Course Title: New York Color Analysis Training (2-Day Certification)
Format: In-person (Manhattan, New York, USA)
Duration: 2 days
Investment: US$2,497
Provider: Sterling Style Academy (est. 2005)
Who Should Attend: Aspiring/working personal stylists, image consultants, hair stylists & makeup pros, boutique owners, serious beginners in the tri-state area, or for those who want to travel to New York City.
What You’ll Learn (High Level):
Understanding undertones and how they influence personal color harmony in diverse markets
Creating tailored palettes that move beyond rigid seasonal color analysis systems
Categorizing and applying drapes correctly for accurate client results using the Sterling Color Quality System
Core principles of the Sterling Color Quality System developed by Michelle T. Sterling
How to package, price, and position your color analysis services to stand out in New York’s competitive style industry and throughout the U.S.
Upcoming Dates (New York):
April 18 – 19, 2026 • Registration Closes: March 25, 2026
October 3 – 4, 2026 • Registration Closes: September 5, 2026
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Prefer remote? See the Online Color Analysis Training (US$697, lifetime access).
Q: What is the New York Color Analysis Training?
A: A two-day, in-person certification held in Manhattan that teaches custom palette design, optional professional draping, and a client workflow you can start charging for immediately—tailored to New York’s fast-paced market or any metropolitan city.
NON-REFUNDABLE: All training programs are non-refundable. Buyer understands that once purchase has been processed and receipt is issued, there is no rescission of this agreement and no refund will be made.
Unlock the secrets of color theory and harness the power of hues to revolutionize your beauty expertise. Sterling Style Academy proudly presents an exclusive 2-day immersive Color Analysis Training in the heart of New York. This course is meticulously designed for Beauty Professionals, Hair Stylists, MakeUp Artists, Stylists, and aspiring Color Analysis Consultants aiming to elevate their services.
The Science of Color Analysis: Delve into the color wheel dynamics and uncover the psychological impact of colors. Master the skill of identifying skin undertones to curate a look that resonates confidence and charm for your clients.
Skin Tone, Hair and Eye Color Mastery: Learn precise methods to determine an individual's skin tone. Apply this knowledge to select the ideal makeup and apparel shades, ensuring your clients always depart looking their absolute finest.
Crafting Personalized Color Palettes: Acquire the ability to construct bespoke color palettes that resonate with your client's unique tastes and features. Understand how to analyze color quality, offering a tailored aesthetic that enhances each client’s natural allure.
Marketing & Business Acumen: Beyond the palette, we equip you with effective strategies to market your new-found skills and insights on cultivating a flourishing career in the competitive beauty industry.
Our course is a strategic investment in your professional growth. Not only will you emerge as a certified color consultant with the knowledge to assist clients in achieving their best look, but also you’ll acquire savvy marketing tactics to propel your enterprise forward.
Enroll in the Sterling Style Academy’s Color Analysis Training for just US$2497 and secure your position at the forefront of the beauty industry.
If you're ready to redefine beauty standards and create bespoke solutions for your clients, don’t miss the Sterling Style Academy's New York Color Analysis Training. Space is limited, so seize the opportunity to become an authority on color today!
during New York Color Analysis Training
If you're ready to go beyond the limits of traditional seasonal color analysis, the Sterling Color Quality System is the revolutionary approach you've been searching for. Created by Michelle T. Sterling, a world-renowned Image Consultant and Color Analysis Expert, this award-winning innovative method redefines how we analyze and understand personal color harmony.
The Sterling Color Quality System is not about fitting clients into rigid seasonal boxes—it’s about uncovering the unique palette that truly enhances their natural features. Unlike traditional color analysis that relies on cookie-cutter categorizations like "Spring" or "Winter," this system looks at the details that matter most, such as skin tone, hair color, eye color, and individual contrast levels.
Using the three dimensions of color—hue, value, and intensity—combined with contrast, the Sterling method trains your eye to identify the most flattering colors for any client. Instead of wasting time mixing paints or relying on outdated draping methods, you’ll develop the tools to accurately and confidently determine colors that celebrate individuality.
And yes, you can still use drapes during consultations! However, the Sterling Color Quality System teaches you how to use them in a more precise way—mastering their application to showcase colors without relying on outdated seasonal categories. Say goodbye to misplaced swatches, like peach or light aqua in a "summer" palette, and hello to a more accurate and empowering system.
Elevate Your Expertise: Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a beginner, this program is perfect for enhancing or building your skills. Have you already trained in seasonal color analysis? Great! This system will take your understanding to the next level by focusing on precision and personalization.
Forget the Guesswork: The Sterling method replaces vague seasonal assumptions with a science-backed approach. By evaluating features through unfiltered observations—either in-studio or virtually—you’ll deliver results your clients can trust.
No Mixing, Just Mastery: Who has time for complicated exercises like mixing paints? The Sterling system is grounded in practicality, training your eye to expertly evaluate color. It’s streamlined and effective, without unnecessary steps.
