Color Harmonies and Best Color Combinations
Hey there!
Imagine you have a great graphic design project in mind or a stunning illustration idea. Everything works out lovely; the client liked the concept, you’ve done and approved a sketch, and you’ve started to work more in detail on the project.
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How to Understand Color Theory for Designers
Color theory has proven to be one of the most complicated and tangled things to learn. What makes it so complex is the mixture of science and art seasoned with a sprinkle of traditions that makes the whole thing even harder to fully understand. It’s common to get trapped in the rabbit hole of searching for the correct information and end up reading the color studies for several hours. This is literally what has happened to me.
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How To Upset Your Designer: An Ultimate Not-To-Do List
Hi there!
The design industry like any other has its own dos and don’ts. Usually, the don’ts are the reason for missed deadlines, unpaid invoices, or troubled relationships. So, in this month’s Creative Talks, we choose to present you with a not-to-do list and the ways to transform it into a to-do one. To make it even more true to reality, we’ve asked the designers themselves to tell us more about their troubles and challenges while working with a customer or in a design team.
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Every Pantone Color of the Year in Color Palettes
2021 is here! The New Year brings a fresh start, a handful of motivation, and a list of unrealistic resolutions. However, in the creative industry, New Year also means a new Pantone Color of the Year announcement from the Pantone Color Institute.
Every year, starting from 2000, Pantone has been choosing a color of the year to predict a general representation of the upcoming year. Now, it’s a true trendsetting event that involves not only a humble color of the year announcement but also a large number of press releases and cross-industry collaborations.
How do Pantone experts pick the color of the year? Actually, there is a two-sided approach: observing the rising industry trends and choosing “what is needed in our world today”. If the second part is quite self-explanatory and based on the general state of the world, the first one might be quite confusing. We know that Pantone color of the year influences the creative industry trends and a lot of businesses actually wait until the color release before launching their new products in order to be up-to-date. However, Pantone Color Institute observes the colors in real life for some time beforehand to determine which colors are becoming more naturally in demand. In this way, Pantone experts don’t just choose any artificially trendy color. They, as a matter of fact, boost the color popularity that is already increasing.
After the 2021 color of the year announcement, we thought that maybe putting over 2 decades of colors to use would be a fun project to do. And what a better way to use color than to visualize it in pictures and create color palettes from them! By doing this, we can actually see the color “in the wild” and how it has been used by the artists, as well as apply the handy color palettes to your work. To make using the following color combinations even easier for you, we have transformed them into ASE Color Swatches. They are available for download as a bundle completely for free at the end of this article.
2000: Cerulean
Pantone 15-4020 I #9BB7D4
The first-ever color of the year became the pale light blue Cerulean that was also called the “color of the millennium.” It was chosen to bring a sense of tranquility and peace to the whole new era. As you will be able to see, there are quite a few blue shades and hues in this color of the year overview.
Cerulean color palette | Photo by Pierre Châtel-Innocenti
2001: Fuchsia Rose
Pantone 17-2031 | #C74375
Right after the blue calmness, Pantone experts brought the opposite into 2001. Fuchsia Rose is a sleek pink color that can be viewed as delicate and glowing but not as still as Cerulean.
Fuchsia Rose color palette | Photo by Raspopova Marina
2002: True Red
Pantone 19-1664 | #BF1932
“Let’s bring up the intensity!” – this is what Pantone Color Institute might have thought when choosing daring True Red as the color of 2002. Indeed, dark red represents recklessness and boldness, and it is as strong as any other classic color.
True Red color palette | Photo by Chris Adams
2003: Aqua Sky
Pantone 14-4811 | #7BC4C4
Pantone did a 180 by choosing an Aqua Sky for 2003. A cool shade of the blue-green color represents serenity and clearness. Actually, Pantone experts were maintaining a proper balance between reds and blues during these 4 years.
Aqua Sky color palette | Photo by Linus Nylund
2004: Tigerlily
Pantone 17-1456 | #E2583E
Being influenced by the gorgeous flower called Tigerlily, Pantone struck again with the warm hue. 2004 was meant to be passionate, exotic, and luminous, just like the blooming flower.
Tigerlily color palette | Photo by Marek Piwnicki
2005: Blue Turquoise
Pantone 15-5217 | #53B0AE
The traditional color of the dream sea. Maybe Pantone Color Institute workers desperately wanted to go on a vacation somewhere nice. I think we can all agree that Blue Turquoise was a kind wish for everyone to be calm and well-rested in 2005.
Blue Turquoise color palette | Photo by Bogdan Dada
2006: Sand Dollar
Pantone 13-1106 | #DECDBE
Even though the color of 2006 can remind us of mesmerizing deserts and beaches, it has an underlined meaning to it. 2006 was the year of the subprime mortgage crisis in the USA, and Sand Dollar was an appropriate representation of the economy back then.
