How Minion Yellow is illuminating colour palettes

I find colour evocative. It provokes strong memories and attachments and sparks my creativity. I’ve blogged before about how I use Pinterest to ignite my thoughts through visuals.

Teal features across my blog and as the predominant colour of the All Things IC logo. It also reminds me of my bridesmaid dresses, and the pair of shoes I bought with my first pay packet.

As I was mixing up icing for some Minions cupcakes yesterday, I was impressed to note the shade in the set appeared to be exactly right. It got me thinking about colour.

Minions cupcakesTurns out Minion Yellow is now officially a thing. Yes, really. It is the first ever character-branded PANTONE colour.

My three-year-old daughter loves the Minions from Universal Pictures’ Despicable Me global film franchise. She had great fun making the cakes (pictured) and gets hugely excited whenever she spots any of them on branded items.

What’s going on?
Pantone Colour Institute @Pantone, has announced the creation of Minion Yellow and described it as: An illuminating, energetic, friendly and fun-loving yellow shade that immediately calls out to you.

Well, it sure was tasty – as my family will confirm!

PANTONE-Color-Institute-Minion-Yellow-Swatch“Just as the sun’s rays enliven us, PANTONE Minion Yellow is a color that heightens awareness and creates clarity, lighting the way to the intelligence, originality and the resourcefulness of an open mind – this is the color of hope, joy and optimism,” said Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute.

“Color is contextual and right now there is a desire for colors that are more vibrant and uplifting.”

“This is especially the case with the yellows, so given the worldwide popularity of the Minions, it seemed only natural to name a color after a character for the first time in our history,” said Laurie Pressman, Vice President, Pantone Color Institute.

“When developing it, we worked directly with the animation team at Illumination, and we thoughtfully considered the characters’ aura to ensure PANTONE Minion Yellow is the exact right hue.”minions_pantone

“Pantone has long-established its reputation as the global color authority,” said Jamie Stevens, Executive Vice President, Global Retail Development, Universal Partnerships and Licensing.

“We are thrilled that their experts saw market demand for yellow and looked to the Minions, as global pop culture icons, to add into its yellow spectrum.”

The custom PANTONE Minion Yellow colour will be added to the PANTONE Fashion, Home + Interiors colour palette with the next colour addition.

Minions opened in cinemas on 10 July 2015.

How do you use colour in your work? What role does it play in your internal communication?

As ever, you’re welcome to comment below or Tweet me @AllthingsIC to share your thoughts.

Further reading
Last year NBC Universal’s Tony Stewart @TSDigi, wrote for my blog about How to create an impact with your enterprise social network.

He’s recently been retweeting photos showing a glimpse of how NBC Universal employees have been welcoming the latest Minions film, with their very own screening. Looks like fun!

Rachel

Post author: Rachel Miller

First published on the All Things IC blog 15 July 2015.

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