If you want to work as a color consultant, you should get a strong foundation in either art or interior design. You should make sure that any program you apply to includes a course in color theory, and if you already have experience in this field, you might want to take a special course or seminar in color consulting and design. Once you’ve completed your education, you can start building a client list and collaborating with other designers in need of color advice. Joining a professional organization to help you become a color consultant is another option.
A strong background in art, design, and color theory, in particular, is one of the most important requirements for becoming a color consultant. Many colleges, universities, and art schools offer fine art or interior design programs that can help you prepare for a career as a color consultant. You should compare different programs and make sure that the one you choose includes color theory training to help you understand how color affects psychological and design factors. If you already have an art or design background, you could simply look for a school that offers a single color theory course.
You could also pursue specialized certification or take individual color consultation courses to become a color consultant. A variety of professionals offer these programs and seminars, which can help you learn more about color and working with clients. You should start building your business and finding clients once you have the necessary background and training to become a color consultant. You could look for other interior or architectural design firms that need a color consultant, or you could start your own design firm and offer color consultation to clients.
Joining a professional organization can also make it easier to become a color consultant. The International Association of Color Consultants (IACC), for example, has numerous branches and offices around the world and can provide you with a variety of training and membership options. While you are not required to join a professional organization in order to work as a color consultant, you may find that networking with other professionals can assist you in finding new clients or employers. These organizations frequently offer seminars and other forms of accreditation or certification to help you qualify as a color consultant and give you an edge over other designers.