How to Train to Become a Perfumist
Perfumists use chemistry, natural and synthetic compounds to come up with scents. They not only create fragrances, colognes and cosmetics, but they also make scents to mask the odors of various solutions, such as cleaning agents. Making a living creating scent blends can be enjoyable and lucrative, but you will need to undergo specialized training to succeed in the perfume industry.
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Instructions
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Assess whether you have the required skills and knowledge to become a perfumist. Some things, such as having a sensitive nose, cannot be learned. Having a strong sense of creativity is also important, since you will often be tasked with developing fragrances for specific clients.
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Memorize smells, which are called notes when combined to make a perfume. According to
Monique Schlienger, perfumist and owner of Cinquieme SensSome, novice perfumists need to know at least 400 fragrance notes. Some notes, such as lemon, vanilla, rose and cinnamon, will be very easy to remember, while others, such as oakmoss, mimosa and balsam, may be harder to recognize.
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Take as many chemistry classes in high school as you can. If you have already graduated, sign up for inorganic and organic chemistry courses at a local community college or university. You don't need a degree in this area, but you should be able to understand and use basic chemistry concepts.
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Enroll in a perfumist course from an institution such as the Natural Perfume Academy, Perfumers World, Tijon or Tortue Rouge.
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Study under a master perfumist as an apprentice. If you don't know any experienced perfumers, contact a perfumers association, such as the International Fragrance Association, British Fragrance Association or the American Society of Perfumers and ask whether it has an apprenticeship program or any members who are willing to take on apprentices.
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