services as an image consultant, you can! You can "specialize" in certain services, too, like body language, etiquette, media, etc. An image consultant can provide any consulting services related to improving the image or appearance of a person or company.

There are many different types of image consultants. Some are corporate image consultants and help entire companies maintain a certain image. Others, like me, are personal image consultants. We help individual people look their best and project their ideal image. (Basically, I help people look amazing!) I work with clients on everything related to their appearance, from shopping for makeup and skincare products to suggesting clothes that flatter their bodies the best and make them look stylish. I also provide Personal Shopping, Online Outfit Planning and Virtual Styling, Closet Curating, Personal Makeup Lessons, Beauty Makeovers, Style Makeovers, and recommend cosmetic procedures.

If you do decide to become an image consultant, I highly recommend FIT's online program if you live outside of Manhattan (otherwise you can go to FIT in person for classes). You can find out more about their program here: http://www.fitnyc.edu/3188.asp

Good luck and please feel free to contact me if you have any more questions about image consulting! :)

Best regards,
Janice Romero
janice@evolve-image.com