Pantone, the global color authority and provider of professional color language standards and digital solutions for the design community, has named PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray and PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating, a yellow, as its Pantone Color of the Year selection for 2021, which it describes as conveying a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting.

“The selection of two independent colors highlight how different elements come together to express a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting, conveying the idea that it’s not about one color or one person, it’s about more than one. The union of an enduring Ultimate Gray with the vibrant yellow Illuminating expresses a message of positivity supported by fortitude,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “Practical and rock solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, this is a color combination that gives us resilience and hope. We need to feel encouraged and uplifted; this is essential to the human spirit.”

In making the announcement of its Color of the Year selections, Pantone stated, “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. The colors of pebbles on the beach and natural elements whose weathered appearance highlights an ability to stand the test of time, Ultimate Gray quietly assures, encouraging feelings of composure, steadiness and resilience.”

Pantone has named a “color of the year” for the past 22 years. To arrive at its selection each year, the Pantone Color Institute looks for new color influences from sources including the entertainment industry and films in production, traveling art collections and new artists, fashion, all areas of design, popular travel destinations, as well as new lifestyles, playstyles and socioeconomic conditions. Influences may also stem from new technologies, materials, textures and effects that impact color, relevant social media platforms and sporting events that capture worldwide attention.

Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute, adds, “The Pantone Color of the Year reflects what is taking place in our global culture, expressing what people are looking for that color can hope to answer. As society continues to recognize color as a critical form of communication, and a way to symbolize thoughts and ideas, many designers and brands are embracing the language of color to engage and connect.”

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