Ultimate Grey + Illuminating named Pantone's 2021 Colours of the Year

For only the second time, Pantone has selected not one but two colours of the year.

For the design world, Pantone's 'Colour of the Year' is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated annual colour trend forecasts. 2021's colours are PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Grey and PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating. Illuminating is a bright and warming shade of yellow while the grey is more firm and dependable. These colours are independent but complementary and together represent unity and mutual support. Like their predecessors, these colours are predicted to have a significant influence on design industries and purchasing decisions in 2021. How could you incorporate them into your designs in 2021?

Pantone's legacy
Since developing its unique colour matching system in 1963, Pantone has become a leading force in the global colour, print and trend forecasting industry. Titled the Pantone Matching System (PMS), it categorises colours via a complex coding system to streamline production and communication processes between designers and printers. It ensures consistent colour results regardless of where products are printed.

The Pantone Colour of the Year
For exactly 20 years, Pantone's Colour Institute has released a colour of the year selected by a secret group of representatives from across the world. As part of their extensive process, Pantone's forecasters observe and analyse relevant social and colour trends around the globe. The colour takes around nine months to determine and then dominates designs in various global industries from marketing, to product, fashion and interior design.

Ultimate Grey and Illuminating (Yellow)
Executive Director of The Pantone Colour Institute, Leatrice Eiseman states that the combination of grey and yellow "expresses a message of positivity supported by fortitude. Practical and rock solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, this is a colour combination that gives us resilience and hope. We need to feel encouraged and uplifted; this is essential to the human spirit."

How 'Ultimate Grey' and 'Illuminating' can revive your campaigns
Due to its temporary nature, the Pantone Colour of the Year might not be ideal for use in grand rebranding schemes. That said, it can still be a great asset in upcoming campaigns and to make your marketing materials 'pop'. A hopeful combination of grey and yellow adds a young, balanced and ultimately positive touch to your marketing collateral whether as feature colours or just bold colour accents.

What's more, because of the extensive publicity surrounding Pantone's Colour of the Year, consumers are likely to already have positive associations with these colours. This can help your marketing efforts gain more traction and even tip purchasing decisions in your favour. Additionally, there's a social media hashtag (#pantone2021) which can help increase your campaign's online exposure.

In the ever-evolving world of design, acting on trends like the Pantone Color of the Year can have a positive effect on the perception of your brand. It tells your target audience that you're adaptable and you've got your finger on the pulse of time. So, why not try it now?