Image Consulting FAQ

What is an image consultant?

According to the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI), an image consultant is a professional who provides services for individuals and corporations through coaching, presentations, seminars and workshops. An image consultant may specialize in any number of areas such as visual appearance, verbal and non-verbal behavior and communication.

What is the AICI?

The acronym, AICI, stands for: Association of Image Consultants International. This organization is the leading and largest professional association of personal and corporate image consultants worldwide. The AICI, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to advancing the level of professionalism and enhancing the recognition of image consultants.

Members of the AICI counsel both individual and corporate clients on appearance, behavior, communication skills, etiquette and international protocol. As experts in image consulting, the members guide clients to achieve their specific goals with authenticity, credibility and confidence.

What does it mean when “AICI FLC” is followed by the name of an image consultant?

According to the AICI, it means that the image consultant is a member of the AICI and has achieved the First Level Certification and designation (FLC). This certification means that the consultant keeps abreast of current thinking and knowledge in the field and is perceived by clients, colleagues and the media to have achieved a competent level of training and knowledge in the image field. This validates the image consultant as a professional, and it gives him/her enhanced credibility with clients, colleagues, and the public at large. Only 3 out of 10 consultants put in the time and effort necessary to earn this designation which certifies them as experts in the area. Visit www.aici.org for further information.

How does an image consultant know how to help me improve my image?

First of all, you will want to hire an image consultant with the proper training. Once you have selected a professional image consultant, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire and image profile to determine the goals you want to achieve. Following an assessment of this questionnaire, the consultant will arrange an in-person meeting to review your needs. Once this is accomplished, an analysis of your wardrobe will be conducted to ascertain which clothing pieces and accessories should be purchased to make the most of your wardrobe and expand the number of outfits and ultimately improve your image.

What services do image consultants offer?

Image consultants offer a number of services to enhance the client’s overall image, such as

• Image analysis - providing the client feedback on their overall image and helping them develop a new image.
• Wardrobe analysis - reviewing the client's current wardrobe, determining what should be discarded or purchased and coordinating outfits.
• Non-verbal communication - body language such as gestures, posture, and eye contact.
• Personal shopping - buying clothing or other items as needed for the client.
• Color analysis - advising the client which colors they should wear

Why should I hire an image consultant?

An image consultant will enable you to project a positive image which will empower you to be successful in your personal and professional life. An image consultant will show you how to enhance your personal style, accentuate your body attributes and camouflage your body flaws. An image consultant will show you how to dress for success and communicate effectively.

As president of a business, what can an image consultant do for my company?

Often companies have employees whose dress does not reflect your corporate image. There may also be employees with poor grooming habits, causing difficulty for your clients and other employees to interact with them. An image consultant will address and resolve these issues. This will dramatically improve the overall work ethic and corporate culture of your office.

Will an image consultant help me update my look in a cost-effective manner?

In today’s difficult economy, an image consultant will make the most of your wardrobe without spending your hard-earned money on new and trendy pieces each season. An image consultant will help determine which clothing pieces should remain in your closet and which ones should be discarded. You will learn how to mix and match to create more outfits with fewer pieces. You will learn the importance of accessorizing to seek new looks using the same clothing worn several days ago. You will discover how to update your look economically, learning that less clothing in your closet is more!

How long will it take before my image starts to improve? I am a mother of three, and I don't have the time to look stylish.

You should see immediate results after meeting with your image consultant. Your consultant will provide you with basic tips to improve your appearance based on your personality or personal style, your body silhouette, and your coloring (skin, eye, hair). You will learn how to incorporate new styles, shapes and colors that look best on you.

How will an image consultant help me find a job? I have recently graduated from college and need advice on how to make a good impression on job interviews.

The most important part of an interview is making a great first impression, and this must be accomplished in the first few seconds of your job interview. Although an image consultant cannot literally find you a job, we can teach you what attire to wear, how to look well-groomed and how to communicate in a business-like fashion.