2021 Pantone Color of the Year is Ultimate Gray & Illuminating
The 2021 Pantone Color of the Year is a color combination for the first time in 5 years.
The year 2020 has been the year every Zombie Apocalypse movie is made of, but its finally starting to feel like we're closing in on the happy ending that we’ve all desperately been waiting for.
Not only is there a vaccine for Covid-19 on the horizon (again like there would be in an Apocalyptic movie), but after experiencing a monumental moment in US history of having the first woman VP headed to the White House, it simply feels like brighter days are ahead. *I promise this isn’t a political post.*
With all of that said, cue the part of the movie where the hero speaks motivational words to encourage and uplift those of us who are left after the Zombies have all but won their fight against humanity.
Ok…maybe Pantone isn’t the hero here, but if nothing else they have definitely managed to encourage and revive the creative community in a way that only they know how.
Recently, Pantone announced the 2021 Color of the Year to be two colors, Ultimate Gray (PANTONE 17-5104) and Illuminating PANTONE 13-0647.
That’s right they selected two colors as the “Color of the Year”. It’s only the second time in the brand’s history to have announced a color combo, and its the first time since 2016.
This color combination is honestly a classic in my book. Think a “bright and cheerful yellow” and something of a smoky gray. It’s a gorgeous combination, and after hearing the meaning behind the selection they are totally the perfect choice to bring encouragement as we move past this truly unbelievable year.
“As people look for ways to fortify themselves with energy, clarity and hope to overcome the continuing uncertainty, spirited and emboldening shades satisfy our quest for vitality. Illuminating is a bright and cheerful yellow sparkling with vivacity, a warming yellow shade imbued with solar power. Ultimate Gray is emblematic of solid and dependable elements which are everlasting and provide a firm foundation…Ultimate Gray quietly assures, encouraging feelings of composure, steadiness and resilience.” ~ Pantone.com
Since 2000, Pantone has announced a color that is supposed to embody the vibe for the upcoming year. However, it feels like this year’s selection was more about pulling us out of the past and giving us hope for the future, which is what so many people need right now.
So what does this mean for the Sugarverse?
Content Creation Inspiration for social media. For the next few weeks, this news will be the buzz in the design community, which means that the hashtags #Pantone and #COY2021 will be blowing up for the next little bit. If you’re trying to expand your reach on social media, this the perfect time to share cakes, cookies and other treats to match the Color of the Year and use the appropriate hashtags to get your brand out there. Don’t forget…these posts don’t have to be new images. If you’ve created products in this color combo before, don’t be shy. Repost them.
Content Creation Inspiration for your blog. I will continue to go on and on about how every business owner needs a blog. If you run a wedding cake business or you sell any type of celebration cakes, this is the perfect type of announcement to share on your blog or in your newsletter. Announce the color on your blog, and then curate wedding or party photos that include the color combo. This could be a selection of party supplies, favors, etc. Oh, and since you’re curating the images, they don’t actually have to be your images. Think Pinterest and vision boards, like the one we've created below (which you should follow on Pinterest by the way) 😉. Find images from online party stores or Amazon, and curate a gallery of items that will help your customer find inspiration. Obviously, the only thing you’ll want to stay away from is using images of cakes or treats from other bakeries that aren’t specifically royalty-free stock images.
As I said before, I’m a fan of this 2021 Color of the Year selection. I think it’s spot on, and what we in the design community needed to feel something of a creative revival. What about you? Are you a fan or do you think they missed the boat this year? Join the discussion in the comments below.
Follow Our 2021 Color of the Year Pinterest Board for Creative Inspiration
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