Choose Your Color Analysis Certification

We break down how to choose a color analysis certification based on your goals, learning style, and the kind of business you actually want to build. We share the factors that matter most so you do not get swayed by flashy marketing or a big following. 

• shifting the question from “best certification” to “best for me” 
• clarifying your goals for a color analysis business versus adding it to image consulting 
• thinking through in-person draping compared with virtual color analysis 
• comparing seasonal color analysis systems and how system depth changes results 
• checking how training is delivered and whether you get real feedback 
• planning for post-certification reality like pricing, marketing, and client experience 
• estimating the true investment including tools, travel, lighting, and software 
• choosing a philosophy that matches how you want to work 
• building community with other analysts for long-term support 
• using a structured comparison to make a grounded decision 

Color Certification Compass helps you compare your options before you invest. 

Transcript

Welcome Back And Big Choice

SPEAKER_00 0:01

Hello, and welcome back to Business of Color Analysis podcast. Today I want to talk about one of the biggest decisions you'll make if you want to become a color analyst or add color analysis to your image consulting business, and that is choosing your certification. And I know this can feel overwhelming because I have been there too. And there are so many options now. And I feel like there are new certifications popping up all the time. And sometimes I'm like, did this just come up in the last year? Like, where was this? And I keep like, as I've been doing research, and because I will talk a little bit later about how for the color certification compass, I um interviewed a whole bunch of color analysts and their experiences with the systems. But as I was researching them and figuring out, okay, which who do I want to interview? Like which systems do people want to know about? I found out found all of these little systems and certifications that I had no idea existed. So there are so many more than you probably even know about. So on top of that, there are different systems, different price points, different training styles, different seasonal methods, different tools, different levels of support, and very different business models that can be attached to each program. So if you're new to the industry, it can be really hard to know what

Ask The Right Certification Question

SPEAKER_00 1:30

actually matters. And a lot of people start by searching what is the best color analysis certification. But I think this can be the wrong question. And also people will look at what other famous color analysts, what certification they have done and do it based off that. But what they do might not be the right fit for you. And also what I found is they may use tools from that system, but they may not actually be trained by that system. And that those particular people, they just might be really good at marketing. So you might not want to follow everything they say, just saying. So a lot of people start by, like I said, searching the best color analysis certification. But a better question is what is the best certification for me, my goals, my learning style, and the type of business I want to build? Because there isn't one perfect answer for everyone. The right training for one person might not be the right training for someone

Match Training To Your Business

SPEAKER_00 2:35

else at all. Womp womp. Some people want a simple system that they can learn quickly. Others want something deeper and more detailed. Some want to focus on in-person draping. Other, other people just do virtual practice. Um, I will say as a side note, as a practicing color analyst, that you should focus first on doing in-person drapings and get really good at those before you start virtual. I personally am not the best at virtual, which is why I have Karen Brunger, who is the founder of the International Image Institute. She ghosts every single one of my virtual clients. And that is why my my um, you know, virtual sessions cost more, and that's why they take a couple weeks. But I want a very, very trained eye on it. And I I'm pretty sure that Karen is has looked at probably one of the most, she's probably like one of the top people that have done the most virtual color analysis um sessions out of anyone in the world. I think maybe the only person could be like Carol Brayle. But I mean, we're talking like she's on the top, she's seen so many people, she knows what she's doing. So I have my full trust in Karen because I fully trust myself when it comes to in-person color analysis, but virtual is a whole nother beast. So I just got off topic, but I do want to add that in. So some are adding color analysis to an existing style style, styling or image consulting business. And others want color analysis to be their full-time income. So, you know, it depends on what you're looking for. Some want to work with luxury clients, some want to do events, and some want some want to build an online presence and just create digital products. There's no like wrong way to do it, especially if you go on TikTok, you'll see there are color analysts on there who only do virtual, or some that only have, you know, digital products and they do not do color analysis. They just sell guides on makeup and nail polish and um, you know, the seasons, or maybe they just sell some tools for this for each season, like um I can't the the name of the company I can't think of, but they have these like clear little cards with the colors on them. Um, so you can shop and like it's basically a color swatch tool. But some people just want to do that, they don't want to offer in person. So though these are like important distinctions and and things to to think about. So um before you invest in anything, you need to get clear on what you really want because your goals really do shape which path makes the most sense for you. Because your training isn't just a random business expense. And I do think it's uh pretty affordable compared to other I think it's pretty affordable compared to other starting other businesses, but it is a big business expense when you think about the training and spending thousands on buying all of the tools. So it the your training shapes how you see color, how you analyze clients, how confident you feel, and the kind of experience you're able to create. Because especially when I talk about how you see color, different systems do different things and they'll put different colors in different categories. And so that is something to keep in mind. And usually the very first system that you do really does frame how you see color and how you see the seasons and also how you see clients. And like, you know, recently I was told I was muted, and in the system that I use, I am not muted at all. I am actually quite bright, but in that particular system, I am considered someone who is muted. So they're not necessarily wrong, it's just a different way of seeing it.

