Working with Ultraviolet

When Pantone announced the color of 2018 last month, designers all over the world either rejoiced, or gave a collective “ewww”. Who knew that a color that’s supposed to be a bridge from the feminine to the masculine would be so polarizing? Probably because this shade of violet comes on a bit strong. Pantone, after all, describes the color as “dramatically provocative and thoughtful”.

 

Ultraviolet is not for the faint of heart.  It stands out and grabs attention.  It’s a drama queen, not a wallflower. And yes, it’s a bit daunting to add it to your wardrobe all of a sudden, much less your home decor (purple couch, anyone?).

(There’s a Filipino dessert called ubé halaya that’s the exact shade of ultraviolet, so if you wear head to toe of this shade, you just might be mistaken for a walking ubé. That being said, it’s a lot better than looking like a walking eggplant. haha)

Ultraviolet is not a neutral color in any way. It’s not like last year’s Greenery, which you can pair with almost anything. But it’s not an impossible color to work with!

Pantone created different color palettes that feature ultraviolet. These are my favorites:

ATTITUDE

Because, you know, why use it if you just want to hide? This palette screams, “look at me!”

(on another note, raspberry and citrus paired together is gorgeous!)

KINDRED SPIRITS

Going full-on purple/pink is feminine and pretty. I love that it’s paired with other hues in the same family, but much softer and more elegant.

DESSERT SUNSET

This is pretty! Ultraviolet is on the cool side, but they paired it with delicious warm tones and it works. I would love to use this palette in a brand identity design for a creative who isn’t afraid of color.

 

And here’s a moodboard and color palette that I came up with the day of the announcement. I already shared this on my Instagram page, but I thought I’d share this here too.

I mixed the color with paler lavenders, lilacs, and a dreamy pink. There’s still a lot of purple in it, but it’s softer. And yes, adding a touch of grayish green to balance it and tone it down. The overall look is more approachable, less garish.

What do you think of ultraviolet? Love it or hate it? Will you be using it in your projects this year? Let me know in the comments!

*images from Unsplash and Pantone.