When we meet a person for the first time, we understand that person by image. Image effects a lot, because there is no basic knowledge of each other. In addition to this, impressions usually don’t change well. When we think about social life, image works in various ways and its effect is big. In this issue, CBT meets Kim Bo-bae, an image consultant who gives advice about image. - Ed.

Q: Why do you think image is important?
A: When there are two manufactured goods whose ability is same but design is different, people usually choose the more attractive things and tend to pay more money for them. In that degree, design influences a lot. Like design of products, image means the design of ourselves. Mental food like knowledge and character need time when it appeals to each other. Probably, it is different by situation, usually people judge another person by outside features. First, impressions could be changed through conversation, if a chance to meet again existed. However, it is different when we talk about job interviews. Job seekers show their own value at once. Like this, image is important because it can be a personal competive method.
Q: What does the image consultant do?
A: Image is taciturn language. Image is not words, but it reveals who a person is. Image consultants let customers know what image matches them well and realize those  changes. That is, we help customers show their talents by image. I feel proud and worthy when customers have confidence in themselves because of their changed style. However, still, this job has not been treated well by the social atmosphere. Little by little, more and more people have had interest in this.
Q: Please give CBNU students some advice.
A: Try to upgrade yourself by effort. This doesn’t mean that you have to do plastic surgery for more beautiful eyes, noses and lips. In fact, problems with image can be solved with effort. Don’t be chained to worry, and find your good points and bring them into relief. Many young people are bound to their body inferiority complex and this situation makes them lose confidence. Image affects not only other people but also ourselves internally. If you know yourself better and try to accomplish your goal, you become a swan like in the story of the ugly duckling.
However, there is a point we have to take care of. Don’t follow at another’s heel. Image is an expression of one’s self inside. Clearly, each person is different. Therefore, we differentiate oneself from another. You have an infinite future, do not stop in the present. Don’t stick to what is seen in the present and be depressed by that. Present image is not permanent. Build your own specific image and try your best, and then you are going to exhibit your value which is 10 times more than now.