System Depth And Seasonal Frameworks

SPEAKER_00 6:32

So let me walk through the things I think you should actually be looking at. So the first is the system itself. What seasonal framework does the certification teach? Is it a four-season system, a 12-season system, a 16-season system, or something more detailed? I personally use 23, which is essentially the same as 16, but there are some more seasons in between each of those 16. And how do you understand the differences? So I am not saying one system is automatically better than another, but you need to understand what you're signing up for before you invest. A simpler system might feel more accessible, especially at the beginning, and a more detailed system that potentially might be more expensive too, might give you more nuance and precision with complex clients and might really like carry you through your career, where others you have to take multiple levels of of their training in order to get the same training you might do in just um like the the initial training when it comes to another season or sorry, system, not season. So what matters most is whether the system matches the kind of client experience you want to offer and the depth of result you want to be able to deliver. The second thing to look at is how the training is actually delivered. Is it in person? Is it online? Is it live? Pre-recorded? What about hands-on practice? Do you get to drape anyone in person? Do you get feedback on the draping? And if you get feedback, like is it good feedback? Or is it just like, good job? Correct. Not correct. You know, how much feedback do you get? Do you get to watch real color analysis sessions? And will someone actually be helping you train your eye? This matters so much because color analysis is a visual skill. My personal opinion on this is that it needs to be done in person, but some people aren't able to fly to wherever the training is in order to do that. And so virtual trainings are a better fit for them. So you can learn theory from a video or from a manual, and there are some fantastic videos and virtual training systems out there, but you do need to make sure that you see it with your eye, and you need to understand what's happening to someone's face when they're being draped. And part of this is making sure that you get plenty of practice in the very beginning so you can start understanding and seeing those nuances and training your eye. So you need to see harmony and undertone and contrast and how all of that comes together in a real person. That takes practice and feedback. So I would pay really close attention to how much support you'll have while you're learning, not just what content you'll receive.

