What exactly is 'Colour Analysis Training in a Box'?
- Who wrote it?
- Why have you produced a home-study course?
- Who is this course for?
- Is this course useful for practising colour consultants?
- What are the key elements of the course?
- How do I use the product when it arrives?
- Will I have to complete any assignments?
- Will there be a certificate at the end of the course?
- When will I be able to practise as a consultant?
- How do I order 'Colour Analysis Training in a Box'?
More questions
- What else will I need to buy to set up as a Colour Consultant?
- Will you be creating further self-study courses in other subjects?
- What would be the next course to take after colour?
- Can I affiliate to any organisation(s) through your training?
- Are you planning to have this course accredited?
- Will I be able to advertise on the Improvability website afterwards?
- Will the course work with the 12 tonal seasons?
- I can do the training either with you, or on DVD - which do you recommend?
- I am seriously considering the DVD package. It suits me to study at home right now, but I would also love to meet up with you at some point. Will this be possible?
- Can I go mobile from the outset?
- Do you cover everything on the DVD course that you would on the face-to-face training course?
- How I would know for sure that I had analysed a client's colours correctly?
- Will your analysis system work on those with no strong colour characteristics?
- Seasonal? Tonal? Both? How will I know which system will work for me?
- If I do the training again do I have to use your brand name?
- Do I have to do the "Colour in a Box" training before I am able to order any supplies?
What exactly is 'Colour Analysis Training in a Box'?
We have filmed a full two-day training course in Colour Analysis with a real-life trainee for you to study and learn from in the comfort of your own home.
We have broken this down into easily-digestible chunks of 10 DVDs of around 45 - 50 minutes each, and each one is accompanied by the full transcript plus additional notes and full colour images.
We've also provided a CD audio version of each DVD so that you can listen to this later in your car, or on your CD player anywhere - on holiday, if you must! Also included is an Artist's Colour Wheel and the full Colour Analysis training manual that I give to everyone who trains with me - this isn't a cut-down version; it's the full McCoy.
Check out the full contents.
Who wrote it?
I've been in this fabulous business for 27 years and for the first 17 of those years, I ran a colour-only service. I have always been an independent and have developed my own approach to colour analysis, treating people in the way I like to be treated - as an unique individual.
Over the years I have trained lots of wonderful consultants face to face. I've developed my own way of teaching and have designed this course for independent free thinkers who want to run their own business. If it helps, please read more about me and my personal approach to this wonderful business.
Everyone is unique - that's both you and your client!
I believe everyone is unique, that there couldn't possibly be one colour system that works for every individual on the planet, so on the course I encourage you to use your common sense, your own experiences, your particular personality strengths and your lateral thinking skills to give your client the information that SHE needs, and that you have ascertaned that she can handle at that moment.
Happy clients will build your business
From experience, I have discovered that a happy client will return time and again for more of my services, and she will also tell all her friends about me. My business, therefore, continues to grow and grow and has been built on word-of-mouth recommendations over the last 27 years.
Happy and confident clients who are receiving the attention and information that THEY want will then build your business for you. This course teaches you how to create happy clients!
Why have you produced a home-study course?
We receive emails and telephone calls all the time asking, "When will you be running your training courses in my part of the world?" I am determined to do that someday soon but I'm booked up so far ahead with all manner of courses right here in the UK, that I can't see that happening just yet.
This course, therefore, has been put together to give you access to colour analysis training right now without having to travel to good old Chesterfield here in Derbyshire, UK.
You will save time and money
Life is hectic enough without having to organise time off work, child care, etc. A self-study course that you can follow in your own time will save you time and money because you won't have to spend your hard-earned pennies on travelling, hotels, etc.
Who is this course for?
If you're brand new to colour analysis, then this is the course for you. This is 'colour analysis from scratch'. No previous colour analysis knowledge is required, and you don't need to have had any experience in anything remotely relevant either.
Some of my most successful recent trainees have totally unrelated backgrounds - one is a 63-year-old office worker, another is a young Mum who previously worked for a bank, another lady already had her own successful florist's shop.
Who is this course NOT for?
If you're looking for a systemised approach with a set of definitive rules, then please look elsewhere. This course is only for independent free thinkers who want to run their own autonomous business and want to treat each client as a unique individual.
Is this co
urse useful for practising colour consultants?
Absolutely. I don't know about you but I am always looking to learn more and increase my knowledge about this fabulous business. Frankly, I'd be on other people's training courses much more often if I wasn't so busy with my own!
