Why Get Excited About the Pantone Color of the Year?

Have you ever thought about something new you wanted/needed – say, a new sweater in a particular color – and suddenly you see that color everywhere? Well, that phenomenon really isn’t a random occurrence. The people who set color trends work years in advance in a coordinated way, all seemingly behind the scenes. Some of your color choices and desires have been subtly introduced over time until you somehow embrace them, thinking you’re acting on your own accord.

Conspiracy, you wonder? Maybe a little. But all that planning creates markets that function well together and make the retail experience a bit more cohesive. Every December, one of the giants of the color world, Pantone Color Systems, introduces their choice for The Color of the Year. So, why should you care and what should be done with this color?

I’ve noticed that the Color of the Year is selected thoughtfully with an eye towards the state of world culture: the zeitgeist. Cultural events, trends and shifts – think global pandemic – weigh significantly in the choice. This year, the color is Very Peri: “Very Peri is a periwinkle blue with violet red undertones that blends the consistency of blue with the excitement of red. This new color was created especially as a way to embody personal creativity and inventiveness. After two years of intense change, Very Peri is all about a new personal reality for everyone.” In other words, after two years in the pandemic, we’re all paying more intention to what matters to us as individuals both in consistent and exciting ways.

The Color of the Year is conceived as far more than simply a hue: it’s a tool that provides a unifying concept of influences in the world of design. Some manufacturers, such as Cariuma, Priority Bicycles and Globe Skateboards embrace the color as a statement. Other designers can incorporate the color in more subtle ways: as a background or accent color on social media graphics, as an accent in an interior design scheme, or as the icing on a bespoke cupcake.

The Color of the Year is not intended to instigate an entire rebranding of your business; rather, it’s an instrument to help your visuals look fresh, relevant and timely. As your graphic designer, I’d love to partner with you to craft your best message.