The Annual Assignment of Color of the Year

Every year, the Pantone Color Institute declares a specific color shade as the “Color of the Year.” But what exactly is the Pantone Color Institute? How does the process for choosing the Color of the Year go?

The Pantone Color Institute

The Pantone Color Institute began as a commercial printing company of an advertising group in New York City. Today, it stands and remains as a color authority that makes it its mission to help companies make the most informed decisions about colors.

The Pantone Color Institute is well known for its Pantone Guides, a series of color swatches, and for the annual declaration of a Color of the Year.

The Process of Choosing the Color of the Year

Twice a year, the Pantone Color Institute holds a private meeting with representatives from various nations’ color standard groups. After two days of debate, presentations, and discussions, a color is chosen for the following year.

The chosen color aims to reflect the current mood or spirit, attempting to address a societal issue of the period. Take 2017’s Color of the Year, for example. There is no denying that the present society has developed a fascination for tech and has also succumb to living a busy, routine type of lifestyle. With a vibrant yellow green shade, Greenery is an attempt to lead society back to nature. Its green is refreshing, energetic yet also relaxing.

2018 Color Trend and Color of the Year Forecast

Bold and bright colors are predicted to conquer 2018. Pantone Color Institute executive director Leatrice Eiseman has said in an interview that we will be seeing a lot of intense colors as a natural application of our fast-paced lifestyles.

Neutrals will also have its chance to take center stage. In fact, color of the year predictions seem to be playing around shades of black and blue.

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