Update your skills
If you're already practising as a colour / style / image consultant, and you'd like to update your skills, then this is the course for you.
- For instance, you might be keen to learn about how the tonal system can run alongside the seasonal system that you already use?
- Or maybe you'd just like to see a different approach, and pick up some new ideas to incorporate with your own?
It doesn't matter who you did your original training with, and this course works quite happily with any company's drapes, wallets, etc.
Discover new opportunities to expand your business
I will also teach you how to do colour analysis without a drape or wallet in sight; this will either be a frightening thought to you, or be quite liberating! This will also open up so many more promotional activities to help you market and expand your current business.
What are the key elements of the course?
Colour theory
Understanding basic colour theory is fundamental to you being able to analyse correctly and confidently. We look at the well-known seasonal approach (Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter), and also introduce the more recent tonal approach (Cool, Warm, Bright, Soft/muted, Deep and Light). The actual words you use for these types are totally up for discussion so don't let that put you off.
Put the client first
From 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 do anything 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.
Go back over the DVDs as many times as you want to
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?
With 'Colour Analysis Training in a Box' you'll be able to work with either the seasonal or the tonal approach until you become more comfortable and proficient with it, and then go back to the DVDs when you're ready to try or add the other one. The beauty of this package is that you can work at your own pace. Take as long as you want over the course - 2 days, 2 weeks, 2 months, 2 years if you want to! This is your life, so this course will fit around it.
YOU are the key element of your business
To help you decide which approach works best for you, you'll have the opportunity to take a good long look at YOU and your personality using a colour personality profiling system, which you can then use with your own clients, if you want to. You''ll soon work out how you relate to colour, how you assimilate information, how you disseminate it, and how you're going to cope when someone who's the complete opposite of you walks in!
This stuff is really fascinating and makes this particular course completely different from most others.
How to get your new business up and running
The most daunting part of learning a new skill is exactly how to get your new business going. We look at how to run a colour consultation from start to finish, beginning with the initial telephone enquiry right through to how to promote your follow-up services. This includes:
- how to set your studio up
- how to dress
- what to say
- what absolutely not to bore your client to death with
- how not to confuse her with too much infomation
- how to deliver exactly what the client wants (not what you'd rather tell her!)
- how to market your new business
- how to get going
- how to get your first bookings
- how to market your business once your very happy client's been to see you
How do I use the product when it arrives?
I suggest that you set up the DVD machine with the first DVD and ban the rest of the household from that room for the next hour. Pour yourself your favourite drink, open the Colour Analysis Training Manual so that you can refer to it, go to section 1 of the Resource Notes, and press play. Oh, and a pen might be useful if you want to make some notes.
Watch the first DVD and then stop. Give your brain a rest and go and do something else, and then come back to the next DVD in sequence when you're ready for more!
Go through the DVDs in order, right from 1 to 10. If you have the opportunity to listen to the relevant audio CD version in the car or while you're doing the washing up, this will help you reinforce some of the concepts again.
Will I have to complete any assignments?
No. Instead of completing assignments and me marking you as right or wrong, I offer full email back-up. I want to help you with YOUR questions, which could be completely different from anyone else's. Your particular questions will reflect your own business needs and how can I cater for those until we start talking it through?
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.
Will there be a certificate at the end of the course?
You will be able to apply for the Improvability Diploma at no extra cost when you have purchased the course. This is our own certificate from Improvability to say that you have successfully completed our self-study training course in Colour Analysis.
I don’t place any formal requirements or restrictions on you as to when to ask for the Diploma. If you feel confident enough to display your Diploma, then just let us know. If you'd prefer to submit formal evidence of your knowledge and practice, then let's talk it through.
All Improvability course certificates are absolutely nothing to do with GNVQ or City & Guilds or such like. There's no way we would ever want to meet the restrictions imposed by either of these bodies (or any other, for that matter). If it is important to you then I suggest you take a look at the courses offered by other companies who subscribe to these qualifications.
When will I be able to practise as a consultant?
Assuming you have the necessary tools and premises to stage your first consultation, then you will be able to start your business immediately you have finished the entire course; although my guess is that you will probably start practising on your poor, unsuspecting friends and family while you're learning!
Practicalities
We look at what you'll need to get going as a colour consultant on the course itself - drapes, colour swatch wallets, practical props and how to set up your studio, plus all your business documentation.
Colour supplies
If you haven't already got drapes, wallets, capes, etc. then take a look at our wholesale catalogue. You buy at wholesale prices. We ship anywhere in the world and you can order online with your credit or debit card.
How do I order 'Colour Analysis Training in a Box'?
