Author: 
Every year, the Pantone Color Institute selects a color meant to represent the road ahead. For 2021, we’re lucky because the organization actually selected two colors. Drumroll, please … The Pantone Colors of the Year 2021 are neutral Ultimate Gray and vibrant yellow Illuminating.
Let’s take a closer look at what the Pantone Color of the Year is and what it represents. We’ll also give you some pointers on how to work with these colors from a creative perspective and create stunning photos with YouCam Perfect.
What Is the Pantone Color of the Year and Why Is It Important?
The Pantone Color of the Year is a special hue chosen by the Pantone Color Institute every year. It’s a tradition that’s been happening since 2000 and plays a big role in trendsetting for creatives. The chosen color (or in this case, colors) often have a significant influence on design, marketing, and other industries.
And the color isn’t chosen lightly. Pantone color experts put deep thought into the state of the world and its influences. After considering stimuli from the entertainment industry, art collections, travel destinations, and more, it finally nails down a hue that speaks to the year ahead. Most importantly, the colors of the year reflect the culture of that particular time frame.
Pantone Color of the Year 2021: Ultimate Gray and Illuminating
For only the second time in history, the Pantone Color Institute selected two colors to illustrate 2021. That just goes to show the crazy times we’re living in. The big winners are:
- Ultimate Gray sRGB - 147, 149, 151, HEX -#939597
- Illuminating sRGB - 245, 223, 77, HEX - #F5DF4D
Why did the Institute go with these colors? They believe the colors emphasize the importance of connection. They’re the perfect mix of calm and uplifting.
Right now, the world is looking to the future with hope. Bright yellow signifies brighter times ahead, and gray offers us the strength we need to keep going. With the marriage of these colors, Pantone is looking to inspire the human spirit. It’s just what we need after a year filled with uncertainty and challenges.
4 Ways to Add Pantone Color of the Year 2021 to Your Photos
With YouCam Perfect, you can easily incorporate these two colors into your photos. All it takes is a little editing magic.
#1. Draw Pantone Color on Photos
For example, using the Brush tool, you can add a strike of vibrant yellow to your photo. This might look good as an accent for a more abstract piece. Or you can even pretend you’ve painted a wall in real life.
Read More: How to Draw on Photo: 7 Free Cool Ideas For Custom Designs
#2. Add Text with Pantone Color
Another cool idea? If you have a photo with a gray background, use the Text tool to add some yellow text over it. The yellow will pop on top of the gray and make your message easy to read.
Read More: How to Add Text to a Picture or Photo in 3 Easy Steps
#3. Change Background
You can even add a yellow or a gray background to your photo to be on-trend. This keeps the focus on you and eliminates any background noise. You’ll be popping in true Pantone style.
Read More: How to Edit Photo Backgrounds
#4. Pantone Photo Edits
Last but not least, you can create your own Pantone photo series. Snap a photo with one dominant color (or use the one you already have), come up with a creative name for it, and voila, you’ve joined the ranks of Pantone color aficionados!
Read More: How to Make a Photo Collage
YouCam Perfect’s extensive range of photo editing tools, such as Frames, Backgrounds, and Text feature, will help you bring your most original and artistic ideas to life. You can even create a cool immersive 3D photo to wow your friends and followers.
Take Inspiration From the 2021 Colors
There’s no better time than now to jump on the Pantone bandwagon. These colors can be very effective for prints and photos. What better way to celebrate these two awesome shades?
If you’re looking for more ways to add in Ultimate Gray and Illuminating in your images, we have a few tips:
- Skip the equal proportions: You don’t have to go 50-50 with yellow and gray. That might make your eyes hurt. Rather, we recommend using Ultimate Gray as a background tone and Illuminating in the foreground for pops of color.
- Find unique ways to add colors: You might be wondering, how exactly can I get both gray and yellow in one photo? It’s easy with a little planning. Try adding some yellow or gray in your outfit — it’s more flattering than you may think. You can also go wild and incorporate these two colors in your makeup. Perhaps the easiest way? Step into backgrounds with these colors.
- Head to Adobe Stock: Pantone has partnered with Adobe Stock for visual inspiration that users can browse through. Check it out to see what photos you’d like to recreate.
YouCam Perfect: Your Go-To Photo Editing App for Pantone Colors
Celebrate the 2021 Pantone Colors of the Year in style. Use YouCam Perfect Download to edit your photos with these striking yellow and gray uses. Download it now to give it a try!
Want to get more photo editing tips and tricks? Subscribe to the YouCam Perfect YouTube channel, and follow us on Instagram for creative editing ideas and awesome selfie tips!
