We’re used to you creative types specifying exact colours tones that you want your print to be. Afterall that’s what the Pantone Matching System was created for so we can match your expectations precisely.

We came across an amusing little article the other day. The ever resourceful chaps over at Pantone have come up with a new colour. They’re popular and their films have generated millions. They are available in a range of products including cuddly toys, lunch boxes and t-shirts. Well now, the ever delightful Minions now have their very own Pantone colour reference, Minion Yellow.

Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Colour Institute explains “…PANTONE Minion Yellow is a colour that heightens awareness and creates clarity…the colour of hope, joy and optimism.” Some might see this as a cynical marketing exercise. However, it can’t be a denied The Minions are a massive cultural phenomenon. By creating Pantone Minion Yellow, we have a colour that immediately taps into the fun loving zeitgeist of its cartoon counterparts. Now we’re trying to think of other iconic colours that Pantone could develop. How about Simpson Yellow? Tardis blue? Kermit green? It might be a publicity stunt, but it’s a great way for the brand to refresh itself and have a bit of fun while doing so.

You might not choose Minion yellow in the colour palette for your next design (unless it’s Minion related of course), but it might make you think about your choice of colour a little more carefully. Source: http://www.pantone.com/pci/minion-yellow

(Image credits: Pantone & © Universal Studios)