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Start for freeThe Role of Pantone in Global Color Standardization
Pantone has established itself as the world's color authority, but many wonder why and how this came to be. The story begins with Lawrence Herbert, Pantone's founder, who transformed a simple printing company in New Jersey to a global standard for colors. Today, Pantone doesn't just suggest colors; it defines and standardizes them across various industries.
What Does Pantone Actually Sell?
Contrary to what some might think, Pantone doesn't sell colors—because no one can own a color. Instead, they sell the idea of precise color replication through their products like swatch books. These books are crucial for designers and manufacturers who strive for color accuracy in their products. Each swatch book contains an array of color samples meticulously labeled and priced at a premium—around $254 each. Despite the cost, these tools are indispensable in industries where color consistency is key.
The Importance of the Pantone Matching System (PMS)
The core product from Pantone is not just any swatch book; it's the Pantone Matching System (PMS). This system is vital for ensuring that a chosen color translates seamlessly across various materials and production processes worldwide. Whether it’s a designer in New York discussing a shade with a manufacturer in China or a brand maintaining its identity across different media, PMS provides a common language for colors.
Consistency Across Mediums
One might wonder why such precision is necessary. In manufacturing and branding, consistency can mean the difference between success and failure. For instance, imagine if UPS’s iconic brown varied from truck to truck or advertisement to advertisement—it would dilute the brand’s impact.
Challenges of Color Reproduction
Colors are perceived differently depending on light sources and materials—a concept known as 'color gamut'. Screens display colors using RGB (Red Green Blue), which is additive, while printers use CMYK (Cyan Magenta Yellow Black), which is subtractive. This discrepancy makes exact color matching across mediums challenging without a standardized system like PMS.
Real-World Application of PMS
An interesting case study is Heinz’s ad campaign which claimed that any ketchup not matching a specific Pantone shade was an impostor. This highlights how brands use Pantone to enforce quality control and brand integrity—even though translating these standards digitally can be complex due to varying screen calibrations.
Beyond Color Matching - Consulting and Merchandise
While 70% of Pantone’s business comes from its matching system, they also offer consulting services and merchandise like mugs—diversifying their revenue streams while strengthening their brand presence globally.
Conclusion - Why We Need A Color Authority
In conclusion, while some may view Pantone’s role as overly authoritative in dictating what shade goes where, their system provides undeniable benefits in terms of universal communication and consistency for brands worldwide. It turns out that having a 'color authority' like Pantone isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about maintaining quality and reliability in design across borders.
Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_b78gAbGwVI
