My Journey with Color Consulting
My Journey with Color
Back in the 1980’s when having your colors done was very much in vogue, I started to see a number of different approaches to selecting those colors. Such as Beauty for all Seasons, Color Me Beautiful, Personal Style Counselors and the colors that were selected using paint chips. I knew very little about this budding profession, however what I noticed was the colors did not quite flow together. My husband had his colors done with the paint chips, some worked but many didn’t. Then I saw Suzanne’s color system, I didn’t know what she knew, but I knew she was on the right track, which distinguished her from all other color systems. Her approach was and is by far the most accurate system used today. Her work is now archived in Cornell University.
One day I decided to go and have my colors analysed by her, we had a day appointment but no time. It gave me the opportunity to watch her select the color swatches that captured the essence of her clients, it was magical. Then it was my turn, it was the most amazing experience. On arriving home my husband saw me walking up the drivieway with a big smile on my face. He said to me “you’ve found it haven’t you.” Yes I said but the course is $5,000.00, which I felt was way beyond our budget. We have four children and I only had a part time job selling Mary Kay Cosementic. Before I knew it, he got on the phone and signed me up for the course. That was the beginning of my journey. It opened up a whole new world to me. When my mother-in-law heard what I had done, she said “Naomi just puts on clothes, what is she doing taking this course.”
Whilst I was studying with Suzanne, one of her clients mentioned he was a student of Personology – the relationship between the facial structure and personality. He was looking for people to practice his newly found skills. Many of my friends rushed down to have their faces read, to me this seemed like a very Californian thing to do. I’m originally from England. After hearing their experience, I decided to secretly go down and get an assessment, I was blown away by the accuracy. I felt validated for the first time. No questions asked it was based solely on the structure of the face.
As a child I was fascinated by the shape of the face and wondered what made people different. My mother allowed gypsies to camp on our property and even fed them. I noticed their pronounced cheekbones, which was a trait they all had in common. This intrigued me so much that I would look at other people’s faces, I started to notice the difference. My parents told me to stop staring at people and that I was imagining things.
How you may ask does this relate to color analysis. After working in the color field for a few years, I began to see the patterns that can be seen in the palm of the hand, tips of fingers and slope of eyebrows. Also the skin tones that I painted. My first observation was that when I added yellow ochre to the skin tone I knew right away my client had German heritage. When I was teaching my color training program to a psychologist she said “Naomi, I believe much of what you have taught me to be very true, but the connection between the skin tone and heritatage, you have gone too far.” It wasn’t long before she was completely convinced what I shared with her was true.
The shape of the hands indicates the reds that people can wear.. For example, individuals with pointed fingertips, without exception, look good in blue based reds and pinks. Whereas individuals whose fingers tips are more square, for most part look better in yellow based reds. When the shape of the hand and fingers are more rounded, this is seen in the Summer, Spring and Winter coloring, you will never see this in people who look good in the Autumn colors. Whereas when the fingers tips and the hands are more square, these individuals look good in the Autumn colors. Also another pattern I have noticed is that when there is more head at the back of the head compared to the front, this trait is measured, these individuals look good in more toned reds, ethnic jewelry and will look good in scarves that have the older designs. They will enjoy history, visiting museums, also collecting antiques. I remember when I was speaking at an AICI conference I noticed an attendee in a very old red. I asked her to stand up and explained to the audience that she would look good in ethinic jewelry, enjoy antiques and have a love of history. She then shared with us that her major in College was history. No this is not an intuitive reading, it is simply based on the patterns I have seen over the years.
I have in fact been able to trace 7 different reds to different parts of the world. My belief is that before humans started moving around the country, like produced like and you would find many in that town or village would wear similar reds. Makes sense when you think about it.
I have found certain greens indicate the need to serve the world also a possible interest in a specific musical instrument. I remember suggesting to a client that she should play the harp. This had been something she had always wanted play, however her mother pursuaded her to take up another instrument, which never really sparked her interest.
Yes, the patterns are there. When we select the prints that bring up the qualities that are seen in our face, it brings balance and harmony into our lives. It feels like music, when it flows together we feel at peace, when it’s off key we can’t wait to turn off the music. So it is with people, when we are in total alignment with who we are, this also includes the career and the hobbies we enjoy also relationships, we feel at peace.
Today so many people are using the pre-package concept. They hold up the fans and select the one that has the best range. I believe the eye can be confused by all the colors that surround it. When the swatches are selected individually, I believe one is able to get a better match. It doesn’t confuse the eye. I like to meet with my clients twice, just to double check I am happy with the colors selected.
Suzanne’s approach to color, as some of you know, is to select the colors that send out different messages. For example, black, navy, dark green and burgundy also deep purple, are the most formal colors or 1st basic. These are the power color that supports the verbal or visual message. The 2nd basic would be brown, gray, soft teal or soft green. They send out a softer message. Then the beige, silver gray and sometimes green would be the 3rd basic, more casual. The dramatic color will be the one missing on the chart which could be purple, yellow, green, blue or turquiose.
The key is to look for the message that each color sends. I think of the high shade or dramatic color as the soul color, it stirs up the emotions and romances our coloring. For me it is a soft yellow. Each day we reach into our wardrobes and select a color that represents our energy for that day. Our conversation is “I feel like wearing this today.” When I wear yellow I feel creative and inspired, when I wear green it is a softer and more formal mood.
The key is that every color in your wardrobe should go together. When you are shopping for clothes, remember to test it out on the palm of the hand. If it brings up the pigment it works, if it looks harsh or muddy then it probably does not look good on you. When possible, go to a window so you can see the true colors. You are welcome to check in with me, I am happy to help you.
On another note, look at the furniture you surround yourself with and the prints you select. We make a larger investment and therefore are more careful about what we purchase, it has to feel right. I remember working with a family and I mentioned to the husband that he was not represented in the house. The only thing that worked for him was a painting at the top of the stairs. It turned out it was the only item he had bought, it was a painting of sheep which is a more rounded design. His wife was Autumn and selected both furniture and prints that were more geometric. When they had the house built he had to insist, much to the annoyance of the architect, that the balcony was curved rather than square.
Today I still offer color and print reviews, this can be done in person or through Skype and from photo’s. I have around 100 scarves that have a variety of prints, I select the one that works best for my clients. These scarves are not for sale, I just use them to demonstrate the different prints and what they may indicate.
In regards to the Personology or face analysis, today I use this for career assessments and relationship compatibility. So many people go through life wondering what career to pursue. What I offer simply validates one’s innate talents and abilities, I match them up with careers that would benefit from these abilities. Too many students leave school today and despite all the tests they are still lost. Couples move in together only to experience major conflict to the point where they go their separate ways. Knowing more about each other before moving in together, helps to avoid the conflict and create a long lasting relationship. My pashion is about helping people better understand each other and find their path in life.
To learn more feel free to contact me at [email protected] or go to my website www.naomitickle.com.