Who Is An Image Consultant And What its Certification?

Who Is An Image Consultant? | Image Consultant Certification. An image of a person is much more than his physical appearance. It is the cumulative total of the way he talks and behaves. The price of working with an image consultant can vary dramatically depending upon the scope of work. 

Image Consulting is the profession of guiding, mentoring, educating and training people on managing their appearance-clothing, grooming and body language including etiquette to create positive and powerful first impressions to get more opportunities in life.

What Is An Image Consultant?

The term ‘image consultant’ refers to a person who helps his clients enhance their personal, professional, and social image. Image consulting focuses on the impact a person makes both personally and professionally. It combines psychology, marketing, and fashion to improve and manage an individual’s appearance, behavior, communication, and digital footprint. In addition, image consultants help their clients build strong visual and personal brands through a customized impression management strategy.

Types of Image Consultants

There are several types of image consultants. We shall discuss them here:

1. Corporate Executive and Image Consultants

These consultants predominantly work with clients in the corporate, executive, and business sectors. They ensure that executives and business professionals present a public image that creates the most favorable impression.

2. Leadership Training Consultants

The consultants in this category hold seminars, workshops, and training sessions for academic institutions, corporates, and other organizations.

3. Fashion and Wardrobe Consultants

They advise on the clothing styles, colors, designs, patterns, and accessories that make a person stand out from the crowd. Fashion and wardrobe consultants work with people or organizations to improve their appearance.

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What qualifications do you need to be an image consultant in UK?

There are no set entry qualifications. Some entrants may have a vocational qualification such as an NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications), a BTEC Diploma, a Higher National Diploma/Certificate (HND/HNC), a foundation degree or a degree. Useful subjects include business studies, beauty therapy, cosmetic science, sales and marketing.

Who Is an Image Consultant?

The price of working with an image consultant can vary dramatically depending upon the scope of work. He assists people from different walks of life to portray their desired image. This is done by working on the ABCDs of a person’s image;

• Communication. 
• Digital footprint.
• Appearance. 
• Behavior.

What Does an Image Consultant Do?

Everyone has different talents, intelligence, and plenty of potential. However, sometimes they might not be aware of it themselves. Image consultants help bring these latent talents to the surface and help individuals excel in life. Thus, it can be said that an image consultant enables you to become a better version of yourself. The tasks of an image consultant are pretty diverse. They could be anything from a laundry list that includes:

• Wardrobe edits
• Colour Analysis.
• Digital branding. 
• Photoshoots
• Style assessments
• Image Coaching
• Etiquette training.

Steps To Become An AICI Certified Image Consultant

1. Equipping yourself with suitable courses and attending workshops.

A background in beauty, merchandising, marketing, psychology or communication is often beneficial for pursuing a career in image consulting. These subjects arm you with the necessary skills to succeed in this field. Get awarded an AICI certificate and a certificate accredited by National Accreditation Board for Education and Training (NABET), a constituent board of Quality Council of India (QCI)

2. Gain Experience In Related Fields.

A person can work their way into image consultancy. For starters, they can take up stints in relevant positions such as: Sales associate in a clothing store, Hairstylist, Make-up consultant and Stylist at a departmental store.

3. Focus on Specialization.

If someone wants to become an image consultant, pursuing a specialization based on interests makes sense. If a person is adept at communication, he should offer his services based on that aspect of image consulting. He can also focus on the beauty, wardrobe, and fashion side of image consulting if that is his forte.

4. Developing a portfolio.

Making an impressive and eye-catching portfolio is an excellent way of attracting potential clients. You must have two different portfolios ready at all times: A digital portfolio that can be shared over mail and a physical portfolio for in-person meetings.

5. Networking

It would be best to consistently connect with experts in related industries such as media, event management, and photography. Networking is a great way to get tips from people who have done it or have a good experience.

Image Consultant Certifications

1. AICI Certified Image Professional (AICI CIP)

This valued certification builds your credibility as an experienced, professional image consultant, thereby helping you market your established image business. An AICI CIP will feel more competent, have more hands-on experience and, therefore, receive more business opportunities with this certification.

2. AICI Certified Image Consultant (AICI CIC)

At this level, AICI CIC certifies that you have achieved certain standards in the image consulting industry and that you keep abreast of current thinking and technical knowledge. Many consultants apply for the AICI CIC designation after they complete their initial image consulting training and start a business.

3. AICI Certified Image Master (AICI CIM)

This reflects the highest level of consultant in the industry. The applicant must have achieved the AICI CIP certification. The applicants need to demonstrate, with proof,

• 2000 hours per year of full-time work;
• an extensive Continuing Education record;
• a professional fee structure;
• a history of personal and professional achievements;
• original systems or developed work such as and not confined to books, booklets, teaching or training aids, and/or image products; professionally produced high-level products; a commitment to AICI and high-level participation on AICI or other boards; recognition by peers; and a recognized brand in the industry.

What is an image consultant used for and why Hire one?

There may be quite a few reasons why a person may look for the services of a certified image consultant. Reasons to Get an Image Consultant on Your Team are:

1. They Can Help A Person Choose The Right Outfits.

An image consultant can help a person in learning the art of style. Also, the right outfit elevates a person’s confidence, skills, competence, and maturity. 

2. Results In Improved Productivity.

A person might be talented, hardworking, and sincere. But he may not be achieving the desired career rewards, and one of the reasons for this could be a bad image at the workplace. So, a better image can make him feel good about himself. This results in an enhanced reputation in the eyes of co-workers and potential employers.

3. Creates An Impressive Presence In The Room.

Everyone wants to be a magnetic personality that draws all the attention, but only a handful manage to achieve that. An image consultant can work his magic and dramatically improve how an individual carries himself.

4. Better Communication

Many people are under the misconception that your technical skills and knowledge help you get far in life. In most cases, it comes down to the simple attributes of behavior and communication. After all, besides the appearance, these are the first things that everybody notices.

5. Do You Know the Formula for Extended Wearability?  

Don’t worry; most people don’t. The formula for extended wearability is called Cost Per Wear (CPW). Cost per wear equals the item’s price divided by the number of times you wear it. Ultimately it lets you know the value of an item directly related to how much you’ll use it.

6. Level Up Your Confidence

Working with a good image consultant builds confidence. Your confidence and well-being are intimately linked. It takes 1/10th of a second to make an impression, and once that first impression is set, it’s tough to change someone’s impression of you. When you’re feeling authentically confident, it’s easier for you to make a powerful and commanding impression.

7. Redefine and Customize Professional Wear

Working from home or remotely has redefined professional wear. Since casual Friday was introduced and the tech industry revolutionized the idea of “professional wear,” we’ve seen a trend toward a more relaxed workplace. However, unless you’re in an industry that requires a specific dress style, you must consider two things when putting a professional wardrobe together: your organizational culture and your personal brand.