Practice Feedback And Post Training Support

SPEAKER_00 9:36

The third thing, and this is one of one most people don't think about until they're already certified, is what happens after the training ends, because you get certified and then you realize you have to actually build a business, and it's not easy. I'll say that frankly. Like it gets complicated when you start getting into it and you have to make all these decisions and pick systems and you brand yourself and the marketing and the social media. And then it's like, what if you have a client that you're stuck on and you're not sure about? What do you do? You need some support. So once you get certified, you need to price your services, create your client experience, find clients, make content, explain what you do, set up booking, and build trust with a completely new audience. And that is a totally, totally different skill set from the technical side of color analysis. So ask yourself when you're comparing programs, do they include any business support? Do they help with marketing? Like, for example, do they have a I've had clients who have told me they've found me on the International Image Institute has a directory. And so, like, even something that may seem simple as that has really, you know, brought in some clients for me and given me um more credibility. So um, do the does the certification company, do they give you templates or resources that you can use with clients? Is there a community? Like, is there a Facebook group? Do they have any support calls? Like, what happens afterwards? And also I will say it is important when you go to the training or whether it's virtual or in person, that you trade phone numbers and social media accounts and start following the other people you're training with because you are in this together and you are with them and you're all starting from scratch, and you're not gonna most likely you'll be in different parts of the world and you're not competing directly with each other. So definitely build your community as much as possible. And I will say that I got home from uh Scottsdale a few weeks ago where we did a color analysis retreat, and that was really fantastic because I was able to meet so many people that I, well, not meet, see again so many people that I went to training with, and we kept in touch, and then we put together this retreat, and it was just a fabulous few days of fun. We did lots of workshops and education, and we also um did some live draping. I learned so much and really deepened and enriched those relationships, and so we will be doing another one this uh fall. We're still figuring out the dates and um the location, but we will definitely be doing another because it went so so well. All right, I was scrolling through my notes and I got off track. So let me find my spot. So do do do do do do do some programs are technically excellent, but don't offer much on the business side. Others have strong business guidance, but might not be the right fit for the system you want to learn. Knowing what you're getting on both fronts really

The Real Cost Of Getting Started

SPEAKER_00 13:06

matters. And the fourth thing is the true investment. And I don't just mean the price tag on the certification itself, I mean the full cost of getting started. So will you need to travel? Will you need to buy drapes, lighting, swatches, or an app? Will you need a website, booking, software, or printed materials? Will you need insurance or additional mentorship? I think you need pretty much all of those things as a side note. So a certification might look affordable at first and then end up being a much bigger investment once you factor in everything you need to actually serve clients. That's not a reason to avoid it. I do think color analysis as a general business is very affordable compared to some other businesses you could potentially start. It's just something that you need to know going in so you can plan for it properly.

Philosophy And Long Term Vision

SPEAKER_00 13:54

And the fifth thing is the philosophy behind the training. Every certification program has a different point of view. Some are more traditional, some more modern, some prioritize precisions, sometimes are some are a little bit like have more gray area, and it's just like maybe like, for example, a tonal system, and or maybe it's a little bit more accessible and just a little simpler. So some are deeply connected to styling or image consulting, and others are more focused on just color analysis as a standalone service. So some are also very strict about their method, while others offer more flexibility and want you to use your intuition a bit more. So you want to choose something that actually feels aligned with the way you want to work because you're not just buying information, you're stepping into a way of thinking about color, and that is going to shape every client interaction you have. And six, I'd encourage you to think about your long-term vision. This is where I see people get stuck. So they choose what's appealing right now or potentially cheaper, and they don't think about where they want to be in a year or two or five. So, do you want this to be a site business or do you want this to be your full income? Do you want to work locally, virtually, both? Do you want to eventually teach other analysts? Some have trainer programs. Do you want to build a luxury brand? Do you want it to be more affordable and do more volume? So, do you want to also combine color analysis with styling, makeup, hair color, or personal branding? Your answers to these questions should genuinely influence your decision because different certifications can support very different business paths.

Do Not Follow Flashy Marketing

SPEAKER_00 15:37

I also want to say something that might feel obvious, but I think is really worth naming. Do not choose a certification just because someone on Instagram looks successful. There, I said it. Beautiful branding and a large audience do not automatically mean their training is the best fit for you. On the flip side, a program might not have flashy marketing and still offer excellent training. So you have to look beyond the sales page sometimes, especially because some of these programs are a little, I don't want to say outdated because I don't think the programs themselves are, but the marketing certainly is sometimes. So you have to understand what's actually included, how you learn, what kind of support there is, and whether it genuinely matches

