Image Makeover

Image consultants are responsible for changing a celebrity’s personality. They also dictate how the world looks at and adores him or her. Creating a public identity for public figures such as actors, singers, politicians and even models is an important aspect of image management. An image manager’s job involves advising them on every aspect of their personality, including dress code, statements to the press and public appearances - all aimed at changing the perception of their personality in the public domain.

Managing the image of an individual is all about ideating and creating a brand image for a celebrity so that he or she is able to address the right target group. The media plays an important role in building and maintaining that image. An image consultant’s job begins with identifying what image an individual or the personality needs to portray and to whom it needs to be communicated. The next step involves identifying the right communication medium and the tool.Also, once the image is built, the next step is to maintain it. This also involves handling negative publicity in a clever manner. 

Relationship management with the client, media, industry bodies, NGOs, celebrities and political parties are part and parcel of the job.Understanding of the industry environment panning across sectors to be able to advise clients is also very important. One has to be in sync with the changing market dynamics in the field of communications and develop the ability to network with a wide spectrum of people. It is also important to be a good salesperson to excel in this field.It is also essential to have excellent communication skills to be able to deal with the constant pressure of managing expectations from your clients as well as the media.

Skills needed:
.Communication skills (oral and written)
.Interpersonal skills
.Ability to multi-task
.Tactical and strategic planning
.Creative aptitude.Adaptability

Institutes providing the course:
.Xaviers Institute of Communication (XIC - Mumbai)        http://www.xaviercomm.org/home/default.htm 
.Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication (SIM- C), Pune       http://www.simc.edu/ 
.The Mudra Institute of Communication (MICA), Ahmedabad       http://www.mica-india.net/ 
.The North Point Centre of Learning, Khandala (Maharashtra)       http://www.northpointindia.com/