Pantone chose two colors of the year for 2021—Ultimate Gray and Illuminating, described as a marriage of color conveying a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting. The Classic Blue of 2020 has been replaced by a combination of dull, familiar gray and the bright yellow of a smiley face.

“The selection of two independent colors highlight how different elements come together to express a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting, conveying the idea that it’s not about one color or one person, it’s about more than one. The union of an enduring Ultimate Gray with the vibrant yellow Illuminating expresses a message of positivity supported by fortitude,” said Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute. “Practical and rock solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, this is a color combination that gives us resilience and hope. We need to feel encouraged and uplifted, this is essential to the human spirit.”

This marks the first time an achromatic shade (gray) has made the cut, and the second time two colors have been chosen. Rose Quartz and Serenity broke the norm in 2016 aka pink and blue. That year, the shades were intended to blend into each other, reflecting the recognition of gender fluidity and social progress. This year the two shades are meant to be independent complementary tones that support each other.

“The Pantone Color of the Year reflects what is taking place in our global culture, expressing what people are looking for that color can hope to answer,” added Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute. “As society continues to recognize color as a critical form of communication, and a way to symbolize thoughts and ideas, many designers and brands are embracing the language of color to engage and connect.”

Pantone’s Color of the Year is all about collaborations, and this year Pantone teamed up with Adobe Stock for a handpicked Color of the Year collection of imagery to inspire creators and bring the colors to life.