@colorkey

The Psychology of Design: The Color Green

2021-03-26T06:09:10.080Z

Color is very powerful. I am enjoying many colors in my garden as I write today. I choose the colors in my garden carefully.

Pops of red, fuschia, yellow, and purple against various shades of green. Light greens, dark greens, even variegated greens. All of these colors combine to evoke feelings of relaxation, peace, and harmony.

I recall a young man walking past one afternoon who stopped and told me how he enjoyed my garden because it, “Filled his soul with joy.” Wow — that is the power of color!

How Do Colors Work in Marketing?

Marketers can take advantage of the emotions evoked by color. The use of colors can help people decide to buy from you. According to our friends at SmallBizTrends:

“Color has been known to have a powerful psychological impact on people’s behavior and decisions. And this knowledge has been harnessed all too well in marketing psychology by designers and marketers alike. Color can often be the sole reason someone purchases a product. In a survey, 93 percent of buyers said they focus on visual appearance, and close to 85 percent claim color is a primary reason when they make a purchase!”

Let’s Talk About Green

Green is a color that can evoke powerful emotions. It is a dominant color in nature that makes you think of growth. Think of nature and see the incredible variety of shades of green expressing renewal and life. Green evokes a feeling of abundance and is associated with refreshment and peace, rest and security.

Green helps people feel rested and secure. People are invited to wait in the “green room” before going on camera to relax. Many doctors even use green in their offices to put patients at ease. Green encourages a balance in your brain that leads to decisiveness. However, green may also be perceived negatively when associated with materialism, envy, and possessiveness.

Green is a mixture of the two primary colors blue and yellow. Blue is often used to create a sense of security and trust in a brand. (Check out this article to learn more about the color blue in marketing). The color yellow represents optimism and youthfulness, and is often used to grab attention. Blue and yellow are somewhat opposite in the emotions they evoke. Green is the color that combines them in various shades to create even more variations of emotion.

Lighter greens that lean more to the yellow end of the spectrum are associated more closely with freshness: think of the first leaves of spring. Darker greens are more closely associated with stability and growth: think of the more mature green leaves of summer. Green comes in many shades and variations:

The color green can be associated with the word “go” as in, “We have the green light to go ahead.”

Green can also be associated with environmental initiatives: “We’re going green.”

It’s hard to go wrong with green. With so many hues, green is an extremely flexible color. The color green brings to mind different associations.

The Use of Green in Branding

Starbuck

The green color palate of Starbucks was introduced so as to represent growth, freshness, uniqueness, and prosperity. Not only does Starbucks use green in its logo, it also uses the same color predominantly in its stores to promote relaxation.

John Deere

The green colors in the John Deere logo remind us of fresh cut grass. The yellow puts one in mind of a harvest-ready field of corn. One theory for use of green in the John Deere color palate is that it is the opposite of the color used for its competitor, International Harvester, which is red (read more about the color red in design here).

British Petroleum (BP)

According to the creator of the latest BP logo, the design includes a “stylized sunflower symbolizing the sun’s energy, while the color green reflects the brand’s environmental sensitivity.”

GoDaddy

GoDaddy recently updated their logo to create a feeling of newness. The color of green used in the newest iteration of their logo is bright and fresh and may also bring to mind a green light, meaning “to go,” as in GoDaddy.

Calls-to-Action

Green can also be used in design to bring attention to calls to action. Some examples here include:

Evernote

The use of green on the Evernote site is bright and rich. The color matches the green in the Evernote logo. Evernote also uses green in the design of the page. The feelings evoked are of freshness and youth. The use of the green letters against the white background highlights the CTA to “sign up for free.”

Treehouse

As in the Evernote example, Treehouse uses the same color in their logo as their CTA. This time, it is white letters against a green background. The use of green in this example makes one feel that they are saving money (also green) when they choose to “start your free trial.”

OptinMonster

OptinMonster uses green consistently for all of their primary call-to-action buttons. This way it is perfectly clear what the user should do: click the “Get OptinMoster Now” button.

Spotify

What catches your eye in this example? The use of green in this CTA is a calming green against the brightly colored red and orange background. The green really pops out in this example. Spotify is using color very effectively to get your attention and give you a sense of ease to get started with their product.

