High School

In high school, take classes in theater and join the drama club. In the drama club you may have the opportunity to help apply makeup, select wardrobes, and learn about the emotional impact appearances can have. Art classes are also helpful to take, especially classes that teach color theory. Because many color analysts are business owners, you should take courses in business, accounting, mathematics, and marketing. Color analysts must be excellent communicators, so its important to take as many speech and English classes as possible. Learning a foreign language will increase the number of clients you can work with.

Postsecondary Training

There are no formal, standardized training programs for color analysts. One way to learn more about the field is to attend seminars or classes on color, fashion, training methods, and communications. A degree in liberal arts, with a major in education, is a plus for those working at the corporate level.

Color Me Beautiful has trainers who travel throughout the country. They offer people who wish to become consultants basic classes in skin care, makeup, and color analysis and advanced classes in such subjects as theory of style and presentation. Most classes take one or two days for a single topic; most working consultants take at least one new class each year. The four areas of business they cover are home-based business, kiosk owner, salon owner, and international training and marketing.

If you get to know a color analyst personally, you may be able to arrange an informal internship of your own. Some people begin their careers in this field by working as apprentices to other consultants.

Other Education or Training

The Association of Image Consultants International and Color Designers International offer continuing education opportunities at their conferences and in other settings. The Small Business Administration provides useful seminars on starting and operating a successful business. Contact these organizations for more information.

Certification or Licensing

Color Designers International offers several certification credentials to its members who meet experience requirements and pass an examination.

The Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) provides three levels of certification: certified image consultant, certified image professional, and certified image master. Although these certifications focus on the "big picture" of presenting oneself effectively (i.e., appearance, behavior, communication skills, etiquette, etc.), they are useful to help demonstrate to potential employers and provide the opportunity to expand your services to the field of image consulting. Contact the AICI for more information.

Color analysts who have their own companies may need to have a business license from their city, state, or another government entity.

Experience as an apprentice or intern is highly recommended. Contact color analysts in your area to see if they offer formal or informal apprenticeships.

A career as a color analyst is a great option for those who like to work with and help other people. An interest in fashion and style are also obviously very helpful. A general flair for art and design would prove useful. Analysts should be friendly, outgoing, supportive of others, able to offer constructive feedback, and open to change. Color analysts must be mature, poised, and professional to have credibility. To run a successful business, color analysts must have basic business and financial management skills, as well as the ability to effectively market their services.