2023 Pantone Color of the Year

by | Dec 14, 2022

Along with color trends that are discussed below, a design trend to watch for in 2023 is the use of Collages of all types. It may be nostalga from the 50’s – 70’s but I think its a combination of image fatigue and the desire to say more with less while being just a little bit different for those willing to put in a little extra effort.

Viva Magenta! 18-1750

I’m always interested in color and the role it plays in design. Think of design as the seeds, which grow into products, messages and trends. The Pantone institute is arguably the world’s authority on color and since 2010 they have been releasing a “Color of the Year”.

This year Pantone says, Viva Magenta 18-750, vibrates with vim and vigor. It is a shade rooted in nature descending from the red family and expressive of a new signal of strength. Viva Magenta is brave and fearless, a pulsating color whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration, writing a new narrative.

From my perspective, it has a distinctive 80’s or 90’s vibe when I had shirts and ski suites similar in color. Pantone says “Three years deep into a pandemic, facing a war, an unstable economy, social unrest, supply chain breakdowns, and mounting climate change, we need to heal.”

Magenta is a unique color that kind of straddles the boundaries of both warm and cool. It’s definitely in your face and by and large a positive dynamic tone.

Why Color of the year matters

Pantone’s chosen colors of the year go on to influence product development and purchasing decisions in all sorts of industries, including fashion, industrial design, food and product packaging.

It seems the “Magentaverse” is already here. Pantone has partnered with companies including Motorola, Spoonflower and Cariuma to release cellphones, wallpaper, skate shoes and more in the designated shade.

The art space ARTECHOUSE was offering an immersive magenta experience, during Miami’s Art Basel which took place December 7-9, 2023.

If you are in design, manufacturing, advertising, or any of the arts you are very aware of color and also Pantone.

Look for lots of Magenta in 2023, it will be all around you.

Pantone has been around since the 60’s defining color and color trends. Here is a little more information about Pantone and below a brief timeline graphic from their website.

To look at some of the previous years colors, visit this page on Pantone’s website.

For a brief overview about Pantone, click here.

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About the author Perry Johnson
Perry is a classically trained commercial photographer and graphic designer with more than 30 years experience as a marketing strategist. He is a principle at Imagica, a boutique marketing agency based in Sarasota, Florida. Imagica is dedicated to developing fluid, distinct and highly effective branding solutions for your business. With all services in-house, Imagica delivers exceptional value and provides both realistic and sustainable solutions to thrive in today's new markets.