TD Ameritrade

When you are talking about investments, you may want your audience to think about green as in money, or green as in growth. TD Ameritrade uses green effectively to steer users in that direction with their use of green in their CTAs, logo, and headers. The shade of green they use is from the middle of the spectrum with a good balance of yellow and blue. The green pops on the white background.

Green Considerations

As you can see, there are many cases of green being a great choice in design. However, there are some things to keep in mind when using green.

Different shades of green words on a green or green-patterned background can be very hard to read. Adding more contrast makes it easier for the reader to see.

Some neon shades of green can be eye-catching. Others can be irritating and quickly tire the eyes.

Green used with other colors such as red can remind people of holidays.

It’s Easy Being Green

When it comes to color, the deliberate, well-thought-out use of various shades can significantly impact your market. Use the versatile color of green on a CTA to give people the “green light” to sign up or subscribe. Post something green on social media to help your followers relax or to understand your commitment to “being green.”

How have you seen green used successfully in design? Let us see how you use color in design at IMPACT Elite. I’ll be here in my garden, surrounded by green, watching for your comments.

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Color Theory for Designers, Part 1: The Meaning of Color

2021-03-26T04:28:12.591Z

Color theory is a science and art unto itself, which some build entire careers on, as color consultants or sometimes brand consultants. Knowing the effects color has on a majority of people is an incredibly valuable expertise that designers can master and offer to their clients.

There’s a lot to it, though. Something as simple as changing the exact hue or saturation of a color can evoke a completely different feeling. Cultural differences can compound those effects, with a hue that’s happy and uplifting in one country becoming depressing in another.

This is the first in a three-part series on color theory. Here we’ll discuss the meanings behind the different color families, and give some examples of how these colors are used (with a bit of analysis for each). In Part 2 we’ll talk about how hue, chroma, value, saturation, tones, tints and shades affect the way we perceive colors. And in Part 3 we’ll discuss how to create effective color palettes for your own designs.

Warm Colors

Warm colors include red, orange, and yellow, and variations of those three colors. These are the colors of fire, of fall leaves, and of sunsets and sunrises, and are generally energizing, passionate, and positive.

Red and yellow are both primary colors, with orange falling in the middle (making it a secondary color), which means warm colors are all truly warm and aren’t created by combining a warm color with a cool color. Use warm colors in your designs to reflect passion, happiness, enthusiasm, and energy.

RED (PRIMARY COLOR)

Red is a very hot color. It’s associated with fire, violence, and warfare. It’s also associated with love and passion. In history, it’s been associated with both the Devil and Cupid. Red can actually have a physical effect on people, raising blood pressure and respiration rates. It’s been shown to enhance human metabolism, too.

Red can be associated with anger, but is also associated with importance (think of the red carpet at awards shows and celebrity events). Red also indicates danger (the reason stop lights and signs are red, and that warning labels are often red).

Outside the western world, red has different associations. For example, in China, red is the color of prosperity and happiness. It can also be used to attract good luck. In other eastern cultures, red is worn by brides on their wedding days. In South Africa, however, red is the color of mourning. Red is also associated with communism.

Red has become the color associated with AIDS awareness in Africa due to the popularity of the [RED] campaign.

In design, red can be a powerful accent color. It can have an overwhelming effect if it’s used too much in designs, especially in its purest form. It’s a great color to use when power or passion want to be portrayed in the design. Red can be very versatile, though, with brighter versions being more energetic and darker shades being more powerful and elegant.

EXAMPLES

ORANGE (SECONDARY COLOR)

Orange is a very vibrant and energetic color. In its muted forms it can be associated with the earth and with autumn. Because of its association with the changing seasons, orange can represent change and movement in general. Orange is also strongly associated with creativity.

Because orange is associated with the fruit of the same name, it can be associated with health and vitality. In designs, orange commands attention without being as overpowering as red. It’s often considered more friendly and inviting, and less in-your-face.

EXAMPLES

YELLOW (PRIMARY COLOR)

Yellow is often considered the brightest and most energizing of the warm colors. It’s associated with happiness and sunshine. Yellow can also be associated with deceit and cowardice, though (calling someone yellow is calling them a coward).

