Established in the 1950s, Pantone have since seen universal success – they are now famed for their Pantone Colour Matching System. This is a standardised colour reproduction system Pantone created that is used across industries to classify if colours match, with the use of a colour chart in a pull-out fan format – simple, yet effective.
Since the millennium, Pantone have been announcing annually their prestigious 'Colour of the Year' accolade, which is eagerly anticipated by colour enthusiasts all over the world. “The Pantone Colour of the Year has come to mean so much more than ‘what’s trending’ in the world of design; it’s truly a reflection of what’s needed in our world today” said Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Colour Institute.
Colour triggers association - different colours and hues can be incredibly emotive. The Pantone Colour of the Year is said to embody the 'spirit of the age', portraying current-day society. Today's fashion, marketing, social media and politics are all taken into consideration when the colour is being researched and deliberated.
The importance of this award is unparalleled in the colour industry – each year it becomes increasingly influential. Hundreds of brands take note and distribute products accordingly, whilst Pantone itself showcases products featuring the prized colour.
2018 saw 'Ultra Violet' awarded Colour of the Year, with the shade communicating originality, ingenuity, visionary and futuristic thinking. Previous to this, 2017 saw 'Greenery' win the title, coincidently matching Hydra Creative's own branding - Greenery projects a refreshing and revitalising tone, symbolic of new beginnings. All colours are open to personal interpretation, but there are common themes - such as red implying danger.
We asked our own Graphics team for their predictions for this year's Colour of the Year:
Becky - Turmeric
“Orange is a real contrast colour to the current colour of the year - Ultra Violet. An orange colour hasn’t been Colour of the Year since 2012.”
Shane - Aspen Gold
“This colour has been a very popular theme throughout the fashion and interior design industries this year.”
Jemma - Princess Blue
“I love to see this colour on web design, as an eye catching CTA or creative gradient.”
Colour can make or break a brand. Think about how distinctive brands like Starbucks and Facebook are – instantly you can envisage the Starbucks green and Facebook blue branding colours. This makes them memorable and recognisable.
What colour do you think reflects the present-day climate? Find out what Pantone think this December, when their 2019 Colour Of The Year is revealed.
Share this article:
