Approval Studio Blog | Approval Studio

GoVisually or Approval Studio? What proof tool to choose?

Online proofing tools are different. Pricing, features, service. So, as we are working in the niche, it was only logical to make a blog series aimed to help designers, creative managers, and marketers to make the right choice. This time we compare GoVisually and Approval Studio to help you understand what creative approval system fits your needs better.

How to Review Video in Approval Studio

You asked so many times for a video review, so we decided it would be the best way to start a year! We have already introduced support for MP4 files, and you can now proof video content. Is our video review tool free for use? Sure! Moreover, as it is currently in beta stage, we would be happy to get any feedback.

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.

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.

Now, let’s dive into the Pantone color of the year archive from the very beginning!

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

2001: Fuchsia Rose

Pantone 17-2031 | #C74375

Right after the blue calmness, Pantone experts brought the opposite into 2001. Fuchsia Rose, a sleek pink color, that can be viewed as delicate and glowing but not at all as still as Cerulean.

Fuchsia Rose color palette

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 is a representation of recklessness, boldness, and it is as strong as any other classic color.

True Red color palette

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

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

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

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 a 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

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

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

2009: Mimosa

Pantone 14-0848 | #F0C05A

The first yellow color of the year perfectly fit 2009 – Mimosa sparks optimism and encouragement. With another complicated economical situation, Pantone wanted to give a little hope to everyone.

Mimosa color palette

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

2011: Honeysuckle

Pantone 18-2120 | #D94F70 | Pantone Announcement

Pantone chose Honeysuckle as the color of 2011 for it’s 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

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

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

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

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 as well as a fortified wine with underlying hints of luxury.

Marsala color palette

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 in order to remove the gender stereotypes.

Serenity & Rose Quartz color palette

2017: Greenery

Pantone 15-0343 | #88B04B | Pantone Announcement

A rejuvenating green was an obvious response to a growing technological obsession of the 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

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

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

2020: Classic Blue

Pantone 19-4052 | #0F4C81 | Pantone Announcement

Pantone started a brand new decade with the rich dark blue hue. Classhttps://www.pantone.com/articles/color-of-the-year/color-of-the-year-2020https://www.pantone.com/articles/color-of-the-year/color-of-the-year-2020ic Bhttps://www.pantone.com/articles/color-of-the-year/color-of-the-year-2020https://www.pantone.com/articles/color-of-the-year/color-of-the-year-2020lue 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

2021: Ultimate Gray & Illuminating

Pantone 17-5104 | #959A9C & Pantone 13-0647 | #F8D948 | Pantone Announcement

Another powerful duo of concrete gray and bright yellow was chosen by Pantone. 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

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!

Release Notes: January 2021

The new version of Approval Studio is online! This is the first release of 2021, and we decided to concentrate on making things better in this version.

Christmas Present Wrapping Ideas in 2020

Well, well, well… holidays are coming! *Coca-Cola theme is playing in the background* I love this song and commercial, and, of course, I love to prepare Christmas presents for my nearest and dearest. And I absolutely love choosing a wrapping. Sometimes I even think of the wrapping than of the present itself – that’s a rather funny side effect of working at a design software company…

Release Notes: December 2020

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Approval Studio team. We want to thank you for being with us in 2020 and hope to continue working with you in the new year!

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?

Poor Christmas Designs Fixed With Approval Studio Proofing Tool

Ho-ho-ho!

Christmas artwork workflow patrol’s here.

As the most wonderful time of the year is approaching and everybody is getting busy with choosing presents, decorating their Christmas trees, and standing beneath the mistletoe hoping for a kiss, allowed to sleep we are not.

Worst Branding Ideas of Prominent Brands

Sometimes I get really perplexed by some rookie mistakes made by big brands who rule the market for years. Well, what can I say – even the greats have their bad days. This phrase may be a point of justification for the companies who have decades of experience in design or marketing but still are featured in our article today.

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!

Meet Approval Studio PDF to JPG Converter

People work with various file formats, and there is no better or worse one – they are just all different, nothing more. Yet, sometimes it happens that you need this or that specific format and need it right at the very moment. Not all file readers have the option to change the extension (or it has to be paid for), so this is where online file converters come to your aid.

By far, the most popular extensions that are widely used in practically all spheres of work with electronic documents are PDF and JPG. No wonder that it is the most searched converting pair on the Internet. Sometimes, you just need separate pages or pictures, not the whole file, and that might become a bit of a problem – but not with the Approval Studio file converter!

Most PDF to JPG converters you can find on the web can be a bit tricky – they will downgrade the quality of the file, stamp it with some sort of a watermark, make you watch some ads before you can get your file back, download some malware, and etc. Since we value your time, Approval Studio PDF to JPG converter will not do any of those things – all you have to do to convert your file is to follow some simple instructions:

Browse or drag-and-drop your PDF file to upload it.
Enter your email address so that the system could send it right to you.
Click the link that has arrived to your inbox and download your high-quality JPG.

No ads, no watermarks, no registration, no additional software downloads. Our file converter is always as convenient and as fast as it gets on the Internet – and also absolutely free.

Enjoy!

Release Notes: November 2020

November Approval Studio update is online!

While you are getting ready for the Black Friday, the new version of Approval Studio was delivered to you for free! Although, if you want a discount for your new subscription, just contact our support team with a promo-code “AndrewSaysDiscount.”

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.

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.

Fixing Terrible Halloween Designs with Approval Studio

As we get ready to go trick-or-treating in the evening, one thought is still bothering me: how come so many terrible designs make it to production? I mean, there are many really poor choices (that were obviously made by someone not really either competent or caring) that get to the public display and simply become memes. Why?

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.

Meet Microsoft Office in Approval Studio!

A few years ago, when launching Approval Studio, our main purpose was to create a perfect tool for reviewing images. PDF, PNG, TIFF, AI, JPEG – we concentrated on graphic files, targeting all kinds of spheres – design, labeling, packaging, architecture, pharma, food companies, etc.

Release Notes: October 2020

Good news, ladies and gentleman! Today, Approval Studio was upgraded to a new version! Among the minor fixes, this release brings a huge addition to the supported file formats by our review tool.

Solving 6 Terrible Design Crimes In Sherlock’s Style

Managing project budgets is one hell of a job. One must really be a visionary to calculate all the expenses – both time and financial ones. However, this is hardly the hardest part of collaboration: even despite the best preparation possible, most of the projects face some unpleasant circumstances that force them to go overboard and spend some extra. Especially if we talk about remote collaboration – finding good creative solutions is even harder in such circumstances.