Yellow is also associated with hope, as can be seen in some countries when yellow ribbons are displayed by families who have loved ones at war. Yellow is also associated with danger, though not as strongly as red.

In some countries, yellow has very different connotations. In Egypt, for example, yellow is for mourning. In Japan, it represents courage and in India it’s a color for merchants.

In your designs, bright yellow can lend a sense of happiness and cheerfulness. Softer yellows are commonly used as a gender-neutral color for babies (rather than blue or pink) and young children. Light yellows also give a more calm feeling of happiness than bright yellows. Dark yellows and gold-hued yellows can sometimes look antique and be used in designs where a sense of permanence is desired.

EXAMPLES

Cool Colors

Cool colors include green, blue, and purple, are often more subdued than warm colors. They are the colors of night, of water, of nature, and are usually calming, relaxing, and somewhat reserved.

Blue is the only primary color within the cool spectrum, which means the other colors are created by combining blue with a warm color (yellow for green and red for purple).

Because of this, green takes on some of the attributes of yellow, and purple takes on some of the attributes of red. Use cool colors in your designs to give a sense of calm or professionalism.

GREEN (SECONDARY COLOR)

Green is a very down-to-earth color. It can represent new beginnings and growth. It also signifies renewal and abundance. Alternatively, green can also represent envy or jealousy, and a lack of experience.

Green has many of the same calming attributes that blue has, but it also incorporates some of the energy of yellow. In design, green can have a balancing and harmonizing effect, and is very stable.

It’s appropriate for designs related to wealth, stability, renewal, and nature. Brighter greens are more energizing and vibrant, while olive greens are more representative of the natural world. Dark greens are the most stable and representative of affluence.

EXAMPLES

BLUE (PRIMARY COLOR)

Blue is often associated with sadness in the English language. Blue is also used extensively to represent calmness and responsibility. Light blues can be refreshing and friendly. Dark blues are more strong and reliable. Blue is also associated with peace and has spiritual and religious connotations in many cultures and traditions (for example, the Virgin Mary is generally depicted wearing blue robes).

The meaning of blue is widely affected depending on the exact shade and hue. In design, the exact shade of blue you select will have a huge impact on how your designs are perceived. Light blues are often relaxed and calming. Bright blues can be energizing and refreshing. Dark blues, like navy, are excellent for corporate sites or designs where strength and reliability are important.

EXAMPLES

PURPLE (SECONDARY COLOR)

In ancient times, the dyes used for creating purple hues were extracted from snails and were very expensive, so only royals and the very wealthy could afford them.

Purple is a combination of red and blue and takes on some attributes of both. It’s associated with creativity and imagination, too.

In Thailand, purple is the color of mourning for widows. Dark purples are traditionally associated with wealth and royalty, while lighter purples (like lavender) are considered more romantic.

In design, dark purples can give a sense wealth and luxury. Light purples are softer and are associated with spring and romance.

EXAMPLES

Neutrals

Neutral colors often serve as the backdrop in design. They’re commonly combined with brighter accent colors. But they can also be used on their own in designs, and can create very sophisticated layouts. The meanings and impressions of neutral colors are much more affected by the colors that surround them than are warm and cool colors.

BLACK

Black is the strongest of the neutral colors. On the positive side, it’s commonly associated with power, elegance, and formality. On the negative side, it can be associated with evil, death, and mystery. Black is the traditional color of mourning in many Western countries. It’s also associated with rebellion in some cultures, and is associated with Halloween and the occult.

Black, when used as more than an accent or for text, is commonly used in edgier designs, as well as in very elegant designs. It can be either conservative or modern, traditional or unconventional, depending on the colors it’s combined with. In design, black is commonly used for typography and other functional parts, because of its neutrality. Black can make it easier to convey a sense of sophistication and mystery in a design.

EXAMPLES

WHITE

White is at the opposite end of the spectrum from black, but like black, it can work well with just about any other color. White is often associated with purity, cleanliness, and virtue. In the West, white is commonly worn by brides on their wedding day. It’s also associated with the healthcare industry, especially with doctors, nurses and dentists. White is associated with goodness, and angels are often depicted in white.

