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A recent Parade article suggests there is research showing that a specific Pantone color has been identified as the “world’s ugliest color.”
Apparently, Pantone 448C has been associated with the words “death,” “dirty,” and “tar.”
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Death? Really? All I see is a brownish-green tone reminiscent of shades found on military camouflage uniforms. I don’t see what the big deal is. We have to remember that, just like opinions about everything else, opinions about color are subjective.
The study of color was conducted by an Australian research agency, GfK Bluemoon, to help create unattractive packaging for cigarettes. Other colors that were contenders were shades of lime green, white, beige, dark gray, and mustard. Are any of these ugly? I don’t know. “Boring” might be a better word choice. But then again, it all depends on the application and the final design. Color is about more than that one square patch.
For instance, Cosmopolitan is quick to remind us that there have been at least “18 Times the World’s Ugliest Color Was Actually Really Beautiful.” When you put Pantone 448C into perspective, you see that “when found in nature, fashion, or interiors, this color can actually be pretty stunning.”
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So, when you flip through that Pantone color wheel and wonder what colors you want to use or what colors your client may or may not like, remember, don’t judge it simply based on a square inkblot on a card. Put it into perspective with your design, with your fonts, and with other features on the page. That color you initially thought of as ugly could turn into one of the most beautiful designs you’ve ever created.
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Johanna Daproza is the Director of Creative Services at EEI Communications. To read more about Johanna, click here.
Image may be NSFW.
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