As a seasoned colour consultant and trainer, I’ve been noticing an increasing number of inquiries for training in the 12 subseasonal system. While this might seem like the gold standard of colour analysis, especially for those who want to appear highly knowledgeable, I can’t help but feel that it’s not the best starting point for many. In fact, I believe that jumping into these more complex systems too early may actually hinder a consultant's success and confidence. Here’s why—and trust me, I know this will be a controversial opinion, but I encourage you to hear me out.

The Complexity of the 12 Subseasonal System
One of the primary reasons I hesitate to recommend the 12 subseasonal system to newer colour consultants is its complexity. While it may seem impressive to clients or peers, the truth is that the more intricate the system, the greater the room for error. I’ve witnessed many consultants, particularly those just starting out, struggle with coding their clients incorrectly when using these more complicated systems. And this isn’t just a minor mistake—misidentifying someone’s colours can have long-lasting effects on their confidence in both their appearance and the consultant’s expertise.

Clients Don't Care About the System—They Care About the Results
Let’s be real here: at the end of the day, your clients aren’t going to care about which colour analysis system you use, as long as they leave feeling confident in their ability to choose the right colours. What truly matters is that the colours you prescribe enhance their appearance and make them feel their best. Whether you use the 12 subseasonal system, the 4 seasonal system, or a tonal system is secondary to the results. If a client walks away happy and empowered, they’ll return, and they’ll recommend you to others.

In my years of experience, nothing builds a colour consultant’s confidence more than consistently delivering results that delight clients. On the flip side, nothing damages that confidence more than second-guessing whether you’ve gotten it right—something that happens more frequently with consultants using the 12 or 16 season systems.

The Appeal of Complex Systems for Stylists
I understand the appeal of wanting to master something like the 12 subseasonal system. Many personal stylists feel that they need to offer this level of complexity in order to be taken seriously, to "look the part." The notion that a more intricate system equals more credibility is pervasive in our industry. However, I believe that true credibility comes from a solid foundation, not from mastering a system simply because it looks impressive on paper.

In my own journey, I spent years working exclusively with the 4-seasonal system before I felt ready to move on to more complex systems. That foundation allowed me to refine my skills, gain confidence in my analysis, and build a successful career. It wasn’t until I had truly mastered the 4-seasonal system that I felt prepared to explore the flow system and eventually incorporate tonal analysis.

Mastery Over Complexity
There is something to be said for mastering a simpler system before diving into something more complicated. When I teach new consultants, I emphasize the importance of building expertise gradually. By starting with the 4-seasonal system, you’re able to develop a deep understanding of colour theory and how it applies to different clients. From there, you can move on to tonal analysis, which further expands your ability to help clients identify their best colours.

This gradual progression not only helps consultants feel more confident in their abilities but also ensures that they don’t get overwhelmed. Confidence builds with experience, and nothing kills confidence faster than feeling unsure. When you’re second-guessing your analysis because of the complexity of the system, you’re not doing your best work.

Why I Teach the Seasonal and Tonal System
Over the years, I’ve developed a training program that focuses on the 4-seasonal and tonal systems. I chose to do this because I believe that these systems provide the best foundation for new consultants. By mastering the basics, consultants can quickly build confidence, and they can always choose to expand their knowledge to more complex systems later on if they wish.

In my program, consultants have the option to offer one of ten palettes to their clients. This allows for plenty of flexibility without the risk of overwhelming either the consultant or the client. It’s a system that works, and the feedback I receive from consultants who have completed my training has been overwhelmingly positive. They rave about how quickly they develop confidence and how well the system works in real-world situations - Don't take my word for it, have a listen to what my consultants say here.

The Benefits of Building Confidence Early
The best colour consultants are not the ones who have mastered every system under the sun—they’re the ones who have a solid, foundational knowledge of the basics and are confident in their ability to apply that knowledge. Once you’ve mastered the seasonal and tonal systems, you’ll be able to adapt to any other system out there with ease. But more importantly, you’ll feel confident in your abilities, and that confidence will translate into better results for your clients.

When a consultant is confident, they’re able to focus on what truly matters: helping their client look and feel their best. They’re not bogged down by the complexity of the system or second-guessing their choices. They’re simply using their knowledge and experience to deliver results—and that’s what makes clients happy.

Moving Between Systems with Ease
One of the things I love most about teaching both the seasonal and tonal systems is that once a consultant has mastered these two, they’re able to move confidently between them. Whether a client comes in asking for a seasonal analysis or you decide to work with the tonal system, you’ll have the knowledge and skills to adapt seamlessly. This flexibility is incredibly valuable, and it’s one of the reasons why consultants who train with me feel so confident in their abilities.

If you’re a new colour consultant or even an experienced one considering training in a more complex system like the 12 subseasonal system, I urge you to think carefully about whether it’s the right choice for you. While it may seem like the next logical step in your career, I believe that focusing on mastering the basics first will serve you better in the long run.

​Building your confidence and expertise through a solid foundation in the seasonal and tonal systems will not only help you deliver better results for your clients but will also make you a more adaptable and successful consultant overall. In the end, it’s not the complexity of the system that matters—it’s how well you can use your knowledge to make your clients look and feel amazing.
​
​Learn more about my Certified Online Colour Analysis Training Here.