In much of the East, however, white is associated with death and mourning. In India, it is traditionally the only color widows are allowed to wear.

In design, white is generally considered a neutral backdrop that lets other colors in a design have a larger voice. It can help to convey cleanliness and simplicity, though, and is popular in minimalist designs. White in designs can also portray either winter or summer, depending on the other design motifs and colors that surround it.

EXAMPLES

GRAY

Gray is a neutral color, generally considered on the cool end of the color spectrum. It can sometimes be considered moody or depressing. Light grays can be used in place of white in some designs, and dark grays can be used in place of black.

Gray is generally conservative and formal, but can also be modern. It is sometimes considered a color of mourning. It’s commonly used in corporate designs, where formality and professionalism are key. It can be a very sophisticated color. Pure grays are shades of black, though other grays may have blue or brown hues mixed in. In design, gray backgrounds are very common, as is gray typography.

EXAMPLES

BROWN

Brown is associated with the earth, wood, and stone. It’s a completely natural color and a warm neutral. Brown can be associated with dependability and reliability, with steadfastness, and with earthiness. It can also be considered dull.

In design, brown is commonly used as a background color. It’s also seen in wood textures and sometimes in stone textures. It helps bring a feeling of warmth and wholesomeness to designs. It’s sometimes used in its darkest forms as a replacement for black, either in backgrounds or typography.

EXAMPLES

BEIGE AND TAN

Beige is somewhat unique in the color spectrum, as it can take on cool or warm tones depending on the colors surrounding it. It has the warmth of brown and the coolness of white, and, like brown, is sometimes seen as dull. It’s a conservative color in most instances, and is usually reserved for backgrounds. It can also symbolize piety.

Beige in design is generally used in backgrounds, and is commonly seen in backgrounds with a paper texture. It will take on the characteristics of colors around it, meaning it has little effect in itself on the final impression a design gives when used with other colors.

EXAMPLES

CREAM AND IVORY

Ivory and cream are sophisticated colors, with some of the warmth of brown and a lot of the coolness of white. They’re generally quiet, and can often evoke a sense of history. Ivory is a calm color, with some of the pureness associated with white, though it’s a bit warmer.

In design, ivory can lend a sense of elegance and calm to a site. When combined with earthy colors like peach or brown, it can take on an earthy quality. It can also be used to lighten darker colors, without the stark contrast of using white.

EXAMPLES

In Brief…

While the information contained here might seem just a bit overwhelming, color theory is as much about the feeling a particular shade evokes than anything else. But here’s a quick reference guide for the common meanings of the colors discussed above:

Red: Passion, Love, Anger
Orange: Energy, Happiness, Vitality
Yellow: Happiness, Hope, Deceit
Green: New Beginnings, Abundance, Nature
Blue: Calm, Responsible, Sadness
Purple: Creativity, Royalty, Wealth
Black: Mystery, Elegance, Evil
Gray: Moody, Conservative, Formality
White: Purity, Cleanliness, Virtue
Brown: Nature, Wholesomeness, Dependability
Tan or Beige: Conservative, Piety, Dull
Cream or Ivory: Calm, Elegant, Purity

Further Resources

A Simple Web Developer’s Guide To Color
The Code Side Of Color
Color Meanings & Smbolism

The Whole Series

Color Theory for Designers, Part 1: The Meaning of Color
Color Theory for Designers, Part 2: Understanding Concepts And Terminology
Color Theory for Designers, Part 3: Creating Your Own Color Palettes

How To Combine Colors In Your Wardrobe Using The Color Wheel | What Colors Complement Each Other

2021-03-25T06:24:09.233Z

Color coordination should never be overlooked by the man building a wardrobe.

Well-chosen colors are like a proper fit — a detail that can entirely make or break an outfit.

Very nice clothing in the wrong color combinations will still make you look bland and boring, or loud and foolish.

Finding a happy medium is essential to developing the look men strive for.

We recommend starting with our article on A Man's Introduction to Color, but if you're hungry for more, we're going into the color wheel in greater depth here. This is the basic theory that underlies all the color decisions you can make in your wardrobe.

