Like many trends, color trends begin with the experts. Folks in fashion or design circles choose their favorite hues, and gradually, they spread to other industries. One day, cool, sleek colors are all the rage. The next, it’s bright purples. Studies on color psychology show that color truly does influence our subconscious emotions. That’s why you need to make smart color choices for your brand. Brands presented consistently are 3-4x more likely to experience brand visibility. So for the sake of consistency, there’s no need to chase every trend. But evolving your visual identity can help you keep up with consumers. If you’re rebranding or designing a logo in the new year, keep in mind these 2018 color trend predictions.

1. Color trends start in fashion and design circles and spread to other industries. One moment,
we love warm palettes and harvest colors. The next moment, it's bright neons and cool grays.
There's no need to chase every trend. But making smart color choices can position your brand
for success, so keep these predictions in mind.
9 Avant-Garde
Color Trends to
Expect in 2018

2. Primary colors remixed
Bright hues have inspired
new and established
brands in recent years. So,
it's no surprise that the
Pantone Color Institute
expects a return to
primary colors.
11

3. Ombre gradients22
Ombre adds impact to
almost any design, and
in a solid-color logo,
ombre shading is the
perfect way to add
texture to a flat, simple
design. Ombre styles
blend gradients of one
color or multiple hues.

4. Folk multiculturalism33
Technology brings people
together, sparking a greater
appreciation for globalism. As a
byproduct, designers are
getting inspiration from folk and
artisanal traditions around the
world. In the Sherwin Williams
2018 Color Forecast, the "Unity"
palette celebrates folk and
indigenous patterns.

5. Low saturation44
Prepare for a gradual
move from ultra-bright
to low-intensity colors.
While many brands use
boldness to stand out,
others prefer less
saturation for a
timeless look.

6. Colorful overlapping55
Going forward, many color
trends are about reinventing
solids. Overlapping hues is
another way to make sure
bright colors aren't fighting
for attention. The technique
typically alternates two
colors in sections of a
logomark.

7. High-tech hues66
Tech-inspired palettes
merge youthful
contemporary hues with the
colors of digital data and
machinery. The Sherwin
Williams "Connectivity"
palette taps into this upbeat
movement, representing
ideas, innovation, and social
freedom.

8. Brilliant duo-tones77
The duo-tone trend
blends two colors for a
double-exposure or
sheen effect. Duo-tones
offer a more mature
evolution from intensely
saturated rainbow
colors.

9. Retro spring88
Vintage colors of the 60s
and 70s are making a
comeback in spring
palettes. Romantic,
carefree pastel shades of
peach, rose, lavender,
and teal are getting a
modern update.

10. Black and white99
It probably doesn't
have to be said, but
black and white is the
eternal color scheme.
This power duo
exudes strength,
sophistication and
seduction.

11. Choose the right color palette
Creating a brand image is about telling a story and evoking
the right emotions in your audience. So be sure to choose
colors that reflect your industry and brand message.
Sources
џ https://www.pantone.com/fashion-color-trend-report-new-york-spring-2018
џ https://www.sherwin-williams.com/architects-specifiers-designers/inspiration/color-
forecast/2018-color-forecast/
џ https://designshack.net/articles/graphics/design-trend-vivid-rainbow-colors/
џ http://inkbotdesign.com/logo-design-trends-2017/
џ https://imjustcreative.com/2017-colour-trends/2017/04/24