PCA Training Course Update
January 9, 2013 by Christine Scaman
Many have been asking for information about the upcoming Colour Analysis Training Course. Here is what I have so far:
The Training Guide
…is not printed yet. Won’t be too long.
This is a technical document. You are 100% certain NOT to know your Season or anyone else’s after reading it even if you own the Sci\ART coloured drapes. Your odds of telling Season are higher from my other book, Return to Your Natural Colours (RTYNC), over there in the right column. A live colour analysis contains far too much sensory information to be written down. For some of it, there are no words, only feelings. Like surgery, instruction manuals only get you so far. You have to be shown a few times until you can figure it out on your own.
Little or nothing is included regarding personality or clothing styles. Also, besides speculation, there is no information about colour mixing, which isn’t my field. And it need not be yours. Doctors couldn’t go into the lab and formulate your medications but they sure do know how to use them.
The book will be presented in a binder so that updates can be printed as single pages and mailed to all those who have taken the course.
Some may be disappointed (and some delighted) that I didn’t write a simple manual that presents the discipline as it would be applied by anyone using or teaching the Sci\ART colour system, meaning a distillation of the non-negotiable standards that Kathryn Kalisz, the founder of Sci\ART, would have insisted on. I couldn’t do it.
First, I doubt that a consensus would be easy, or possible, to arrive at. It would take a year. I’m not very good with delays.
Second, and I think the biggest challenge we will face if, one day, we can form a Sci\ART-based collaborative, is that even Sci\ART analysts trained by Sci\ART trainers don’t concur on method and decision-making. Women are still being told they’re three different Seasons. That’s a problem for another day.
Third, I always have to tell a story for some reason. If I’d written a How To guide, I’d feel like I’d taught half the course, or only engaged half of your brain, the left side. That’s not at all how I see colour analysis, or anything else, for that matter. It wouldn’t be my course at that point. I wouldn’t be singing from my heart.
Photo: madmaven
This manual does not repeat or resemble Kathryn’s Understanding Your Color. I am hoping that text is and will continue to be available from Suzanna Greif at orders@spectrafiles.com. I have not been able to contact Suzie, so I cannot say at this time. Kathryn’s book remains essential, perhaps a springboard for mine.
Don’t compare these two training guides to RTYNC or to each other. Apples to oranges. They were written for different audiences to be used in completely different contexts for altogether different purposes. Such comparisons have no relevance.
The Guide will not be for sale to the public for at least 6 months after the Training Course is first offered. It will cost $80 to buy. I’m not quite sure when it will be for sale. The thing is, it’s of very little use to you unless you take the course. You won’t be missing anything regarding what you know about your Season or Tone.
Photo: 001099
The Course Schedule
The Course Schedule isn’t posted because each session will require flexibility, given the private schedules of draping subjects. We will drape a minimum of 6 assorted people, including the course participants. We will spend sufficient time on theory and practical exercises involving the Munsell colour system, but our focus will be draping.
Prior to arriving, I ask that you have read through the Training Guide that will be mailed to you with your deposit, as well as my previous book, Return to Your Natural Colours. I hope that both are self-explanatory enough to save us some time in the classroom so we can move on to the practical applications quickly.
Please bring with you a page or two of makeup swatches on paper (anything and everything except lipgloss which quickly becomes a transparent oily stain on paper). We will look at clothing colours as well, so bring scarves and fabric if you wish.
We’ll end each day with a glass of wine or herbal tea, maybe strongly caffeinated coffee, let me know your preference, and our feet up. Bring your questions. The course will not cover personality or body lines (Kibbe and other dress styles). We will touch on makeup application, but briefly. I am happy to discuss these informally after the day’s session ends.
The course will run over 3 days, whether in Chatham or London, Ontario, depending on whether you’re coming from the Detroit or Toronto directions. I will make myself available for the 1/2 day before and after as well.
Once the course has run a couple of times, we may firm or reorganize the schedule based on student feedback.
Photo: bluedrakon
The Certification
I have some sort of built-in requirement to be very transparent. In my usual way of overdoing everything, I’ll probably overdo this next section. Please pardon me for that, but I really want you to know what you’re getting for your investment.
As you know, the Sci\ART system of colour analysis is the one I was trained in and the one that I believe works. I never met the founder, Kathryn Kalisz, though we did speak on the phone and by email several times. By the time I knew what the most profound questions were in colour analysis, she was gone. We never talked about her intentions or priorities for her business.
I have not taken any instruction to become a trainer in that system. The training you receive from me will not differ from what I was taught by a Certified Sci\ART trainer in terms of the analysis process or deductive reasoning that goes along with it – but by necessity, my spin will be on it.
Every ideology has a beginning and then is moulded by each mind with which it makes contact. I will teach you the Sci\ART system as I learned it, adapted only in how I implement the algorithm and application for the client. The closest to the original Sci\ART training will come from highly respected Certified Sci\ART trainers, Amelia Butler and Maytee Garza and perhaps others who are not training at the present time. I am unaware if these women are or will be teaching. You’ll have to ask them. Amelia can be contacted via her website at www.truecolour.com.au. Maytee has relocated and the only contact information I have for her is an email at info@mycolortone.com. Her website at www.revealstyleconsultancy.com may still be active as well.