Introduction To The Color Wheel

The Color Wheel, which was developed by Sir Isaac Newton in 1666, is the basis for all color theory. The 12 basic colors are called ‘hues'.

Most clothing comes in a more muted form of the true hues — either they are lightened by adding white (called a ‘tint') or darkened by adding black (a ‘shade').

Any outfit will be a combination of these colors and the ‘neutrals' — white, black, and the two combined to make grays of varying darkness. Brown is sometimes described as a ‘neutral' base for an outfit as well, but it is still a combination of color wheel hues, and usually reads closest to orange or red-orange in outfits.

Understanding which relationships on the color wheel look “good” to human eyes and which seem bland or garish is the key to using the color wheel in coordinating your outfits.

The 3 Primary Colors

Red, yellow, blue.

These are the only colors that can't be made by adding or mixing other colors together. All the other hues can be created by combining primary colors.

In their natural hue (without shading or tinting), they read as very bright, vivid colors to the human eye. Based on the test results, we generate a color spectrum as you may see (and display it next to a normal one).

In case of tritan type color blindness, you probably won't notice (too much) difference between the two spectrums, but people with normal color vision will see the difference. The diagnosis and the two spectrums will appear at the end. It is only for tritan type of color vision deficiency.

You use them when you want to grab the viewer's eye. As a result, you'll usually only see small accents in unaltered primary colors — a red tie or a yellow pocket square, but never a suit in that pure, bright blue.

The 3 Secondary Colors

Green, orange, violet.

These are each created by combining two primary colors — red and blue to make violet, yellow and blue to make green, and red and yellow to make orange.

Each secondary color is directly opposite a primary color on the wheel. That relationship — opposite on the wheel — is called “complementary.”

Human eyes notice the contrast between complementary colors more than other combinations. A complementing outfit will always read as bright and attention-getting.

As a result, many outfits combine a primary color (usually a shade or a tint of one) and a secondary color for the basic contrast.

The 6 Tertiary (Or Intermediate) Colors

These are found between the primary and secondary colors. It's important to remember that they are distinct hues and not just shades or tints of the primaries and secondaries — a violet shirt isn't the same thing as a the deeper blue-violet.

It's a different color rather than a darker form of the same color, with a different complementary color on the other side of the wheel and so on.

Treating the intermediate colors as their own distinct hues will make a serious improvement in your understanding of your wardrobe colors.

Mixing Colors In A Man's Outfit

Mixing colors is an essential skill for any man who hopes to dress well. Mixing colors can create two effects — harmony or disorganization. When we mix colors in an outfit, we want to use colors that work with each other to create an appearance that's pleasant to look at, not a mash of color that looks chaotic.

If we don't mix colors or use any variety, the end result is most likely going to be bland or boring, which people don't want to look at. If we mix too many colors or mix colors in a non-harmonious way, it leads to a chaotic and disorganized appearance.

This is why it is essential to know how to properly coordinate the colors of an outfit. There are three color schemes that register as the most organized with human eyes — complementary colors, triad colors, and analogous colors.

Complementary colors, as discussed above, are directly opposite one another on the color wheel. This creates the most vivid contrast in an outfit.

It's most common to see a complementing color scheme on someone who needs strong contrast to stand out.

TV commentators like complementing colors since television has a hard time projecting closely-related colors without turning washed-out.

A small accent in a complementary color is a great touch on a suit or sport coat — pocket squares and boutonnieres in complementary colors always make an attention-getting splash of color.

Triad Colors are equidistant from one another on the color wheel. This creates the most balanced form of contrast.

Triad colors are a good scheme for an outfit with lots of pieces. A man trying to balance a suit, shirt, tie, belt, shoes, cufflinks, etc. might want to be thinking in terms of triads.

Some accents in neutral colors, such as black shoes and a black belt, will of course work with any color scheme.

Analogous Colors are directly adjacent on the color wheel. This creates a minimized contrast, giving a very consistent look. Analogous color schemes are great for looking a little more restrained.

