True Colour International (TCI) 12-Tone Color Analysis Method

Traditional color analysis focused on four true seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn. People were categorized as either a Winter and Summer (cool seasons) or Autumn and Spring (warm seasons).

We now know that 2/3 of human beings need neither all warm, nor all cool colors to compliment their natural color harmony. The majority of people need colors which are found somewhere in between – we call this color space – neutral. The Neutral spaces have both warm and cool undertones.

The TCI Method of personal color analysis includes 8 neutral tonal spaces (cool/neutral and warm/neutral). These new tones are found in between the original 4 seasons. All together, the TCI 12 Tones encompass the full range of colors found in all human beings. This makes the TCI tones (seasons) and their coordinating color palettes precise, accurate and the most harmonious with your natural coloring.

A chart illustrating the 12 tone colors in a circular spectrum, showing transitions from warm to cool tones across seasons: Winter, Autumn, Summer, and Spring. The chart includes labels for different shades like Dark Winter, Bright Winter, Bright Spring, True Summer, and others, with a color key at the bottom indicating the Chroma, Hue, and Value for each tone.

3 Dimensions of Color and the TCI 12 Tones

The 12 tones of the TCI method represent 12 distinct areas of colour space and are distinguished from one another based on the three dimensions of colour; hue, value and chroma.

HUE (Temperature): Do you need warm (yellow undertones), cool (blue undertones), or neutral (yellow/blue undertones)?

VALUE: Do you need light, dark or colours in between these two extremes?

CHROMA: Are colours with brightness and saturation better or do you need colours that are more soft and muted?

Diagram showing the Munsell Color System with a color wheel and hue, chroma, and value axes, illustrating color categorization and their relationships.

What makes TCI so good?

The TCI Method is based on the science of natural colour harmony, accurate interpretation of the Munsell colour system, full- spectrum light theory, human physiology and psychology. No wonder it’s so good!