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Pantone recently announced Ultra Violet as it’s new Color of the Year for 2018. Can you believe this is Pantone’s 19th year announcing a Color of the Year? Selections have ranged from subdued tones—such as 2006’s Sand Dollar—to bright, energetic colors like 2012’s Tangerine Tango. The company claims to look for more than trends when picking a color. According to Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute, “The Pantone Color 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.”
What is Pantone, anyway?
Unless you’re a designer, chances are you’ve never heard of Pantone. It’s founder, Lawrence Herbert, created the Pantone Matching System in 1963 in an attempt to increase the accuracy of color across the graphic arts community. Since then, Pantone has grown into a renowned authority in color matching across several industries that rely heavily on colors, including fashion, textiles, architecture, paint, etc. Each matching system uses a different scheme, which they explain a bit more here.
Over the years, Pantone has moved from simply categorizing colors to color consulting and trend forecasting. Through its Pantone Color Institute, it researches the psychology of color and helps brands develop and implement color palettes. It’s the Color Institute that oversees the selection of each Color of the Year since 2000. Pantone also produces its own line of merchandise, Pantone Universe.
PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet
Ultra Violet is somewhat of an unexpected color, but a welcome and refreshing addition to the Color of the Year family. The company describes Ultra Violet as “a dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade.” Not only that, it also “communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us toward the future.” After a year that (at least in the U.S.) felt very heavy, I’ll take it!
This color has a decidedly positive vibe, and one I believe will resonate a lot more than last year’s Greenery. The last time a Pantone color truly took the world by storm was in 2015. Remember when Marsala, a rich, earthy red, was seen absolutely everywhere? I think Ultra Violet has the potential to reach a similar level of popularity. Time will tell!
Using Ultra Violet
Ultra Violet can be used an accent or allowed to dominate the environment. I can see it pairing very well with other jewel tones, such as emerald or sapphire. It can also make a statement with its complementary color, a bright yellow. I also love the way it pops against a stark white background. If you’re a designer, Pantone had provided useful tools for using Ultra Violet in various industries.
The design world is brimming with options to incorporate this beautiful amethyst hue into our lives. From interior design, to fashion, to plants, check out the gallery for inspiration on how to use Ultra Violet.
What do you think of 2018’s Color of the Year? Do you like it? Do you this it’s easy to use, or have you used it already?