Pantone literally wrote the book on colour matching. In 1963 they launched the Pantone Color System to solve the problem of complicated colour matching in the printing industry. Every colour, in every tone and tint, was given a number to classify it for use not only in the design industry but also for paint, textile and plastic manufacturers.
Here at Creative Marketing we literally use the Pantone Color system every day, for every client. When we’re creating brands, designing campaigns, developing websites, everything that has anything to do with colour uses the Pantone system.
In 2000, the Pantone Color Institute launched the Pantone Color of the Year, they said as a concept for branding, marketing and creative society as a whole. But probably it was just a really good marketing ploy as they announce the following year’s colour to much acclaim, comment and coverage every December, providing a way for Pantone to maintain their status as colour market leaders.
In order to decide on the Color of the Year the Institute combs the world looking for new colour influences. This can include the entertainment, art, fashion and design industries, travel destinations, as well as new lifestyles, politics and socio-economic conditions. Influences may also stem from new technologies, relevant social media platforms and even upcoming sporting events that capture worldwide attention.
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2020 is Classic Blue 19-4052
I initially thought the Pantone Colour for 2020 was a bit boring. Knowing the colours from previous years (see below), I was expecting something a little (or a lot) more energetic. Something a bit more vivacious and out there. But no, it was just plain old Classic Blue.
However, when I read the rationale of the Pantone Colour Institute, that Classis Blue is “a solid and dependable hue we can always rely on” (Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute), I understood why they’d chosen this colour. In these times of uncertainty and change, perhaps a familiar, reliable colour is just what the world needs right now.
