Colour analysis is a method of showing ladies and gentlemen the best colours for them to make them look fabulous, wonderful, healthy, able and efficient so that they can get what they want.
93% of a first impression has absolutely nothing to do with what you say; it's all about how you look and behave. If you look good on the outside, then people assume that the inside matches the outward appearance. You will be able to advise clients how to:
- Get the job
- Get the man
- Get what they want
Because - what you wear tells people how to treat you
Colour Theory
Understanding basic colour theory is fundamental to you being able to analyse correctly and confidently. Many training courses look at the well-established seasonal approach (Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter). Others concentrate on the more recently-introduced tonal approach (Cool, Warm, Bright, Soft/muted, Deep and Light).
Improvability courses look at both and work out which one suits your learning method and personality best, or whether you might prefer to combine the two. NB. The actual words you use for these types are totally up for discussion so don't let that put you off. There are so many ways of diagnosing colour directions - let’s find the one what works for you.
Put the Client First
From my own experience, I don't personally think that everyone can neatly be put into the four seasonal boxes; neither do I think that the six tones work for everyone. For instance, I am absolutely seasonal and the tonal approach doesn't cater for me at all, but my mother has never been comfortable with her seasonal diagnosis and heaved a huge sigh of relief when I showed her that her tonal direction allowed her to wear the colours that really suit HER.
You might decide that one method works perfectly well for you or you might prefer to work with both - why not find out for yourself?
Colour Is Subjective
And, in any case, there is no right or wrong in the world of colour. There isn't a scientist in the world who can categorically prove that you and I are seeing the same shade of any colour! Colour is subjective and anyone who tells you otherwise should be ignored - or put into the stocks on the village green and have rotten tomatoes thrown at them for being so arrogant!
What Colour Analysis Isn't!
This is NOT about:
- the wallets
- the drapes
- your technique
- whether you get it right or wrong (and I can show you a way to get it right with or without the drapes!)
Too many colour consultants get caught up in the detail of which drapes to use and which wallets to supply to their clients. In my opinion, the wallets are a pain in the proverbial and should very probably be banned.
Image consultants for too many years have confused their clients with too many drapes, delivered their diagnosis, slapped a wallet in their hand, and sent them on their way, never to be seen again. No wonder clients get totally hung up about their colours and misuse the wallets when they're not being shown how to use the darned things. Have you seen my video on how to use the wallets?
- The swatches are NOT meant to be matched. Unless you are going to buy three yards of fabric from the manufacturers, you are NEVER going to find the exact same shade in the shops.
- The wallets are meant to give an overall impression of the colours for each of the 4 seasons (or the 6 tones), and each client should be shown how to use the wallet properly. After all, we can't pin down poor Esmeralda to a measly 18, 30 or 45 colours for the rest of her life...
- The contents of the wallet are meant to be a guide:
- Does what you're about to buy live, breathe and look great alongside the colours in your wallet? No? Then don't buy it.
- If what you are contemplating buying looks lovely alongside the contents of the wallet, then it will also look lovely on you.
- The proof? Your client should be able to buy her mother or mother-in-law a duplicate of her own wallet for Mum to use 2000 miles away. Mum should still manage to buy her daughter something that she'll look good in. They will be immensely relieved when it completely cuts out those perfectly hideous Christmas and birthday presents in vile colours that they used to receive.
This is just my opinion (and you can throw this to the 4 winds if you want to) but I think the wallets are a pain because too many consultants use them as the fulcrum for the rest of the consultation; they use their props like a safety blanket. As long as they're brandishing a drape in their hands, they feel like an image consultant. This is not professional. Instead of investing their energy into making their client feel a million dollars (and that has to be different for each client), they seem to derive some short-term satisfaction from churning out the same old facts to all and sundry.
I advise my clients on what suits THEM as an individual, not to wear everything that's in the wallet, and I will show you exactly how to do this.
There have been 3 occasions when I have absolutely refused to sell a wallet to a client on her first visit - because I could see that those particular ladies just weren't taking in how to use the wallet. Often a lady will be so excited by her 'diagnosis' that she will only listen to the last thing she hears in her consultation - all the more reason to keep the amount of information short, snappy and useful.
People who are primarily digital or auditory aren't interested in the contents of the wallet anyway. Digitals need lots of detail and a set of rules; auditory learners need the words, so writing down just their best darkest and lightest neutrals, best accent colours, best colours for jewellery, hair, nails, etc. meets these needs far better than any wallet.
Image consulting does not have to be:
- A franchise
- Selling make-up by the bedroom-load
- Meeting sales targets
So What Is Image, Colour and Style Really About?
Confidence!
No-one comes to you just for colour and/or style. They're coming for confidence - the confidence to look good and feel better about themselves. Colour is just one of a number of tools to help them achieve their goals. It's about:
- building up your client's self-esteem and confidence
- creating a rapport with your client so that she trusts you and the advice you dispense
- feeding your soul
- your own satisfaction with a job well done!
