Cosmic Colour of the Year

Originally written and published by Jake Nelson at print21.com.au

PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet has been named Colour of the Year 2018 by Pantone.

Cosmic Colour of the Year

Pantone color of the year, the deep blue PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet, was inspired by the mysterious cosmos and ‘vast and limitless night sky’.

Pantone Colour Institute executive director Leatrice Eiseman said “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.

“From exploring new technologies and the greater galaxy, to artistic expression and spiritual reflection, intuitive Ultra Violet lights the way to what is to come,” she said.

Pantone wrote in a press release “the color is often associated with mindfulness practices, which offer a higher ground to those seeking refuge from today’s over-stimulated world. The use of purple-toned lighting in meditation spaces and other gathering places energizes the communities that gather there and inspire connection.”

The announcement for Ultra Violet was accompanied with references to Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie and Prince who promulgated similar hues in Western pop culture.

The closest match for Ultra Violet is 2096C.  This can be achieved through CMYK with C=76 M=75 Y=0 K=0 and in RGB with sR=101 sG=78 sB=163.

Previous Colours of the Year include:

1. PANTONE 15-0343 Greenery (2017)
2. PANTONE 15-3919 Serenity and PANTONE 13-1520 Rose Quartz (2016)
3. PANTONE 18-1438 Marsala (2015)
4. PANTONE 18-3224 Radiant Orchid (2014)
5. PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald (2013)
6. PANTONE 17-1463 Tangerine Tango (2012)
7. PANTONE 18-2120 Honeysuckle (2011)
8. PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise (2010)
9. PANTONE 14-0848 Mimosa (2009)
10. PANTONE 18-3943 Blue Iris (2008)
11. PANTONE 19-1557 Chili Pepper (2007)
12. PANTONE 13-1106 Sand Dollar (2006)
13. PANTONE 15-5217 Blue Turquoise (2005)
14. PANTONE 17-1456 Tigerlily (2004)
15. PANTONE 14-4811 Aqua Sky (2003)
16. PANTONE 19-1664 True Red (2002)
17. PANTONE 17-2031 Fuchsia Rose (2001)
18. PANTONE 15-4020 Cerulean (2000)

The most recent purple to be named Colour of the Year was PANTONE 18-3224 Radiant Orchid in 2014, which also followed a green: 2013’s PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald.

Ultra Violet greatly contrasts 2017’s top color choice: 15-0343 Greenery, which symbolized the natural world, growth and renewal.