Navigating the prospects of getting a colour analysis

Colour analysis was not really an invention, but rather a discovery. An invention can hold claims of patents, copyrights and trademarks, but a discovery is an organic unearthing that can happen anywhere and by anyone, and there are no claims or entitlements held to it. And here lies the problem. Colour analysis is a niche market, but it’s an unregulated market. Everybody is an, ‘expert’.

Here are 4 points to help you to navigate the prospects of getting a Colour analysis.

1. There are quite a number of ‘systems’ of colour analysis, as they’re known, that different colour analysts use. The word ‘systems’, basically refers to the number of colour palettes the analysts offers, whereby you would fit into one. There is the ‘4 season system’ (where you could fit into one of the 4 seasons), the ’12 season system’ (where you could fit into one of the 12 seasons), the 16 season system’ (where you could fit into one of the 16 seasons) and the 22/23 season system (where you could fit into one of the 22/23 seasons). These are the most common colour analysis systems and derive from colour theory which began around about the 1920s. These are solid systems with a lot of history and principles and they work towards the same goal of putting you into the palette that harmonises best with your colouring. The 12, 16 and 22/23 seasonal systems, all derive from the 4 seasonal system. These are the traditional systems of colour analysis. In all these systems, everyone fits into one of the 4 seasons, however, the theory is, you could be further analysed more specifically if you wished. It is understood that you will look good in all your seasonal colours, but within that seasonal palette, there is a sweet spot. The 12, 16 and 22/23 systems were designed to get you to that sweet spot where you will look great rather than simply, good. They are all good systems. Which system is right for you? Keep a lookout for my next blog.

   
   

   There are other colour analysis systems out there which I’m sure have the same goal, however, they are not derived so much from colour theory and history, but rather, subjective personal inventions. These systems are usually recognisable as they tend to have a collection of different names for each palette that doesn’t particularly align with the seasons (winter, spring, summer, autumn). This is not to say they are wrong or lack integrity, they just don’t have the foundations nor particularly, the principles and history that the above systems do. As they say, If it aint broke …

2. Keep in mind that there are such a thing as, ‘colour analysis trainers’, who teach the 4, 12, 16 and 22/23 colour analysis systems and issue certifications for those undergoing their training. Other systems I have noticed offer training for their systems too. So, a colour analyst can hold some qualifications and I believe this to be very important. I have found that those trainers who have been around a long time and who use the 4, 12,16 and 22/23 colour analysis systems, are very seasoned experienced colour analysts who have been colour analysing since the 60s, 70s and 80s, and I suggest are more qualified to train people in this field. My point here is, look for those colour analysts that have a qualification. Many do not. The colour analysis world can resemble the wild west at times.

   So, I would suggest making sure the colour analyst you’re considering, lists their qualifications on their website or social media account. Then, have a look at the institution where they’ve trained and the background of the trainer at that institution and see what you think.

   Not to discredit colour analysis trainers, but they do tend to sell their colour analysis tools not only to their students, but also the general public. This unfortunately has brought disrepute to the industry as there are many out there who have bought the tools and claim they are an expert in the field. They have zero experience and training and it is often found that they misdiagnose clients forcing these clients to feel misplaced. Sadly, these clients find themselves having to fork out further payments for another analysis else-wear.
   

3. It is rare that you cannot see the positive results from the colour palette that you are put in from a colour analysis. It is quite obvious or it should obvious. If you have had an analysis before and you don’t feel it reflects you or your harmony or it even feels a bit, ‘off’, it is highly possible that you were misdiagnosed.
   

4. I think you always get more out of someone that you, ‘vibe’ with, rather than someone that you don’t. Of the colour analysts that you are considering, have a look at their website and their social media accounts and gauge them that way (unless you want to contact them). Do they have too much energy for you or not enough energy for you? Are they your kind of people, or not etc. Finding the right fit is important.