♫ So you can colour my world, with sunshine yellow each day…. sang Petula Clark back in the 1960’s.

A splash of colour is just what I need to kick start this year. In Melbourne, the skies are grey today, and I’d love a bit of Petula’s sunshine yellow …

Pantone agree. They’re experts in colour communication and psychology, and just over a month ago, on December 9, they revealed their Colour of the Year for 2021. In fact, they chose two: Ultimate Grey and Illuminating. Recognising how tough 2020 was for all of us, they opted for two independent but complimentary colours (grey and yellow) to represent strength, optimism and fortitude, and also to remind us, as we move through 2021, of the importance of relationships and mutual support.

While our reaction to the visual palette around us is often subconscious, we know colour impacts how our brains function, how we feel and behave, and our ability to absorb new information. The psychology of colour sits behind most successful marketing, branding and communication campaigns.

You might not be someone who thinks too much about how you use colour in your world. This might be the year to start.

Is there a colour that inspires you to feel quietly confident (for that upcoming presentation), or energises you (so you, in turn, can energise your virtual team)? If you want to motivate yourself with colour, it’s a relatively easy thing to do – just surround yourself with the ones that make you feel good.

And if you want to be more intentional about your influence on others, referencing colour psychology for some guidance might make sense. The colours you wear, or surround yourself with (in your workplace or your WFH screen) can send a message to others. Know your audience, as the message you send can enhance the personal brand you want to project in 2021.

Combining colours? Most of us do, especially with the clothes we wear, and there are endless combinations.  According to Pantone’s website, there are ‘a total of 2,161 market-driven Solid Pantone colors’. It wasn’t just any old yellow and grey they selected for 2021, but Illuminating (warming, optimistic) punctuated with Ultimate Grey (practical, rock solid), to convey the message of positivity and strength they believe the world needs this year.

Did Pantone get it right for you?  If not, what splash of colour will you choose, to colour your world this year?