Pantone’s Color of the Year is Viva Magenta 18-1750 but is lifeless 'In Absentia' to many former Adobe users. The announcement has attracted less favourable reviews from some users over Pantone’s falling out with Adobe and its recent introduction of subscription charges. "The colour of a graphic designer's burst blood vessels as we try to navigate frustration caused by the Adobe/Pantone fiasco," wrote one.
“Pantone’s Color of the Year, Viva Magenta 18-1750, vibrates with vim and vigor,” the company said in a 30-minute video launch. “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, and a pulsating colour whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration, writing a new narrative.
“This year’s Color of the Year is powerful and empowering. It is a new animated red that revels in pure joy, encouraging experimentation and self-expression without restraint, an electrifying, and a boundaryless shade that is manifesting as a stand-out statement. PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta welcomes anyone and everyone with the same verve for life and rebellious spirit. It is a color that is audacious, full of wit and inclusive of all.
Leatrice Eiseman, executive director, Pantone Color Institute, added: “In this age of technology, we look to draw inspiration from nature and what is real. PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta descends from the red family, and is inspired by the red of cochineal, one of the most precious dyes belonging to the natural dye family as well as one of the strongest and brightest the world has known. Rooted in the primordial, PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta reconnects us to original matter. Invoking the forces of nature, PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta galvanizes our spirit, helping us to build our inner strength.”
Some Facebook users were less impressed. “Ah yes, the colour of a graphic designer's burst blood vessels as we try to navigate frustration caused by the Adobe/Pantone fiasco,” wrote Beck Rustic.
Other comments included: “I can't see the colour without license, sad.”
“Please reconcile with Adobe. The kids in this relationship are broken and torn between the parents."
“Seriously. We've relied on you for decades. Now you've walked away from us and made the colour world so much more complicated. Get back to basics PANTONE!”