They make good office outfits. Some fancy occasions also call for analogous color schemes, such as a wedding party with a unified color scheme, but be aware that fancy isn't the same as formal. For that you'll still need a standard black tie ensemble, which uses very little color at all.

Conclusion: Using The Color Wheel In Your Wardrobe

The relationship between colors is a science — you can get advanced degrees in it, as a matter of fact. Don't let that intimidate you. The three basic relationships outlined above are always good staples for your wardrobe.

And remember that you also have tints and shades to play with — a deep burgundy shirt reads just the same as a vivid red one for purposes of contrast and relationships on the color wheel, even though it appears much more restrained (and more socially-acceptable) in outfits.

Not all your outfits will follow the color wheel relationships rigidly. Don't worry too much if they don't. Look for combinations that you feel comfortable in, using the color wheel schemes as a very basic guideline. A splash of difference here or there is what makes the outfit yours.

A basic understanding of the color wheel is just a tool to get you started. And hopefully we've provided that understanding here!

Understanding black and white as colors.

2021-03-25T05:54:34.861Z

Explore color from a scientific and artistic perspective, discover what sets black and white apart from other hues, and learn about working with these fundamental shades digitally and in print.

What is color?

When it comes to graphic design, understanding color and how it works in tandem with shade is important. Scientifically, color is an expression of light. Certain materials absorb and reflect specific wavelengths of visible light, which results in objects taking on a certain color to the human eye. A blue flower reflects and disperses blue light back at us while absorbing all other wavelengths of light, so what you see is the color blue. When nearly all light is reflected, you see white. When no light is reflected, you see black.

Is black a color? Is white a color?
As any rainbow will demonstrate, black isn’t on the visible spectrum of color. All other colors are reflections of light, except black. Black is the absence of light. Unlike white and other hues, pure black can exist in nature without any light at all.
Some consider white to be a color, because white light comprises all hues on the visible light spectrum. And many do consider black to be a color, because you combine other pigments to create it on paper. But in a technical sense, black and white are not colors, they’re shades. They augment colors. “And yet they do function like colors. They evoke feelings. They can be a kid’s favorite color,” says graphic designer Jimmy Presler.

Is black the absence of color?

In science, black is the absence of light. And color is a phenomenon of light. But a black object or black images printed on white paper are made from pigment, not light. So artists must use their darkest color of paint to approximate black.

True black and true white are rare.

What you see as a pigment with a black color or a light with a white color actually contains various light or dark colors. Nothing can be pure white or pure black, except unfiltered sunlight or the depths of a black hole.

What colors make black? What colors make white?
The way to create black or white depends on whether you’re working with an additive color model (light-based) or a subtractive color model (ink-based).

Additive colors combine to create white.

Light and electromagnetic radiation both create additive color. In this model of color theory, the combination of all colors creates the perception of white. You’ll also hear this model referred to as RGB, because when you work with additive color, you use red, green, and blue as primary colors.

Digital color is additive.

Additive color is used in digital design, because computer screens show hues with colored light. Each pixel is composed of three tiny specks of phosphor, which emit red, green, or blue light when struck by an electron beam. When working with color digitally, like in Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, your screen uses different combinations of these lights to create all the colors you see. So what is black on a screen? No lit phosphors.

Subtractive colors combine to create black.

The color of pigments and inks are subtractive. Subtractive colors are made of light that’s already passed through material. Painters can combine several colors to make what looks like black paint. Printing also uses subtractive colors; cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and key or black (K) are the primary inks used. This is why printable files are called CMYK files.

How designers can leverage black and white.
White and black may be the most important “colors” in design, as they’re integral to expressing light and shade. “If it doesn’t look good in black and white, it won’t look good in color,” says designer and illustrator Tammi Heneveld. First, try working in grayscale (black or white shades only) so you can focus on the shading and composition of your piece. Then try applying colors in Adobe InDesign or Photoshop or simply leave your image in black and white.

“Black and white are just as effective in conveying a mood or tone as other colors that people think of as bright and colorful,” says illustrator Jon MacNair. “They can be very striking graphically.”

Tips for printing blacks.
To print digital work, first convert your work from an RGB file into a CMYK file. Then calibrate your screen brightness to better imitate printed work. Turning your screen brightness to 75 percent is a safe bet. Or ask your print shop which setting is best.

