Why Pantone's 'Very Peri' should be on your creative radar in 2022

As 2021 comes to a close, Pantone is ushering in the new year with its 2022 colour of the year - Very Peri (PANTONE 17-3938). According to Pantone, Very Peri is a symbol of the global zeitgeist of the moment and the transition the world is going through.

As the public emerges from an intense period of isolation caused by the pandemic, the notions and standards have changed and has seen the merge of physical and digital. Pantone added that digital design now helps individuals stretch the limits of reality, opening the door to a virtual world where one can explore and create new colour possibilities.

Furthermore, with trends in gaming, the expanding popularity of the metaverse and the rising artistic community in the digital space, Very Peri illustrates the fusion of modern life and how colour trends in the digital world are being manifested in the physical world and vice versa.

According to Pantone, its colour experts "comb the world looking for new colour influences" to derive the colour of the year. These 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 upcoming sporting events that capture worldwide attention.

"As we move into a world of unprecedented change, the selection of Very Peri brings a novel perspective and vision of the trusted and beloved blue colour family," executive director of Pantone colour institution, Leatrice Eiseman, said. 

Very Peri encompasses the qualities of the blues, yet at the same time with its violet red undertone, it displays a spritely, joyous attitude and dynamic presence that encourages courageous creativity and imaginative expressions.

Meanwhile, this year featured two colours of the year: Ultimate Gray (PANTONE 17-51040 and Illuminating (PANTONE 13-0647). Pantone explained that the two colours highlight how different elements come together to support one another. Practical and rock-solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, Pantone said the union of these two colours is one of strength and positivity.

"The union of an enduring Ultimate Gray with the vibrant yellow Illuminating expresses a message of positivity supported by fortitude," said Eiseman.

At the same time, Shutterstock has also released its 2022 Colour Trend report. From the report, Shutterstock determined that serenity is the key for marketers and advertising when choosing their colour palettes for ads or campaigns in 2022. Instead of an aggressive and "in your face" approach, the report shows that consumers are moving towards a more muted, minimalist and soft approach as compared to the previous years.

Related articles:
3 colours that will set 2022 aesthetics for advertisers to bank on
Pomelo partners Pantone to bring splash of colour and diversity to new collection