For 2021, Pantone chose two swatches for colors of the year: Ultimate Gray and Illuminating. These two hues will be prominent throughout 2021’s fashion, home décor, design, makeup packaging and of course e-commerce fields. However, the last time we saw two colors for Pantone’s color(s) of the year, for example was 2016 with Rose Quartz and Serenity.
Joining together Ultimate Gray and Illuminating, a neutral hue along with a vibrant yellow is the perfect combination for the new year. For instance, these colors “speak to the resilience, optimism and positivity we need. As we reset, renew, reimagine and reinvent” according to Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute.
About Pantone Color of The Year
Meanwhile, for over 20 years, Pantone’s Color of the Year heavily influences product development and design decisions. Subsequently, these decisions affect multiple industries. Including fashion, home and industrial design and especially product packaging and graphic design.
To ultimately select color of the year, Pantone’s process requires thoughtful consideration and trend analysis. First, choosing the most popular swatches Pantone’s color experts search the world looking for new and unique influences. Second, the color experts gather inspiration from all industries. Ranging from entertainment and film to traveling art collections. Moreover, along with new artists and every genre of the art field. Color influences may also originate from new technologies, materials, textures and effects. Most importantly, all of these influences have a heavy impact on the color selection.
Discovering the Colors of the Year 2021
Ultimate Gray (PANTONE 17-5104) and Illuminating (PANTONE 13-0647) are two independent colors that highlight how different elements come together. Therefore, these hues help to support one another. In addition, Ultimate Gray and Illuminating were chosen to best express the mood for Pantone’s Color of the Year 2021. The union of Ultimate Gray and Illuminating are practical and rock solid. However, they also give off a sense of warning and optimism.
Certainly, these two swatches for Pantone’s Colors of the Year 2021 are strong paired together as well as separate. The colors are one of strength and positivity. A story of color that encapsulates deeper feelings of thoughtfulness with the promise of something friendly. Something we all look forward to in 2021. With a message of happiness and fortitude, the combination of Ultimate Gray and Illuminating is aspirational and gives us hope. As humans, we need to feel that everything is going to get brighter. Which is important to the human spirit.
Ultimate Gray & Illuminating
Above all, considering 2020 has not been our favorite year, for the future, we are all looking for ways to fortify ourselves. With energy, clarity and hope to overcome any continuing uncertainty. With the pairing of Ultimate Gray and Illuminate, our innate need to be seen, heard and recognized is highlighted. Moreover, these hues are a combination of color whose ties to insight, innovation and intuition are pressing us forward towards a new way of thinking and concepts.
In short, for more information, visit Pantone’s color guide to find out how you can factor in these colors of the year into your packaging and everyday life.
