By Caravansarai
Image: Laurie Pressman Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute
Belonging to the multinational corporation X-Rite, Pantone LLC or Pantone Color Institute is a renowned color agency. With over 54 years of experience in color discovery and creative expression, Pantone has become a major source of inspiration for designers worldwide, from fashion to furniture and industrial design.
In 1963, Lawrence Herbert, the founder of Pantone, revolutionized color identification and communication. He developed the innovative Pantone Matching System (PMS) to solve the problem of color misinterpretation in the graphic arts community. Today, Pantone’s color standard system is recognized globally as the official language of color communication.
Image: The incarnation of the color of 2018, ultraviolet
The recently announced main color palette for 2018 by Pantone features the captivating purple Ultraviolet. This color, with the code 18-3838 on the Pantone palette, evokes the mysteries of the universe and represents our inherent desire to explore beyond our limitations. Ultra Violet symbolizes experimentation, pushing boundaries, and stimulates imagination.
To better understand the process of choosing the color of the year, let’s dive into an interview with Pantone Vice President Laurie Pressman.
How Pantone Conducts Research for Choosing Colors
The Pantone Color Institute, in collaboration with its global research team and publishing partners, conducts extensive research and trend analysis. They aim to identify colors that could dominate the next two years in various industries. These colors are carefully chosen to provide fresh and relevant options for brands and products.
The Psychology Behind Color Selection
Pantone’s research reveals that 95% of color choices are influenced by the internal subconscious. It’s not solely based on logical reasoning but rather personal preferences and emotional connections. Color preferences can change over time and circumstances.
To ensure consistency, Pantone’s research team continuously conducts experiments to create associated colors from primary colors. Each color carries a meaningful message and has the power to evoke different moods.
Ensuring Color Accuracy
Pantone technicians play a vital role in color decision-making. They undergo the Munsell Farnsworth 100 color blindness test to ensure their ability to discern subtle differences between shades. Pantone takes color discrimination seriously and only recognizes technicians who achieve top scores in this rigorous test.
Image: Pantone technicians are tested for their ability to discern subtle differences between colors.
The Source of Pantone’s Printing Colors
All the inks used by Pantone to print color palettes are plant-based and occur naturally. This commitment to using eco-friendly, organic inks aligns with Pantone’s dedication to sustainable practices.
The Standards for Choosing the Color of the Year
The color chosen as the color of the year represents a color capable of transmitting significant messages in global culture. It responds to the emotions and moods of those who interact with it. Color and context are intertwined, and a group of colors or a single color can stand out when used in the right context. The popularity of a color symbolizes the period we live in.
The Process of Choosing the Color of the Year
Choosing the color of the year is a thoughtful and deliberate process. The Pantone team spans the globe, actively seeking lifestyle color trends and the impact of new colors in their seasonal trend reports. They consider various factors, such as entertainment, film production, art collections, street art, fashion, and all design fields. Social media platforms and sports events also influence color choices.
Image: Ultra Violet has started to appear in various design fields, including architecture and fashion.
The Deliberation Process
Choosing the color of the year involves careful consideration. The Pantone team takes time to perceive a whole group of colors, gradually understanding their impact. They may even reconsider previously discarded colors, as their significance can change with evolving cultural events.
The Significance of Color
Color holds immense meaning for Laurie Pressman. It is her way of expressing herself and soothing her soul. Color is the first thing we see when we open our eyes, and it adds magic to the world. It has the power to change our mood, evoke memories, and enhance our experiences. Without color, life would be dull and devoid of its true essence.
Image: In 2016, Pantone announced Rose Quartz and Serenity Blue as the colors of the year.
Color trends play a significant role in various industries, influencing design choices and consumer preferences. Pantone continues to shape the world of colors, providing inspiration and setting the tone for each year. To learn more about Pantone and their color offerings, visit Caravansarai.