Each year Pantone, the company behind the Pantone Colour Matching System used the world over, releases its colour predicted to make a splash in the next year during December. 2020 has been a doozy of a year so for 2021 the team at Pantone are spicing things up with not one but two colours of the year! Learn more about these funky shades and their application for promotional gifts in the months ahead.

1. Use Ultimate Grey for elegance.
2. Add vibrancy with Illuminating.
3. Enhance branding with Pantone.

Different Shades for a New Year of Branding

This time last year we were gushing about the natural style of the 2020 Pantone colour of the year, Classic Blue. After one of the worst years in recent memory (goodbye, 2020)  the colour specialists at Pantone have opted for two shades to promote in the new year, Ultimate Grey and Illuminating (a yellow colour). While some people have referred to these two shades as an odd choice, akin to hi visibility safety wear or the colour of the roads, we think there's a simple beauty to these shades that says a lot about how all our lives have changed over the past twelve months. The shade Ultimate Grey is almost stoic in the way it seems like stones in a garden, while Illuminating feels inspiring and hopeful -- something we all need after 2020.

Will These Shades Work for Promotional Items?

Grey and yellow are an odd combo (though Pantone is currently selling a variety of merchandise that matches the two shades together), but based on our past experiences with Pantone Colours of the Year we are sure that both shades will make an impact in the new year (though perhaps separately). Ultimate Grey offers subtlety and style to branded corporate merchandise. We're expecting to see it on items such as promotional notebooks or custom lanyards. Yellow is a colour that works really well across multiple products and given how pleasant the Illuminating shade is, we're sure it'll be popular for personalised t-shirts and promotional mugs.

Ultimate Grey: Subtlety and Style for Promotional Items

Ultimate Grey, one of the Pantone Colors of the Year 2021, offers a sophisticated and versatile option for branded corporate merchandise. Here's why Ultimate Grey can make your promotional products stand out:

• Timeless Elegance: Grey is a colour that never goes out of style. It exudes a sense of sophistication and professionalism, making it an excellent choice for promotional items in various industries.
• Versatility in Branding: The neutral nature of Ultimate Grey complements almost any other colour, allowing for seamless integration with your brand's colour palette. Whether it's for promotional notebooks, custom printed lanyards, or corporate gifts, Ultimate Grey can enhance your brand identity.
• Appeals to All Demographics: Grey is a universally appealing colour that can resonate with people of different age groups and backgrounds. It carries a sense of sophistication and calmness, making it suitable for a wide audience.

Illuminating: Vibrancy and Cheerfulness for Personalized Products

Illuminating, the other Pantone Color of the Year 2021, is a lively and bright shade of yellow. Here's why Illuminating can bring vibrancy and cheerfulness to your personalised promotional products:

• Attention-Grabbing Appeal: Yellow is a colour that naturally draws attention. Incorporating Illuminating into your promotional merchandise can help catch people's eyes and generate interest in your brand.
• Standout Design Element: Illuminating is an excellent choice for providing a pop of colour in your promotional designs. It can be used to highlight specific elements, such as your brand logo, call-to-action, or important details, making them instantly recognizable.
• Versatility in Product Selection: Yellow works well with a wide range of promotional products. Whether it's personalised t-shirts, reusable mugs, or other items, Illuminating can infuse a sense of liveliness and vibrancy into your merchandise.

Takeaway

Incorporating the Pantone Colour(s) of the Year 2021, Ultimate Grey and Illuminating, into your promotional merchandise can bring a fresh and contemporary touch to your branding efforts. With Ultimate Grey's subtlety and versatility and Illuminating's vibrancy and cheerfulness, you can create promotional items that resonate with your target audience. Let Cubic Promote help you make your 2021 Pantone colour branding dreams a reality. Contact our team today to learn more about how we can close-match official colours, pricing for bulk items, and even get a FREE virtual mockup of your design on our goods. Don't miss out on the opportunity to infuse your promotional products with these unique shades from Pantone. Find your #inspo with us today!

Info and images found here: https://www.pantone.com/color-of-the-year-2021