To understand why image consultants are in demand you need to realize that an image consultant is an umbrella term for a job that is the sum of many parts.
Many people associate it with personal styling and being that person who stands out in the crowd. That is only a small, although important part of creating an image.
As well as makeup, the cut of clothes, and hairstyles. It also branches out into other fields such as the ones in the following list:
- Speaking (elocution).
- Health and Wellness
- Makeup for photo shoots.
- Office layout (FengShui).
- Weddings or arrangements for other functions.
- Corporate uniforms for branding.
These and more are all part of an Image consultant’s challenges.
No one consultant is likely to be able to cover all bases, so networking plays a big part in an image consultant’s career.
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The Reason Why Image Consultants are in Demand
Looking good is only the veneer of the work an image consultant does.
The main goal is to build confidence in the person whose image they are working with.
Not only to have them looking good but to unlock the voice within.
One person may need 3 specialists for an image makeover.
Wardrobe consultant, speech therapist, a personal trainer.
Think of political figures who undergo a makeover.
Or wanna-be politicians who want to project their best self ?onto an unsuspecting public.
It is not only politicians though.
The image consultant has to work from the old adage that first impressions count.
I am sure you have heard it. “The first 10-20 seconds of meeting someone is when people form an opinion as to whether or not they like you.”
This can apply to anyone though, not only politicians.
The image consultant has to combine the visual, communication, body language, and etiquette into one complete package.
They are really working from the ground up, starting with observation and evaluation of their potential client.
They then create an action plan and budget, which will no doubt include networking with others in specialized areas.
So, how much money can an image consultant make?
Salary Ranges for Professional Image Consultants
From my research, the salaries of professional image consultants in the United States as of 5th September 2022 is $58,230 per annum.
While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $206,500 and as low as $19,500, the majority of Image Consultant salaries currently range between $26,000 (25th percentile) to $59,500 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $148,000 annually across the United States. The average pay range for an Image Consultant varies greatly (by as much as $33,500), which suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay based on skill level, location and years of experience.
Zip Recruiter
So, not too shabby an income, and the future looks good as well.
However, there are those who make $30,000 a month!.
Obviously, they had to work at it, but as they say, if you’re doing what you love then you are not really working.
Of course, none of this can happen without some knowledge.
While some may have a flair for makeovers and attire selection, there is a lot more to this than meets the eye.
What Qualifications Should an Image Consult Have
There are no set education requirements to become an image consultant.
There are training programs available either online or in classroom-type settings.
However, many people come to this profession from a diverse range of fields.
From Hairdressers to people with degrees in business, behavioral sciences, counseling, and everything in between.
Probably the most important attribute is a passion for helping others with their image and understanding their needs and ambitions.
How to Become Qualified as an Image Consultant
Becoming qualified is no walk in the park, but nor is it like climbing Everest.
You need to have knowledge of:-
- Wardrobe consultations. Clothes their value, and the messages they send
- Communication
- How to evaluate a client. The questions you need to ask.
- Create an action plan and budget
- Networking and working with strategic partners.
- The skills needed to succeed in this competitive business.
Some colleges offering certificate courses tend to specialize in one or two areas of expertise.
One college that gives an overall grounding in its certificate course is the IAP Image Consulting course.
More about IAP
IAP courses and guides can be found in the library collections of many respected colleges and universities.
Their guides for courses ranging from Event Planning to Fashion Design have also been used in colleges and universities from California to Colorado to Connecticut.
The University of Texas and Columbia University, Wellesley College, and the Fashion Institute of Technology as well as in numerous public libraries in cities from Vancouver to New York.
As well as academic institutions such as George Mason University and Harper College in Chicago.
Plus, when you register with IAP you receive the applicable textbook at no extra cost
The IAP course can be done completely online at times suitable to you.
They also have an Advanced course on offer, should you want to progress your knowledge further and perhaps start your own business.
These have benefited many people throughout the world for more than 20 years.
There are other courses available, but sometimes the promises don’t always live up to the expectations.
All the best.
Michael.
