Since 2000, the Pantone Color Institute has been declaring a “Color of the Year”. Chosen during secret meetings of representatives from various nations’ color standards groups, the color is meant to connect to the main ideals and beliefs that are expected to motivate and inspire society in the coming year.
On December 7, Pantone announced Ultra Violet 18-3838 as the Color of the Year for 2018. According to Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, “creative inspiration is indigenous” to this blue-based purple and it “takes our awareness and potential to a higher level”.
Purples were brought to the forefront of western pop culture by icons such as Prince and David Bowie and are considered to be representative of unconventionality and non-conformity. Purples also are rarely seen in nature, so it is considered a rare and unique color, indicative of individuality. What’s more, it is considered to be a “provocative and thoughtful” color, sparking creativity and inspiration.
Ultra Violet suggests that a lot of change is ahead of us in 2018. And in our current political and social climate, it seems that this color might foreshadow what 2018 has in store for us.
Photo by Pantone
As a combination of fiery red and calm blue, purple is considered a balance between the two. Balance is something to strive for in 2018, both at a personal level and, perhaps, at a political and societal level.
Ultra Violet as the Color of the Year for 2018 seems fitting, considering that 2018 is bound to hold a lot of change in an attempt to create a balanced society. And just like Ultra Violet represents, the 2018 elections may kickstart many provocative conversations and cause a lot of change, both in the White House and in society in general.
Photo by Pantone
As Laurie Pressman, the Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute, stated: “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.” And I think we can all agree that creative inspiration, balance, and overall change is something that is very needed in our world today.