The Pantone Color System is one of the most important color matching systems in the world. Originating in 1963, the system aimed to help bring a solution to the complicated color matching process in the printing industry. Not long after, Pantone became the easiest and simplest way to classify, communicate and match colors with the use of a color catalog in a fan format. Every color, in every tone and tint, was given a unique number to classify it. For over 40 years, Pantone has been the go-to color matching system for not only the design industry but also paint, textile and plastic manufacturers.
In 2000, the Pantone Color Institute created the Pantone Color of the Year as a way to inspire art and design in all of its forms for the upcoming year. The color experts at Pantone make their pick based on “what is needed in our world today.” To commemorate over two decades of Pantone's color choices, the palettes below match each color to imagery from some of my favorite artists and photographers. Each image has a link attached to it, which will take you to the artist or photographer's website.