Pay online with your credit or debit card and 'Colour Analysis Training in a Box' will be shipped out to wherever you are in the world.
Regards
Kim Bolsover
www.improvability.co.uk
www.colouranalysistrainingdvd.co.uk
Kielder Computers Ltd
MORE QUESTIONS
What else will I need to buy to set up as a Colour Consultant?
Drapes and wallets
To run your colour consultations, you will probably need a minimum of
- a selection of drapes
- a cover-up cape
- four Seasonal wallets
- and/or the six Tonal wallets
I don't run a franchise and you are free to source your own drapes and wallets, so these are not included in the course fees. You can order any of the above from our online online wholesale catalogue (and any further drapes, wallets, etc) at any time, and be able to supply your clients with a fabulous choice of colour wallets at retail, thus making a profit for yourself. To purchase image and colour consultant supplies from our online trade catalogue at wholesale prices you must first register your details and apply online for an account.
Other items
It might be an idea to consider mirrors, how to display your wallets, a spinner to display your drapes, skin care and make-up products, business documentation, etc. These are all covered in the course itself.
#Will you be creating further self-study courses in other subjects? And what would be the next course to take after colour?
There are no plans to create any others at the moment. I am booked up solidly with personalised training courses and other projects for most of 2007.
We don't offer a self-study course in Ladies' Style, which would be the next subject to tackle after colour. We planned to do this at the beginning of this year but have realised that we couldn't possibly cover the absolutely massive amount of information in one boxed set.
So we are looking at how to offer each topic as a separate module. Some of it will be available on DVD, some will be written - manuals, books, etc., and it will all be available in the future on our brand-new resources-for-consultants website. We are constantly looking at new technology to help us teach more effectively across the miles so audio tapes, teleclasses, webinar, podcasts, etc. are all under consideration at the moment. Sign up for our free newsletter and you'll be the first to know.
Can I affiliate to any organisation(s) through your training?
I do not run a franchise and I create training products and run training courses for independent business owners; therefore, any image consultant is free to join any trade organisation of their own free will.
I leave it to each individual to join whatever organisation they want to, and I usually recommend that new consultants not bother paying out lots of money to trade organisations until they are certain that it's going to benefit their own personal business. Visit at least one of their events as a guest to try them out first.
Are you planning to have this course accredited?
We have never had any plans to get anything we do accredited by any governing body. The very concept implies conforming to someone else's standards and we are trying to provide resources for independent free-thinkers who want to run their own business, their own way, with no-one else telling them what to do. If accreditation is important to you, then there are other training companies out there who will be able to provide what you need.
Will I be able to advertise on the Improvability website afterwards?
Yes. The Consultants' Directory is only for those who have trained with me personally or those who have completed the DVD-based self-study 'Colour Analysis Training in a Box'. This will save you the expense of setting up and maintaining a website yourself and constitutes a personal recommendation from me!
Will the course work with the 12 tonal seasons?
"We use swatches from two other colour companies. Is it the same system? We took another course that was a bit different and it got confusing."
Our course looks at both the seasonal and tonal approaches, and shows how that it doesn't matter where you start (either tonal or seasonal), the one leads to the other. These two approaches are not different, they're not separate, they work together but some consultants are better at working with just the 4 seasons. Others like to concentrate on just the 6 tones, and others (like me) prefer to put the two together to produce the 12 tonal seasons, eg. Bright Winter, Cool Winter and Deep Winter and all the other permutations. For some clients, though, I will just use one of the 4 seasons, and for some I show them a tonal wallet only. I treat everyone as an individual so I like plenty of room to manoeuvre.
The whole course is designed to work with any swatches and drapes from anywhere, but I also show you how to do your colour analysis without a drape in sight!
The drapes that I use and refer to in the course (and you can see these in the wholesale catalogue) are made by the same company who supply many other colour companies' drapes; they're just labelled differently. Even where the colour swatches are on card and are ink-based - at the end of the day, they're all variations on a theme of colour, and in my opinion you could use bookends or T-towels to do colour analysis as long as you understand the concepts - I don't think you're going to have any problems with this one!
I can do the training either with you, or on DVD - which do you recommend?
"I like the personal approach, face to face, but I'm anxious I might forget things, in which case is the DVD a better idea?"
The DVD training has lots of benefits in that you can watch it over and over again. Also, you can do things in your own time, rather than listen to me blether on at you for two solid days all in one go.
The facts are that in any face-to-face session you will remember only 20% of what I say. This could increase up to about 35% if you take detailed notes during the session.