Inside The Color Certification Compass

SPEAKER_00 16:27

your goals. So all of this is why I created the color certification compass. And it is not a certification itself, it is a guide to help you compare your options before you invest. Because I know how confusing this research phase can feel. And every program's website is designed to make that program sound like the obvious choice. And of course it is, right? So that's where sales pages, that's what sales pages do. But when you're the one trying to make a real decision, it's incredibly hard to compare things clearly. So Color Certification Compass helps you look at the bigger picture so you can understand different training options, what they include, who they might be a good fit for, and what you really need to think about before committing. Because the goal isn't just to get certified. The goal is to choose a path that leaves you feeling confident, supported, and genuinely prepared to serve real clients. And I want to end this because I think it's something people I want to end with this because I think you need to hear it. Getting certified is important, but it's not necessarily the finish line. It is the beginning. And after certification, you still need to practice. You gotta build up that confidence. You need to learn how to explain your results in a way that resonates with clients, and you need to like perfect your client journey. So you gotta get comfortable with the whole process after you get certified. And you're gonna have to market yourself and build your business and keep on learning as you grow. So that is all completely normal. Um, I will say when you go into it, like the certification may not cover every single base. And I have gone to now um I redid the mastery at the International Image Institute. I'm also going to their advanced training that they are launching for the very first time. I think I'm that's in September. I'm really excited about that. But keep that in mind that you know, any training that you choose probably is going to still leave you a little bit more like, oh, I need a little bit, a little bit more um more training or more support. So not every, not, not like the the whatever certification you choose may not fulfill your needs 100%. I just want to say that. So you do not need to know everything on day one, but the training you choose can either give you a really strong foundation or leave you feeling like you're piecing everything together alone. And that difference matters more than people realize when they are just starting out. So before you invest, I want you to sit with a few honest questions. What kind of color analyst or image consultant do you want, do I want to become? What kind of clients do I want to serve? How detailed do I want my system to be? How much feedback will I receive during training? Will there be support after it's over? What tools will I actually need to buy? What is the full investment, not just the sticker price? Does this training match my long-term vision? And does this program genuinely feel aligned with the way I want to work with clients? Those questions will help you slow down and make a more grounded decision instead of reacting to good marketing. So choosing a certification is a real investment of money, time, and energy. You already know this. I've been yapping about it for a while. It can shape the entire direction of your business. So don't rush it. Don't choose based on who has the prettiest website or the biggest following. Don't choose based only on price, or just because someone you respect pick that program, choose based on your goals, your values, your learning style, and the business you actually want to build. Because the right training should give you a strong foundation. And when you have that foundation, you can grow with so much clarity and confidence, and you're gonna be so much more successful. And it totally makes it all worth it.

Anonymous Analyst Interviews And First 90 Days

SPEAKER_00 20:28

So I, of course, cover everything in the color certification compass that you need to take into account when you're picking your certification. And then I also interviewed um 10, I think it's actually 12. I can't remember if it's 10 or 12 different um color analysts and got their honest feedback. It was completely anonymous, and I paid them for their time and expertise. And that is all synthesized and put into the course. Like all the things you really want to ask and know, and the things that maybe they tell you in person, but won't put in writing. Those are all of the details that I got and then put into the course. Because when I started, I was like, there's very little to no info out there about the certification system. So you're welcome. I did all the work for you because I just saw that this did not exist in the color analysis industry, and I felt so strongly that it needed to be created, and it is my little baby. And as time goes on, I actually have um one more person that I am going to be interviewing, and I'm gonna add that particular system, uh, the I think it's called Biferiol system, to the course. And then if I get any more requests about different systems that people want me to add, I will absolutely include it. And also something that I Added as a bonus that someone told me the other day they felt that the just this module, the bonus module, was worth all of their money. It is what to do in the first 90 days as a color analyst. This is like, you know, what you should be focusing on because when you get started, there is so much to focus on, and you're kind of like squirrel brain, you're all over the place. You don't know what you should actually be focusing on. And so I cover this. And it's not necessarily just if you're brand new. I think this is gold information. It's a pure gold that you can use wherever you are in your color analysis journey.

Final Questions And Farewell

SPEAKER_00 22:38

So thank you so, so much for being here today. I appreciate you listening to everything. Thank you for being here, and I will see you on the next episode.