Two questions. First, why are there two Pantone Colors For The Year 2021? And Second, Why is one of the shades a drab, depressing grey?
Pantone Colors For The Year 2021 Ultimate Grey
Let’s start by answering the second question, why choose Ultimate Grey? 
To describe Ultimate Grey, it is a dull grey shade like the color of grey Cloudy Skies, Cement sidewalks, and stones on the beach.
What do you think dull grey would mean? 
For one thing, the obvious is that grey represents the year we all just had. One, we’ve been in quarantine for the past ten months. Therefore, we all had to insulate ourselves from the outside world. So, we curled up with ‘grey monochrome’ blankets, at home.
Also, the color grey evokes our collective experiences of this past year. 
As a result, we all have the “Ultimate Grey” state of mind. Mush!!!!
Pantone Colors For The Year 2021 Ultimate Grey Meaning
According to Pantone, Grey represents ambiguity and irresolution. Therefore, Grey doesn’t point to an ending. 
Instead, grey is a continuation of an indefinite period. 
There you have the perfect description for where we’re at right now. 
And where we are at right now is depressing. 
That is – Coronavirus cases are at an all time high. 
The hospitals are filled up. 
We are in the midst of getting rid of a lame duck president, who sucks. 
Two Vaccines have been approved for emergency use. And, just when things were starting to look like things could get better, the virus mutated, and is worse than ever. 
Who knows if the vaccines will work with the new mutation of Coronavirus.
Pantone Colors For The Year 2021 Illuminating
On the other hand, the other Pantone Color For 2021, Illuminating, is a bright yellow shade. 
As a result, here you have a total contrast between average, boring grey and sunny, bright, slick yellow. 
Above all, Illuminating represents the fact that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
In other words, the sun is rising over the dark landscape.
And, hopefully the sun is rising. We now have hope, with the new vaccines. 
Even though it is going to take a long time to vaccinate the entire planet, at least, now we see some light in the distance.
Pantone Colors For The Year 2021 Ultimate Grey and Illuminating
Also, the total contrast between grey and yellow is absurd.
To begin with, grey is a boring shade. 
How could it be anything else with the year that we’ve just had.
Even more, Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, refers to Ultimate Grey as a “dependable grey.”
Grey is also the color of contemplation. 
And, it makes us notice things we otherwise wouldn’t have paid attention to before, standing out amidst the tedium.
Finally, grey, like the colors of pebbles on the beach, encourages feelings within us of composure, steadiness, and resilience.
My Final Thoughts on the Pantone Colors For The Year 2021 …….
Last, we have all been,and still are, going through a time in our lives that will be in the history books. 
It is like no other time we have ever experienced. 
Therefore, the two colors of the year tell our story. First, we have been through a very “grey” time in our lives. 
We haven’t lived a normal life in almost a year. 
Also, we can’t socialize, celebrate, and hug our family and friends. 
We are struggling to get through this difficult time. 
So, Ultimate Grey, is our fortitude. 
Therefore, we have to continue to be brave, courageous, strong, and resilient. 
Then there is sunny Yellow. Illuminating is the bright light at the end of the tunnel. 
Illuminating gives us hope and makes us feel everything will get brighter.
In other words, this year the Pantone Colors For The Year 2021 is a message. 
And, the message is that happiness (Illuminating), is supported by fortitude (Ultimate Grey). Have a happy and healthy New Year.
xo