Inclusive and Revolutionary: The Sterling Color Quality System embraces every skin tone, hair color, and ethnicity, making it the most inclusive and adaptable method out there.
The Sterling Color Quality System is not just a method—it’s a movement. It’s the definitive way to empower your clients by giving them nuanced, personalized color guidance that aligns with their unique features. If you’re an image consultant, personal stylist, or aspiring color analyst ready to deliver real results, this is the training program you’ve been waiting for.
Take the leap and experience a system that transforms lives and careers. Your clients deserve better than outdated seasonal methods; they deserve Sterling.
FAQ section
You've got questions. We've got answers.
No. The fee covers training only. Drapes and tools are purchased separately. If you already own drapes, bring them — we review and categorize them during class since many kits contain errors.
No. Drapes are optional. You may purchase them later or bring an existing kit for review. We also teach multiple professional methods of color analysis that don’t rely on drapes.
Our New York Color Analysis Training is held in central Manhattan, typically in hotel meeting rooms or professional training spaces. The exact venue will be confirmed upon enrollment.
Graduates earn a Certificate of Completion as a Color Analyst from the Sterling Style Academy, internationally recognized in the fashion, beauty, and image industries.
Yes. You’ll gain the skills and techniques to begin offering color analysis services to clients immediately.
Perfect for hairstylists, makeup artists, fashion stylists, image consultants, and beauty professionals who want to expand their services with professional color analysis.
The 12-seasonal system begins by identifying a “dominant” trait (light vs. dark or bright vs. soft) and then assigning a secondary trait—the undertone. While popular, it often creates contradictions and confusion.
The Sterling Color Quality Method uses a clear, methodical framework that eliminates inconsistencies and doesn’t require drapes or props to master color analysis. Hairstylists and makeup artists who enjoy using visual aids can certainly incorporate them—we’ll show you how—but true mastery comes from understanding the analysis itself, not relying on drapes or swatches. That level of mastery takes practice, which is why our program is taught over two days with additional mentoring afterward to support your growth.
In the world of fashion and image consulting, color analysis stands as a pivotal tool, guiding individuals towards hues that complement their natural tones, thus enhancing their overall appearance. Traditionally, the Seasonal Color Analysis Method has been the go-to approach. However, as methodologies evolve and the demand for more precise and personalized advice grows, Michelle T. Sterling has introduced her own innovative system, the Sterling Color Analysis Method which she developed over 15 years ago when she started training students at the Sterling Style Academy. This change sparked curiosity and, at times, confusion, especially among students seeking to bridge the two methodologies.
The Seasonal Color Analysis categorizes individuals into one of four seasons—Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter—based on their skin’s undertone, eye, and hair color. It employs a subjective draping technique that aims to identify which set of colors make a person look vibrant, as opposed to washed out. Despite its widespread application, this method isn’t without its drawbacks. The reliance on subjective observation often leaves clients unconvinced about the suggested palette, not seeing the anticipated “shadows, wrinkles, or patchiness on their skin” themselves. Furthermore, the consultant's necessity to persuade the client adds an extra layer of complexity to the process.
Responding to these discrepancies, Michelle T. Sterling developed the Sterling Color Analysis Method, a system designed to reduce ambiguity and provide a more straightforward path to discovering one's best colors. Sterling’s approach maintains the essence of understanding one’s natural tones but does so through a more scientific lens, focusing on precise color matching rather than subjective judgement.
Unlike the seasonal method that broadly categorizes individuals, Sterling's methodology offers a nuanced understanding that acknowledges the unique color compositions of each person. It distinguishes itself by prioritizing an empirical understanding of color's impact on the individual, rather than fitting them into pre-determined seasonal slots. This method appreciates that personal color harmony can transcend the limiting boundaries of traditional categories.
One of the most notable discrepancies between the two methods lies in their approach to classification and flexibility. The Seasonal Color Analysis method rigidly assigns individuals to one of four or twelve categories, which can result in misclassification and a palette that may not fully resonate with the individual. On the other hand, the Sterling Color Analysis Method embraces a broader spectrum of colors, allowing for more tailored and adaptable recommendations. This resolves the confusion many face when trying to fit the unique mosaic of their features into a single seasonal box.
Sterling’s motivation to develop her own color analysis system in early 2005 stemmed from her own confusion and that of students who voiced their confusion. Recognizing the limitations of the Seasonal approach, she leveraged her deep industry knowledge and experience to create a system that addresses these gaps. Her method is crafted from an understanding that while the basics of color theory are foundational, the application must be as dynamic and varied as the individuals it seeks to serve.
Conclusion
The introduction of the Sterling Color Analysis Method marks a significant shift towards a more personalized, precise, and scientifically grounded approach to color analysis. It’s not just about identifying the colors that suit an individual but about breaking free from the constraints that traditional methodologies impose.