The language gets sticky. Although I can call myself a Sci\ART Analyst, having learned from a Sci\ART trainer, you won’t be able to. Your certificate will say, “has earned the designation of 12 Blueprints Colour Analyst, training based on the Sci\ART concept, adapted by Christine Scaman”, or something similar. That would be fair and true.
If anyone wonders how it’s adapted, they need only read this website. A rare few people actually invented what they teach. Attribution is important and tells everyone where you got your start and the foundation of your belief system. I don’t want to get wrapped around this axle too tight, but you ought to give it some thought and decide your position about it. If it matters to you to be a “Sci\ART Analyst”, you must see Maytee or Amelia, or another trainer if they teach once more.
The Certificate, so beautiful, I wish I had one myself, will look a lot like this. I’m happy to consider different wording if anyone has suggestions.
You can be certified under my name and current business name. The name 12 Blueprints may have changed by then, oh, the excitement about that. Finally, I may have a name I like better, words spoken by a brilliant woman way back when I was getting started. Digression, sorry. My own name probably carries the brand recognition and credibility anyhow. As one practical and forward-thinking woman said, “Who cares what it’s called?” If I change my business name, I’ll mail you a new certificate for free. I’m not diminishing the components, just trying to get something done and keeping the focus on the things that matter.
Photo: coygroup
Tiger swallowtail butterfly.
Business and Marketing
Too many courses give you lots of knowledge and not enough information about how to turn that into a dollar. If you want to do a single PCA per month, that’s fine. My vision is to have an analyst in every city and state who earns a good living. Along with the skills to know Season, a portion of this guide (although not the in-person course) is devoted to getting you thinking about a full time business, sharing with you what it’s taken me 4 years to learn.
In business, you know what the Value Proposition is – what you offer and how you deliver it. I believe that we need to deliver more to the client than their Tone and the swatches. Give her what she really wants. She wants better hair colour. Whatever the product, its final form has to take into account human behaviour, meaning how real people will use it. Make a study of that and then adjust the product to suit the human, just like Munsell did when he made up his colour system. You’ll offer way more value.
For my own clients, the VP is incomplete till she feels guided and empowered, makes better makeup decisions on her own in stores, and has acquired discernment skills regarding the wrong voices that once influenced her. You must choose your own stand on this. The guide contains a section about transferring your VP to your clients in process, support, and professional attitude.
As an instructor, my VP to you is not to pronounce your clients’ Season. That’s not what you want, or not most of you. My assumptions are that you want:
- to be an accurate and excellent colour analyst,
- practicing a skill that you love with passion,
- with the freedom that earning an income will bring to the rest of your life.
I want you to leave me with the horsepower it takes to get reach altitude fast and start earning. The business section in the guide includes appendices to get you one beautiful, slick website along with installation and support for little time or financial cost, contact names for key partners, and the shopping lists you’ll need to open your doors in two weeks. Start thinking of a business name and where you’re going to buy your makeup collection.
Photo: bluedrakon
Emerald swallowtail butterfly.
The Cost
The introductory cost for the 3 days is $3000CDN. That price is not guaranteed for any date or period of time. Email me if you are ready to make a commitment and we’ll talk. The price includes the Training Guide, the 12 Season Cycle on cardboard and as a laminated page, and a flowchart of the draping process as a laminated sheet, along with the training.
A non-refundable deposit of $250 is required. The Training Guide will be mailed to you for study when the deposit is received in the PayPal account. The entire amount of the course must be received prior to taking the course.
Should a circumstance in your life require a cancelation, I will refund 90% of the fee up, but only 80% of the fee in the 72 hours prior to the beginning date and time of the course.
Should a cancelation be required because of a circumstance in my life, I will refund 100% of the fee, as well as $150 of the deposit (the remaining $100 of the deposit will cover the Training Guide and shipping fees).
Should a cancelation occur because of weather and flight delays, I will refund 90% of the fee at any time and let you decide about the $150 of the deposit, in case you wish to take the course again in the future. Payments will move through the PayPal account at 12blueprints@gmail.com.
I can consider taking Visa but hundreds of people seemed to do very well with PayPal when they bought RTYNC. This is far better for you than exposing vendors like me to your credit info, especially since you won’t be making repeat purchases from my business. PayPal allows you to buy a wide, wide variety of products and services on the internet.
To give you some real comparison, I took the Sci\ART course in April 2009. The training cost 2200 US plus travel expenses. The drapes were 3800 CDN for the full set, excluding Tonal Blacks and the Wedding drapes. Lamps, cosmetics, wall paint, a client chair, mirror, shelving, desk, and so on, all had to be bought. I spent 5K of my own and borrowed 5K that was repaid in a most casual fashion within three years. You can’t be in business for yourself from household expenses.
You can’t be in business for yourself for less than 10K in today’s world – and this does not include the add-ons that can wait, like Luxury Drapes, extended makeup collections, and other non-essential items that you integrate over time. But you certainly can be in business for yourself. This is still way cheaper than 6 months to 3 years at a community college and then the process of job applications and interviews.
