How I Found My Colors and My Teacher
As I was preparing for my „12 Colors in 12 Months“ project, I knew I wanted to start with a personal color analysis. Before diving deeply into each month’s color, I wanted clarity about my own palette. Initially, I tried an online analysis and was told I was a Light Summer. While it sounded plausible, I wasn’t entirely convinced.
Determined to see the process with my own eyes, I booked a live session at a studio. This time, I was analyzed as a Light Spring. I was thrilled because I loved the colors in that palette, but I still didn’t fully grasp the system behind it. I knew I needed to learn more.
That’s when I discovered Merel and her institute, the International Color Style Institute, through an online search. Drawn by her professional approach and the structure of her program, I signed up. Since September, I’ve been studying Personal Color Analysis, and it has been such an exciting journey.
What I especially appreciate about Merel’s teaching is how systematically she has organized the course. The assignments she created really sharpen your eye for color and help you practice the methodology. Her expertise shines through every lesson, and I was also fascinated to learn that she produces her own drapes and color samples in the Netherlands!
As I delved into the system and started analyzing my own colors, I realized something surprising: I am not a Summer, nor a Spring. With Merel’s guidance, I discovered that I am a Soft Autumn. Having this confirmed by my teacher was a revelation and gave me a deeper appreciation for how complex and nuanced personal color analysis is.
Merel’s expertise and teaching style have had such an impact on me, and I thought she would be the perfect guest for my blog. I’m excited to share my interview with her – a fascinating expert in the world of color.
Throughout the interview, Merel shares her experiences with color, from how it influences our emotions and behavior to her unique approach to color analysis. I hope you find her thoughts as inspiring and insightful as I have.
Welcome Merel
1. Could you tell us a little about what you do in a few sentences?
I am an educator in color analysis and styling and creator of color analysis and styling tools.
2. I know you worked in a corporate job before transitioning to color. What inspired you to make such a significant change?
Before fully committing to color and style I was a general manager of a boutique hotel chain in Amsterdam. I was very dedicated in training the staff in providing a high level of service and hospitality. We took this a step further and really thought about every aspect, that would influence a guest their (first) impression and their overall experience. For our staff we wanted to train on being charming but also powerful while communicating with the guests. This involved Non-verbal communication and handling complaints, but also styling, make-up and off course the colors of the staff outfits. Our efforts paid off as we won best hotel in the netherlands regarding service and luxury. For me a turning point, after 18 years in hospitality of which 12 year in hotels, I wanted to train teams of other teams in the same way. At first, I had no idea what kind of job that would be, so I googled. I found out there was such thing as an image consultant and started pursuing this in 2011.
3. How did you first learn about color analysis, and what drew you to it?
I love color, I love Style. I teach both and I feel both are incomparable but also inseperable. Color&Style is an art. And with every work of art, you first create the outlines (style) and then you fill this in with color (or the other way around, but both are always present) All in their own unique way, a unique masterpiece.
4. Where did you learn about color, and what methodologies and systems did you study?
My mantra is: Color is never black or white. It is a matter of speech in the Netherlands, and I feel that there is always more to color than just the color in so many ways. I studied many methodologies, visions and approaches regarding color, also outside the color analysis world.
5. How did you come up with your own system, and what motivated you to take that step?
I don’t believe in rigid boxes/seasons, however you do need a system of approach or else you will get lost in the world of color. I teach my students the unlaying principles of color, translate this to the current systems out there (4,10,12,16) and teach them how to customize a pallette in a sustantiated way.
6. What do you find most rewarding about teaching and working with color?
When you start on your color journey, you start training your color eye. You will start looking to the world in a completely new way, that in itself is already transformative. But also during our course you will become aware of your own associations, needs and preferences regarding specific colors. If we find these I challenge these in order for you to embrace all colors, as they are all perfect in their right harmony. I really enjoy walking along this color path with you.
7. As you know, my project involves exploring how specific colors influence emotions and behavior. Based on your experience, what impact do you think colors have on us?
I see daily the influence on emotions and behavior, but don’t take my word for it, there is a bunch of scientific research about it which confirms this evidence-based.
8. What is the most common misconception people have about color analysis, and how do you address it?
That it is superficial. When I started pursuing my carreer as an image consultant, friends and family told me that I was to smart and to highly educated for something this superficial. How wrong they were, in the past 14 years I never ever got bored with color and style, I love every aspect of it and I find it incredibily fascinating. The more you learn, the less you know.
9. People often think color analysis will limit them and take away their freedom to wear what they want. What would you say to reassure those people?
If a color consultant makes you feel that you are limited and takes away your freedom regarding your choice of colors, he or she didn’t listen well enough to your needs. Yes, there are undoubtely colors that truly makes you sparkle, as in: they make you look great. But there is also your experience and need regarding to color. That should always be taken intro consideration.
10. Since December is my month for red, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this bold color. What role does it play in personal style and self-expression?
There is a lot of scientific research about the color red, it might even be the most researched color out there and that says a lot. The color red really draws attention to itself (and thus its wearer).
11. Many people feel they can’t wear red. What do you think about this, and do you have any tips for those who want to try red but feel hesitant?
There is always a red that works with your natural coloring. You can ask a color consultation to determine your best color red. However, as Sonja will let you know in her 12 color/12 seasons experiment, the way red makes you feel and makes others react to you wearing this color might be something you either want or want to avoid. as it really draws attention of others. Use it in situations that wearing the color red works in your advantage.
12. You’ve mentioned that working with so many people has taught you a lot about psychology. Have you observed any patterns, like certain personality types gravitating toward specific colors?
Color works inwards and outwards. Color can be used in so many ways. It can work as a shield, it can work as a magnet.
13. What advice would you give to someone like me, who is deeply passionate about color and wants to continue learning and exploring it?
Start. And if you are waiting for some kind of sign to follow your passion, consider this it 🙂
14. Color analysis is becoming increasingly popular thanks to social media. Where do you see the field heading in the future, and what role will ICSI play in shaping that future?
ICSI is the international part of Impact Styling Academy. Impact Styling Academy is founded with the idea of creating ‚concious consumers‘. Also known as ’slow fashion. As stylists can play a vital role in helping customers understanding their style, what are good fits for them personally and their great colors. With that information the client will make shopping choices that are more educated and less influenced by fashion. I hope ICSI will add a lot of stylists to the slow fashion movement.
15. For those interested in becoming color analysts, what skills or qualities do you think are most important to succeed in this field?
Letting go of your own preferences and really be able to look. For really creating personal pallettes you need to be able to let go of your own associations, assumptions and preferences. It is almost mindful. You might see an color and think: oh my, who is going to look good in that?! And then: you get the client that radiates with that color. Thén you really understand the color.
More to Come
Thank you for reading my first interview on the blog! I’m so grateful to Merel for sharing her journey and expertise with us. This interview is the beginning of an exciting new series, where I’ll be bringing you more insights from color experts and professionals in the field. Stay tuned for upcoming conversations that will dive deeper into the world of color, its impact on our lives, and how we can all use it to enhance our self-expression.
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