Sand Dollar color palette | Photo by Tomas Eidsvold
2007: Chili Pepper
Pantone 19-1557 | #9B1B30
I wonder if the Pantone was under the influence of the Red Hot Chili Pepper band back in 2007… Just like their songs, the color of deep red is adventurous, spicy, and expressive. Chilly Pepper is also a statement color that could represent personal or national ambitions.
Chili Pepper color palette | Photo by Obi Onyeador
2008: Blue Iris
Pantone 18-3943 | #5A5B9F
Blue Iris combines two important colors: the calming blue and the mystical purple. Pantone might have thought that it made a wonderful mixture for providing the needed reassurance and excitement in a fast-paced world.
Blue Iris color palette | Artwork by Jr Korpa
2009: Mimosa
Pantone 14-0848 | #F0C05A
The first yellow color of the year perfectly fits 2009 – Mimosa sparks optimism and encouragement. With another complicated economic situation, Pantone wanted to give a little hope to everyone.
Mimosa color palette | Photo by Matthias Oberholzer
2010: Turquoise
Pantone 15-5519 | #45B5AA | Pantone Announcement
Turquoise is a younger sister of the 2005 Blue Turquoise color. With a deeper greenish tint, the color of 2010 provides a tropical escape for people. Turquoise is also considered a universally healing color as well as a protective talisman.
Turquoise color palette | Artwork by Jr Korpa
2011: Honeysuckle
Pantone 18-2120 | #D94F70 | Pantone Announcement
Pantone chose Honeysuckle as the color of 2011 for its encouraging and uplifting qualities. A perfect choice to battle the sadness. Also, this dynamic reddish pink can be reminiscent of cheerful summer days.
Honeysuckle color palette | Photo by Beasty Design
2012: Tangerine Tango
Pantone 17-1463 | #DD4124 | Pantone Announcement
A passionate orange hue as the color of 2012 was meant to continue the encouraging mood of 2011. Tangerine Tango provides a vibrant and radiating feel that helps start the new year with the full battery of enthusiasm.
Tangerine Tango color palette | Photo by Rafael Cerqueira
2013: Emerald
Pantone 17-5641 | #009473 | Pantone Announcement
The color of 2013 became a luscious green called Emerald. It was chosen to maintain a healthy balance and harmony in the upcoming year. Emerald is rich and indulgently sophisticated, just like the well-known gemstone.
Emerald color palette | Photo by Annie Spratt
2014: Radiant Orchid
Pantone 18-3224 | #B163A3 | Pantone Announcement
Pantone experts started 2014 with an expressive boost of energy. Combining both cool and warm undertones, Radiant Orchid strikes as a confident and hospitable color. At the same time, the exotic purple is not at all overpowering.
Radiant Orchid color palette | Photo by Eduardo Cano
2015: Marsala
Pantone 18-1438 | #955251 | Pantone Announcement
The fulfilling earthy tone of robust color seemed a clear solution for 2015. It encourages us to step back and enrich our bodies and souls. Marsala represents a nurturing base for creativity and experimentation and a glass of fortified wine with underlying hints of luxury.
Marsala color palette | Photo by Jene Yeo
2016: Serenity & Rose Quartz
Pantone 15-3913 | #92A8D1 & Pantone 13-1520 | #F7CAC9 | Pantone Announcement
In 2016, Pantone presented us with the first-ever mixture of two colors: the airy blue and the gentle pink. The blending of the Serenity and Rose Quartz was meant to depict the fluidity of opposites and their inner connection to remove the gender stereotypes.
Serenity & Rose Quartz color palette | Photo by Diego Hernandez
2017: Greenery
Pantone 15-0343 | #88B04B | Pantone Announcement
A rejuvenating green was an obvious response to a growing technological obsession of society. Greenery illustrated the new beginning and the human need for nature and the great beyond outside. The need to rest, take a deep breath, and reflect.
Greenery color palette | Photo by Flummox Raccoon
And that was not the only awesome thing to happen in 2017, of course. In that year of growing technologies, we established Approval Studio. If you are new here, Approval Studio is an online proofing software for designers and creative agencies. It provides all the great tools for fast and painless design approval: on-image annotation, comparison modes, task tracking, and so much more. If you want to make sure you’ve got your colors right according to the client’s requirements – it is a tool just for you.
2018: Ultra Violet
Pantone 18-3838 | #5F4B8B | Pantone Announcement
Ultra Violet symbolizes all things mysterious and inventive. In 2018, when the world desperately wanted to explore new horizons, Pantone chose dark purple to promote self-expression, ingenuity, and mindfulness.
Ultra Violet color palette | Photo by Adam Gonzales
2019: Living Coral
Pantone 16-1546 | #FF6F61 | Pantone Announcement
With the rising attention to social media, Pantone experts bring another warm pink color into the family. Living Coral expresses both soothing comfort and stimulating energy – two aspects that social media’s presence used to have in our lives.
