A color consultant’s main job is to help clients choose the most flattering colors for them. This could be in the fields of interior design, cosmetology, wardrobe consulting, advertising, photography, or something else entirely. Some consultants work with professionals in a specific industry, while others teach color theory to a wide range of business and consumer clients. Color consultants use their knowledge of what moods different colors elicit, as well as other theoretical aspects, to determine the best hues for each application.
Color consultants for fast-food restaurant chains, for example, rarely use blue in decor schemes because it is associated with calmness and serenity. Blue is also not commonly thought to be an appetite-stimulating color. Orange, on the other hand, has been shown to make people feel both hungry and energized in studies. Orange or similar warm, energetic colors such as yellow or red are frequently used fast-food restaurants. Warm colors are usually the last ones a color consultant chooses for a spa environment; blues and greens, as well as white, are popular choices for such relaxing spaces.
Color consultants who teach training courses typically have sample cards with a variety of hues and ask participants how they feel when they look at different colors. They must either prepare course materials and handouts for the students or design the class as an online model. Participants in color courses frequently discover that they have certain shades of a color that they prefer and others that they dislike. Color consultants encourage people to use colors they enjoy in their daily lives. When working with a client to select colors for his or her home or business, a color consultant will pay close attention to the client’s preferences.
A consultant hired to help a client select the most flattering clothing or cosmetics will consider the client’s likes and dislikes, but will first look at the individual’s hair, eye, and skin undertones to determine the best colors. Color consultants use their understanding of warm, cool, and neutral skin tones to determine which hues are most flattering for each client. A color consultant may or may not recommend a few colors for a client to consider adding to his or her wardrobe because they look good on all skin tones.
Color consultants for advertising campaigns must choose colors that elicit the desired emotion in the target audience. On campaign projects, they frequently collaborate with graphic designers or art directors. Color consultants who work on international projects must be sensitive to cultural differences. For example, black may be appropriate for funeral-related advertising in one country, while red or white may be the best choice for connecting with the target market in another.