I'm not trying to put you off face-to-face training but if you feel you are going to forget things (which absolutely everyone does, so don't put yourself down over that one), then maybe a more organised-over-a-period-of-time approach might suit you better. At the end of the day, it's down to how you learn best - and only you know that.
I am seriously considering the DVD package. It suits me to study at home right now, but I would also love to meet up with you at some point. Will this be possible?
I hope to run some training days during 2008 where consultants who've trained with me can get together and practise with the drapes and wallets, go over some of the fundamentals of colour (which is good for all of us, including me), and ask all the questions that you want to. This will be open to both those who've trained face to face and those who've used the self-study approach.
So, if that appeals, maybe you could get the best of both worlds and use the DVDs to start with, and then back it up with a further day of personalised training. I've no idea where or when just yet - but it seems that lots of ladies would love a day like this so we're just thinking it through.
Can I go mobile from the outset?
"I am considering the DVD training package. At the moment I would not be able to use my home for consultations (not enough space, too many children and animals!). However I would be quite able to travel around to visit people in their homes/workplaces, etc. Do you think it is possible to start off in this way? Maybe I would be able to rent premises when things take off. I would be grateful for your advice."
Of course you can travel to people's homes or premises! This is your business and you can do exactly what suits you and your family. This business allows total flexibility. Some consultants work in this way all the time; others prefer to have a base and work from their home or rented premises.
To travel to other people's homes just requires more organisation - you will need to load up the car, travel, unload at the client's house, set up - all before you begin the consultation - and then you have it all to repeat at the other end. Think about the time you will invest, and consider including (at least some of) the costs in your fees.
Do you cover everything on the DVD course that you would on the face-to-face training course?
Yes. It's exactly the same content, the same manual, the same topics. With the face-to-face training course, there's some time during the two days to ask individual questions as they arise. With the DVD self-study course, you can ask me those questions by email and you've also got the opportunity to watch it all again, as many times as you want to.
How I would know for sure that I had analysed a client's colours correctly?
"This is the one slight doubt that I have concerning the home study course. If I were face to face with you, I'd be able to ask questions and perhaps go through a few photos or something to check I had the hang of it, whereas with distance learning, I am not sure how this would work. Perhaps you would tell me how my skills would be assessed - how will you know when I've got it right?"
I will not assess your skills, unless you ask me to. There are no assessments or exams to take. But I offer full back-up to help with all your questions during and after your training. Read more.
Will your analysis system work on those with no strong colour characteristics?
"Albeit as an amateur, I know an obvious Winter or Autumn when I see one but I've found that there are an awful lot people who fall into what I call a middle bracket, those with no strong colour characteristics. These are the people I would worry about. What assurance can you offer me that I will be able to work your analysis system on these people?"
Using the tonal theory will fill in the missing pieces for those people who you are not able to analyse seasonally. Perhaps if you read more about this in my story under Seasonal colour theory and Tonal colour theory, it might save a massively long-winded repeat of information.
Seasonal? Tonal? Both? How will I know which system will work for me?
At this point I don't know, because I don't know you personally. Only you can decide that because you know how you learn, how you disseminate information, what you see, what you don't see. But it sounds to me as though you may not be primarily visual (like me) so perhaps the tonal approach will explain everything and become your method of choice (it will still lead you to the season, so don't worry about only having part of the equation). I wish I'd had the tonal approach 27 years ago; I'd have breezed through colour analysis, but it took me years to fully understand the seasonal method, because I couldn't 'see' it. Once I discovered that I was primarily auditory, and that I need the words to understand a concept, I could finally sort the wheat from the chaff. But as I say, this is down to you and how you learn.
In any case, I am always available for you to check things out with me by email - but I don't run a franchise. Some people email once a week for the first few months; some people send me a Christmas card and I never hear another peep out of them. We are all different, thank the heavens, and that's why we created the self-study course, so that everyone could do this their way.
If I do the training again do I have to use your brand name?
Do you know - I have never been asked that one before! This is YOUR business and I just supply the training package to help you with YOUR business. You are never, ever asked to use the Improvability name. This is not a franchise. The diploma is obviously issued in the Improvability name but you don't have to display one, or even ask for one, if you don't want to!
Do I have to do the "Colour in a box" training before I am able to order any supplies?
There is absolutely no requirement to buy anything at all from us before
you
can order supplies! The only requirement to order supplies at wholesale
prices is that you
register with us first - it's totally free. Just go to the wholesale
catalogue website and click on 'apply
online'.
   |
 |
 |
 |