Living Coral color palette | Photo by Gwen Weustink
2020: Classic Blue
Pantone 19-4052 | #0F4C81 | Pantone Announcement
Pantone started a brand new decade with the rich dark blue hue. Classic Blue sparks confidence, peacefulness, and reflection. A dependable foundation for building resilience and strength in 2020. Well, the world definitely did slow down in 2020, so that was a true prophecy.
Classic Blue color palette | Photo by Fabrizio Conti
2021: Ultimate Gray & Illuminating
Pantone 17-5104 | #959A9C & Pantone 13-0647 | #F8D948 | Pantone Announcement
Pantone chose another powerful duo of concrete gray and bright yellow. After an extremely world-changing year, the evoking need for stability and hope was indisputable in 2021. Ultimate Gray and Illuminating present a union of rock-solid optimism.
Ultimate Gray & Illuminating | Photo by Joris Visser
Pantone Color of the Year in Color Palettes Bundle
You can download all 22 color palettes featuring every Pantone color of the year here. The bundle includes 22 Color Swatches and 22 Color Palettes in ASE and PNG formats.
Final Thoughts
So, here we are, 22 years and 24 colors later. Looking back at the Pantone color of the year history, it’s evident that Pantone Color Institute tried to include both the upcoming trends and give a bit of support and inspiration over the years. I hope that this compilation sparked your creativity and additional color palettes inspired you to make something of your own. If you happen to use any of them, tag us along, we would love to see your work!
Ciao!
Creative Talks: Christmas Design Stories, Part II
Andy Williams was right – winter holiday season is truly the most wonderful time of the year. No wonder wonders happen all the time – you just need to stop wondering and pay attention. We decided to do so with a new edition of creative talks dedicated to Christmas and New Year.
Creative Talks: Christmas Design Stories, Part I
Ho-Ho-Ho!
Because Christmas is nearly here, we wanted to make this month’s Creative Talks as festive and heartwarming as a cup of freshly-made hot chocolate. And what can be better than some lovely Christmas stories and experiences?
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Top 5 Best Handwritten Fonts
Happy National Letter Writing Day!
Have you already written your Christmas letter to Santa? Remember, you’re never too old for that! Let us give you some inspiration with the compilation of the most stunning handwritten fonts!
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Worst Color Combinations
Color is by far the most discussed topic in the creative industry. Yet it’s also quite controversial and vague. There are so many various theories that try to explain how it works, how to use it, what the associations and perfect combinations are.
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Why We Love Our Job: Great Stories From Creatives All Around The Globe Part II
Hello and welcome to the Part II of this month’s Creative Talks!
As I have already mentioned in Part I, appreciation is a healing activity and spreading your appreciation to others is also thought-provoking. What do I mean? Well, when I hear somebody saying how they love their job, it makes me think about my reasons for enjoying what I do.
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Why We Love Our Job: Great Stories From Creatives All Around The Globe Part I
Guess who’s back? Creative Talks!
Lately, I’ve been very much into the whole “appreciate what you have” spirit, and it made me realize that it is very restorative to my mental health (what a surprise, I know). This got me thinking that sometimes people don’t recognize or even forget how fortunate they are to be working AND enjoying their job. Sadly, this is not always the case for all people.
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Comic Book Workflow: How Are Comics Created?
Happy International Comics Day (which was on September 25th, we are late, we know)!
Anyways… what is the best way to celebrate than to show you a glimpse from behind the scenes (or should I say behind the panels) of comics creation?
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Design Approval: Inside and Out
Hello-hello!
When was the last time you had to explain to the clients that their remarks do not apply to the project or that the color they want to be used doesn’t suit? I hope it was a long time ago!
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A Great Graphic Designer: Portrait Essay
Becoming a real professional is quite a journey, and the graphic design industry is no different. As we all know, taking the first step can be extremely overwhelming, especially when you have so many questions bombarding your mind:
Who is a graphic designer? What skills do they require? Do I need a graphic design degree? How to self-study graphic design? What to include in a portfolio? etc., etc.
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Tips On Design Collaboration From Industry Experts
We are back with another portion of our rubric “Creative Talks”! This month we decided to focus on collaboration in design, teamwork, and tools that people use for it.
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Changes in Creative Industry Due to the Global Pandemic
Do you remember all of the prediction articles about major design and project management trends for 2020? Something far more trendy appeared – Coronavirus. There is no doubt that COVID-19 influenced nearly every industry you could imagine. The design and marketing industries are not an exception. How will it change them?
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How Design Industry Works During COVID-19 Pandemic
We are experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak, and it surely affects everyone and everything (to some extent at least) regardless of where you are and what you do. Creative industries, basically like any other ones, have to adapt to the “brand new world”. Even though it might be only for a few months, the pandemic will definitely change our future a lot – and this change has already started.