The motor on the PCA engine is revving much higher now in the public awareness than it was back then, so I hope you’ll progress faster than I have. I cannot speak for other analysts regarding how many bookings they have. A lot depends on how willing and able you are to move locations – and if you are, you can be booked to the point of exhaustion. I see between 6 and 10 clients each month, but I reserve time for other things (another job, writing, and three teenagers). There are full-time analysts in the US who see 20 to 30 clients per month. Till you get your feet on very solid ground, which takes 4-6-9 months, three appointments per week are plenty to allow you time to think, build, and grow. The job takes emotional, spiritual, physical, and mental stamina.
Photo: plattmunk
Black swallowtail butterfly.
The Travel
The course will take place either in Chatham or London, Ontario. Elsewhere? No idea yet. A work permit in the US takes about 6 months, an immigration lawyer tells me, and without one, you can be barred for 5 years. Not risking that. I adore the US.
Chatham is less than one hour from the US border at Detroit-Windsor. It is about 1hr 15min from the Detroit Airport excluding border crossing time, which may take 15- 45 minutes depending on the lineup. The hotel will be the Comfort Inn on Richmond St. Room rates are $88 (upstairs, 2 stories, no elevator) or $93 downstairs. Check in time is 2 PM, check out at 11 AM. Cancelations are accepted at no penalty before 4PM the day before. If due to weather, the policy is much more free, though I’ll let the staff make those arrangements with you when you book your room. Local phone number is 519-352-5500. Tell Lisa or Brooke on the front desk that you’re reserving with this course.
The drive from Chatham to London is 1 hour, so 2hr 15min from the Detroit aiport. From the Pearson Airport in Toronto, the drive to London is 2 hours. The hotel is the Travelodge at 800 Exeter Road. Room rates are about $70 per night. Local phone number is 519-681-1200. Nicole on the front desk ranks in the top 5 of most helpful staff I’ve ever met anywhere.
You are more likely to need a car in Chatham than London, though really, you don’t need a car. You’ll stay in the hotel where the course will run. There are two restaurants within a 10 minute walk and taxis for about $10. It’s a small town.
In Chatham, winter weather is the same as Detroit. London and Toronto can be the Great White North that you hear about, but they’re still pretty tame most of the time.
A minibus exists (www.robertq.com) from both airports to both cities. It will take you across the border at Detroit-Windsor. In Chatham, it stops at a truck stop that is 5 minutes from the hotel. In London, it stops across the street from the hotel.
Consider arriving early and leaving late in case of weather, time overflow, etc. I will plan to be available for 4 days (1/2 day before and after), though the course will be formally complete in 3 days.
Photo: bbrouw83
The Dates
Given enough notice, we can be quite flexible and I’m happy to work around your availability. Monday-Wednesday or Tues. – Thurs. seems reasonable, but weekends are manageable as well. I hope to offer the first session in late Feb. or sometime in March.
Anything else you might like to know?
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Comments
8 Responses to “PCA Training Course Update”
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Just wanted to say, this sounds amazing! Am very jealous of those who are in a position to do it right now.
Christine, You may have already rejected this idea, but I’m wondering if interpreted is a better word than adapted for your certificate.
I am very interested in doing this- but, unfortunately, won’t be able to for at least a few months– maybe summertime. I just received Understanding Your Color and have ordered your book as well so I’m looking forward to reading them both.
Christine –
I am interested but will have to wait for another time frame.
A couple of questions –
I am assuming with the right lighting, paint etc… a room in ones home can be converted to a studio? I am also assuming this info. will be given during the class?
You mentioned the drapes must be bought from a different vendor, what about the color fans, are those to be purchased elsewhere or would I need to print my own?
Thanks.
Sandra
March would be better.
Christine, I am so proud of you! I’ve always had the feeling that if anyone could carry on this business and skillset, it would be you. I, too, wish I were in a position to take part, though it may be more of an interest for me right now than a real career direction. If ever you should get down to Spokane way, please look me up! I’ve always wanted to meet your brain in person.
Excellent, Denise, thank you. Another woman had the same suggestion, you’re obviously right that this is better wording. Thank you.
Sandra – yes a room can be converted, that’s how I began and still prefer that studio to any other I use. It’s all set up just how I want! I buy swatch books from http://www.truecolour.com.au, and I can’t think of why you couldn’t do the same. Making your own…good heavens, it’s the biggest undertaking of them all.
Paize – Given the interest, I’m considering running a course for the last week of every month, beginning (and perhaps staying) with two students at a time, at least till I get a sense of how much students and subjects like to interact. One of the end of March slots is spoken for in a preliminary way (since the course not officially running yet) so if you’d like the other, please email me.
Kat – thank you! I hope it’s everything we both hope it will be, meaning that one day, the containers for our brains are occupy the same physical space for a few days
Christine, I’m so excited for this! I truly wish I could participate. Unfortunately with a 1-year-old and a newborn, traveling that far is just not an option right now. Let me know if you’re ever in PA!!