The Art of Color Selection: How Pantone Chooses the Color of the Year
Each year, an event that captures the imagination of color enthusiasts and creative professionals alike is the announcement of the color of the year. For the past few decades, one name has dominated this space, and that name is Pantone. Pantone, a renowned company based in Carlstadt, New Jersey, has held a supreme position as the ultimate authority on color selection. However, the question remains: how does this company make such a significant decision?
Who Chooses the Color of the Year?
The Pantone Institute, known for its color of the year selections, has set a precedent for excellence in color forecasting. Since 2000, the Pantone Color Institute has been declaring a specific color to encapsulate the spirit of each year. This decision is not just an artistic choice; it is a strategic move that influences trends in fashion, home decor, and business branding.
The Process Behind the Selection
As a revered color authority, it is safe to say that Pantone does not choose colors lightly. Their process involves a meticulous analysis of global design trends across various industries, including fashion, interior design, and graphic arts. The experts at Pantone meticulously study market research, consumer preferences, and emerging color palettes to identify the perfect hue.
One of the key aspects of the selection process is ensuring that the chosen color resonates with the zeitgeist of the current year. Spearheading the team is the Pantone Vice President, Leatrice Eiseman, who leads the Color of the Year Committee. She emphasizes the importance of selecting a vibrant, evocative color that reflects the optimism and hopes of that particular year. Previous selections like Soft Pink Sunshine in 2023 emphasized a sense of joy and renewal, ensuring that the chosen hue is not just aesthetically pleasing but also emotionally significant.
Influence of Other Companies and Industries
While the Pantone Institute enjoys a high level of recognition for their color selections, they are not the only ones in the game. Other companies like Benjamin Moore and Behr also announce their own version of the color of the year. The fashion industry, too, plays a crucial role in shaping color trends, with celebrities often influencing public opinion.
Evolving Trends and Celebrity Influence
When it comes to fashion, brands like fashion houses, high-street retailers, and influencers collaborate to create a comprehensive palette. Celebrities frequently have a significant impact on color choices, with their public appearances and fashion choices often leading to a color's newfound popularity. For example, a bold mustard yellow or a vibrant turquoise might become the next big trend after a beloved celebrity wears it on the red carpet.
Access to Color Forecasting Tools
The Pantone Color Institute is renowned for its advanced tools and resources for color forecasting. On their official website, visitors can explore a variety of resources designed to help designers, marketers, and creatives stay ahead of the curve. The Pantone Color System is a comprehensive guide that showcases the Pantone palette through different categorizations like the Pantone Fashion Colors, Screencols, and the Pantone Solid Coatings.
Additionally, the Color Finder Tool allows users to browse and select specific hues, while the Color Trend Forecasting Tools for Designers provide insights into upcoming color trends, helping professionals align their projects with current design trends.
With a deep understanding of market dynamics and a commitment to innovation, the Pantone Institute continues to set the standard for color selection. Whether you are a designer, marketer, or simply a color enthusiast, their insights are invaluable in navigating the ever-evolving world of color.