For fashion enthusiasts, style bloggers, and color analysis seekers, exploring the Sterling color analysis method opens up a new dimension of personal style, where the choice of color is not dictated by broad-brush categorizations but informed by a deeper, more nuanced understanding of personal aesthetics.
Unveiling the True Hue
"Taking part in Sterling Style Academy's Color Analysis Training in New York was a turning point for me. I didn’t just learn about color theory—I discovered how to use color as a confident form of self-expression. My personal style has transformed in ways I never imagined!"
"Sterling Style Academy showed me how to craft a personal brand that truly reflects who I am. Through their New York color analysis training, I learned how every color choice can tell a story. I'm now building a brand with hues that feel authentic and intentional."
"I’ve worked with seasonal color analysis for years, but the Sterling Color Analysis system has completely changed the game for me. It allows so much more flexibility when helping my clients choose hair colors that reflect their personality and lifestyle. Instead of rigid seasonal categories, I can tailor my recommendations to suit their individual needs, and they love the options I can now offer!"
"The Sterling method opened up a whole new level of creativity in my work. Traditional seasonal analysis felt limiting—I could only fit people into a few defined boxes. Now, with the Sterling approach, I can explore a broader spectrum of shades and tones that complement their features, giving my clients more choices and myself more room to experiment. It’s been a total game-changer!"
"What I love about the Sterling Color Analysis is how liberating it feels compared to seasonal color systems. It allows me to create hair color recommendations that feel modern and personalized, rather than pigeonholing clients into outdated categories. My clients appreciate having more options, and it’s made my consultations more interactive and fun."
"The Sterling system has transformed how I think about color for my brides. Seasonal analysis used to feel so restrictive, especially when styling for diverse skin tones and preferences. Now, I can customize palettes and makeup looks that resonate with each bride’s vision, and it’s all thanks to this innovative, more adaptable approach."
"Using the Sterling Color Analysis method has been a breath of fresh air in my work. I no longer feel boxed in by seasonal limitations. Instead, I can blend color theory with creative intuition, giving my clients—including those in the spotlight—bespoke looks that set them apart. It’s been exciting to see how much they value the personalized options I can now offer."
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"In the past, I always felt like seasonal color analysis limited my creative options. The Sterling system lets me be more dynamic and adaptable, which my clients have noticed and appreciated. Whether it’s choosing hair color, wardrobe suggestions, or makeup shades, I feel like I can actually reflect the individuality of each client. This method really elevates my work!"
"As someone who has worked with Korean Color Analysis in the past, I can confidently say the Sterling Color Analysis system offers a whole new level of flexibility and personalization. While Korean Color Analysis provides a structured approach, I often found it too rigid for clients with more diverse preferences or unique features. Sterling’s method, on the other hand, allows for a more creative and nuanced approach. I can explore a broader range of tones and shades, customizing recommendations to truly reflect each client’s individuality. My clients in New York love having options that feel tailored to them, and it’s transformed the way I approach my work—making it both more dynamic and rewarding."
"Having experience with both Korean Color Analysis and the Sterling Color Analysis system, I can confidently say I prefer Sterling’s approach. Korean Color Analysis offers a strong foundation, but it often feels restrictive—fixating on defined categories that don’t always align with my clients’ individuality. Sterling’s system, however, allows me to take a more adaptable and creative route. By focusing on a more fluid and personalized approach, I can cater to each client’s unique style and preferences. My New York clients especially appreciate the freedom it gives them to explore options that feel distinctly their own. For me as a professional, it’s a refreshing way to work, offering both depth and versatility."
to help you work with clients and grow your business
The Sterling Style Academy is a distinguished American institution, celebrated for its excellence in training color analysts, personal stylists, personal shoppers, and image consultants. Known worldwide for its superior education, the Academy is committed to nurturing talent and shaping the future leaders of the fashion and styling industry.
With a curriculum that combines expert-led theoretical learning, hands-on practical exercises, and immersive real-world experiences in iconic fashion capitals, Sterling Style Academy equips students with the tools they need to succeed. Graduates leave with not only unparalleled knowledge and refined skills but also a powerful network of industry connections to launch and sustain thriving careers.
At Sterling Style Academy, we don’t just teach—we inspire, develop, and empower the next generation of color and style innovators to transform their passion into a lifelong profession.
ABOUT OUR TRAINING DIRECTOR, MICHELLE T. STERLING
Unlock your potential with high-quality color analysis training program designed to take you places! Whether you’re looking to start fresh or take your skills to the next level, our program equips you to build a thriving career—and even an online empire.
Imagine yourself as a color analyst, image consultant, personal stylist, personal shopper, wardrobe consultant, fashion consultant, style consultant, or stylist. With our training, those dreams become reality. We provide you with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to create a successful, future-proof business—all from the comfort of your home.
Quality education leads to quality results, and our U.S.-based program is designed to help you stand out in a competitive market. It’s your first step toward building a business that not only supports your goals but takes you to new heights.
Have questions? Email us today and start your path to success.