Ultra Violet 18-3838 has been selected as the Pantone Color of the Year for 2018. A “dramatically provocative and thoughtful” purple shade, PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet is said to communicate originality, ingenuity and visionary thinking that points toward the future.

“We are living in a time that requires inventiveness and imagination. It is this kind of creative inspiration that is indigenous to PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet, a blue-based purple that takes our awareness and potential to a higher level,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “From exploring new technologies and the greater galaxy, to artistic expression and spiritual reflection, intuitive Ultra Violet lights the way to what is yet to come.”

The color is described as complex and contemplative—like the vast and limitless night sky—suggesting the mysteries of the cosmos, the intrigue of what lies ahead and future discoveries.

“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,” adds Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute.

Pantone’s full explanation of the Color of the Year 2018 and applications in graphic design, packaging, fashion and more can be found here.

The shade follows 2017’s Color of the Year PANTONE 15-0343 Greenery and 2016’s first blend of two shades, PANTONE 15-3919 Serenity and PANTONE 13-1520 Rose Quartz.

For 19 years, the Pantone Color Institute has announced its annual selections. The process requires consideration and trend analysis by Pantone’s color experts, who travel the world looking for new color influences in the entertainment industry and films in production, traveling art collections and new artists, fashion, all areas of design, popular travel destinations and more. Influences may also stem from new technologies, materials, textures and effects, relevant social media platforms and even upcoming sporting events that capture worldwide attention.

PPAI members receive discounts on dozens of Pantone products online, including formula guides and chip books, at Shop PPAI.