Ultra Violet: Pantone's Colour of the Year 2018

"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," explains Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute.

"From exploring new technologies and the greater galaxy to artistic expression and spiritual reflection, intuitive Ultra Violet lights the way to what is yet to come."

Pantone adds: "Complex and contemplative, Ultra Violet suggests the mysteries of the cosmos, the intrigue of what lies ahead, and the discoveries beyond where we are now. The vast and limitless night sky is symbolic of what is possible and continues to inspire the desire to pursue a world beyond our own.

"Enigmatic purples have also long been symbolic of counterculture, unconventionality, and artistic brilliance. Musical icons Prince, David Bowie, and Jimi Hendrix brought shades of Ultra Violet to the forefront of western pop culture as personal expressions of individuality."

How does Pantone select each year's colour? It's all based on "thoughtful consideration" and trend analysis. Apparently, colour experts at the Pantone Color Institute comb the world looking for new colour influences. This can include the entertainment industry and films in production, travelling art collections and new artists, fashion, all areas of design, popular travel destinations, as well as new lifestyles, playstyles, and socio-economic conditions.

Influences may also stem from new technologies, materials, textures, and effects that impact colour, relevant social media platforms and even up-coming sporting events that capture worldwide attention.

Pantone's annual event has been going strong for 19 years, and has influenced product development and purchasing decisions in multiple industries, including fashion, home furnishings, and industrial design, as well as product packaging and graphic design.

As an expression of the imagination and creativity that Ultra Violet provokes, Pantone has this year partnered with Saatchi Art to create a limited-edition collection of official Pantone Colour of the Year 2018 prints.

The collection, available for purchase beginning 1 January 2018, will include new works by international artists, working in painting, sculpture and printmaking, that "embody the spirit of Ultra Violet". Think Angie Jones (as pictured above), Wendi Turchan and Michael Lentz.

To further celebrate and inspire the creative community, Pantone has partnered with Adobe Stock for a curated Colour of the Year 2018 collection, some of which we've shared here. With more than 100 million visual assets, Adobe Stock is a pretty amazing resource for visual inspiration and creative development.

What are your thoughts? Does Ultra Violet represent 2018? Will you be using it in your own design projects? Or will it influence your creativity? Join the conversation on #PantoneColourOfTheYear.