Image Consultant

Image consultants help their clients to make the best of their own personal style and image. They explain, in detail, the colours and styles that will suit the individual's personal colouring and body shape. They also offer services such as wardrobe planning, personal shopping and advice on make-up.

Most image consultants work with private clients. The consultant explains which colours are most flattering to the client and demonstrates how to use them. The consultant also helps the client to identify the styles, fabrics and patterns that flatter the body line, face shape and proportions.

Some image consultants also work with corporate clients. Projects might include developing a new uniform or setting up or modifying a dress code.

Hours vary and some consultants work part time, especially when starting out. Most image consultants are self-employed and can choose whether to work from home or from a studio. They may travel to clients' homes and to companies' premises.

Initial earnings, whilst establishing a business, may be around £10,000 to £15,000. With an established reputation it is possible to earn £40,000 or more.

Image consultants should be:

• excellent communicators, able to relate to all types of client
• approachable, cheerful, encouraging, tactful
• imaginative, with an eye for detail
• knowledgeable about fashion, with a good sense for colour.

Some image consultants set up their own independent businesses. Others work under the umbrella of organisations like Colour Me Beautiful or First Impressions; they are self-employed, but receive business support from the parent organisation.

There are more than 300 members of the Federation of Image Consultants (TFIC), but there are also other consultants who do not belong to any professional organisation. Competition for work is keen.

For most entrants image consulting is a second career. Experience in health and beauty, fashion retailing, human resources or training and personal development is useful. A vocational qualification such as an NVQ, a BTEC Diploma, a Higher National Diploma/Certificate (HND/HNC), a foundation degree or a degree in a subject such as business studies, beauty therapy, cosmetic science, retailing or marketing can be useful. The Diploma in hair and beauty studies may also be relevant for this area of work.

The usual route in is to take a short course in image consultancy.

Progressing usually involves developing the business, for instance by breaking into the corporate market. Some consultants combine image consulting with related work, such as coaching, retailing or hairdressing. It is possible to work abroad.

Further details