In the upcoming weeks, I will be posting a series of articles aimed to educate the public about different color analysis topics, including the Sci\ART™ 12-Tone system, what to look for in an analyst, and more, to give you insight about what we do and why.  

There is much confusion out on the web; and, unfortunately, some analysts have deviated from Sci\ART™’s core teachings, resulting in unhappy, perplexed clients. I have come to believe that the client needs an advocate who understands the industry and speaks from a position of theoretical expertise and long experience with more than one PCA method. 

In 1982, I had my colors analyzed by Color Me Beautiful. I was so interested in the differences between the colors in each of the four seasons that I wrote to the company and purchased the other three seasons and studied them. In 1995, I completed the CMAS training course and became an analyst that same year. I saw many clients over a nine-year period and was confident in my PCA skills.  

However, after a while, I began to be puzzled about why some people didn’t seem to be able to wear their colors as they should. I had a Summer who couldn’t wear the pinks, rose beiges, and several other colors very well. An Autumn client didn’t seem at home in her palette. It seemed too strong or bright. But I had no idea what was happening. 

I found Kathryn Kalisz, founder of Sci\ART™, in 2004, read her book, and realized this was what was missing – the neutral seasons. I flew to Connecticut to attend classes twice in 2005. During that time, Kathryn mentioned that she was looking to train instructors, so I trained with her for two sessions in 2006 and became her first certified trainer. 

Understanding the science and the neutral seasons, I finally saw what was amiss with my former clients. The woman who was a Summer was, in fact, a Soft Summer and needed her colors slightly warmed and muted. The Autumn woman was a Soft Autumn, needing to slightly cool and soften her colors. 

What wasn’t being taught with the earlier color systems, along many of today’s systems, was the “science” of color – how and why a color analysis works. There is so much that must be learned to adequately perform a PCA. Just a few things an analyst needs to know:

–  what color is, and isn’t.

–  how humans see and perceive color.

–  the 3 dimensions of color:  hue, value, and chroma.

–  the characteristics of each season’s colors as they relate to the other seasons.

– the visual effects that take place on a client’s face when comparing two colors and how to interpret them.

–  the importance of the drapes and in which order to use them.

–  how to harmonize palettes to fabric and cosmetics.

 

Due to the amount of information and knowledge it takes for this business, consumers can’t be expected to fully understand a topic, to know what questions should be asked, and to spot problems which often fly under the radar but are still very real problems. I would like to highlight the topics that have come to my attention and help readers make sense of jargon, know what matters, and know what they can expect from a great analysis. 

Whether you have had your colors analyzed or are considering having a PCA in the future, these articles should provide you with a more comprehensive understanding of what color analysis is and how it should be conducted. Armed with this knowledge, you will be better equipped to make the choices necessary for your draping experience to be a positive one. 

Some of the topics will be:

–  Stereotyping the Seasons – Helpful or Harmful?

–  What is Under My Overtone?

–  Clearing the Complexion – Of What?

–  What Makes Sci\ART™ Desirable?

–  What’s in a Drape?

–  Is the Analysis Environment Important?

–  How Long Should a PCA Take?

–  Why Interview a Potential Analyst?

–  Why Settle for Second Best?

–  Are There Universal Colors?

My first article should be ready to publish by the end of this week.

These articles are here to benefit YOU. So please feel free to email me with any questions you have or to submit ideas for future topics.

 

Colorfully yours,

Terry