#000000 vs. Rich Black.

When you convert a file from RGB to CMYK in InDesign, Photoshop, or Illustrator, it will automatically convert pure RBG black (hex code #000000) to rich black, a combination of 60 percent cyan, 40 percent magenta, 40 percent yellow, and 100 percent black. That’s because the right combination of CMYK actually produces a darker-looking black than just 100 percent black ink.

Avoid the temptation to turn the levels up even higher on CMYK. “When you print with all the colors cranked up to 100 percent, it’s going to look like a mess. It’s going to oversaturate your paper,” Presler explains. “And if you print only 100 percent black, it’s going to look wimpy.”

On paper or digitally, you can open new doors in design by employing a deeper comprehension of black and white and their relationships to other colors. Black and white alone can perfect shading and light in your work. See what you can create using just two shades.

Pantone chooses a classic for its 2021 Color of the Year

2021-03-25T05:33:30.595Z

You can expect to see a lot of blue next year.
Pantone announced Wednesday night that its 2020 Color of the Year is Classic Blue, a shade reminiscent of the sky at dusk.

"It's a color that anticipates what's going to happen next," said Laurie Pressman, the vice president of the Pantone Color Institute, which selects the Color of the Year. "What's the future going to bring as we move into the evening hours?"

This is indeed a pertinent question as we embark on a new decade. But as forward-looking as it may be, the 2020 color brings us almost full circle to the first Color of the Year, Cerulean, another blue hue chosen in 1999 to likewise capture a moment in time.
"We were moving into Y2K and wondering: Is the world going to fall apart?" said Pressman.
Ahead of their time: 10 radical cars that never were
The Pantone Color Institute said it recognized similar feelings of instability gripping the world today, from the United States to the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Syria and across the globe. It settled on a shade that offers the reassurance, confidence and connection that people may be searching for in an uncertain global milieu.
Pantone has named a color of the year for more than two decades. In 1963, the company created the Pantone Matching System, a proprietary system used in a variety of industries such as printing, graphic design and fashion design to manage colors.
The sight, smell, taste, sound and feel of Classic Blue
The 2020 Color of the Year isn't just for the seeing.
In collaboration with partners across industries, Pantone created a multi-sensory Classic Blue experience, which it showcased in Manhattan on Wednesday night at its 2020 color reveal.

The fragrance of Classic Blue wafted through the air while Classic Blue sounds resounded. Classic Blue-textured cushions littered the floor and Classic Blue drinks were served.
It was, beyond dispute, a Classic Blue sight to behold. But interpreting the color through the other four senses is a far less objective task.

Another interpretation: Classic Blue has an earthy, floral musk; a sugary flavor evocative of blue raspberry syrup; the feel of a brand new, plush couch; and an underwater, ethereal sound.
There is no Color of the Year crystal ball
Each year's color is decided through a long and thoughtful process that takes into consideration lifestyle and industry trends, said Pressman.
"Typically, trends that we see in color are reflecting big macro trends that are taking place in culture," she explained.
Color influences can come from art, upcoming media, movies, lifestyles, socioeconomic and political conditions, travel destinations, new technology — really anything.

The name of the color is an important factor.
"If you have a color called Brown Dirt, versus Chocolate Fudge, it takes on two completely different meanings," said Pressman. "The name really has to resonate with the message that we want to get across."
True to its name, Classic Blue can be regal, restrained and boundless. But it can also be edgy — even anomalous -— tilizing a variety of tonalities, materials and prints. (Think a new-age, Classic Blue concept car.)
Incorporate Classic Blue into your 2020
For those who want to sport the 2020 color, Pressman recommends Classic Blue accent pieces such as a scarf or watch strap, or a vase or candle for your home or workplace.
But incorporating the color into your life could be as simple as adding blue foods to your diet. Aligning with the growing emphasis on health, foods and beverages that are similar in color to Classic Blue are rich in anthocyanins that are thought to bolster the body's defense against ailments from cardiovascular disease to cancer cell proliferation.
Or, if you have cause to indulge, you could help yourself to a decadent blue macaroon.