2008 Color Trends: 1st Quarter in Review
March 8, 2008 by Susan Gunelius
Filed under Marketing
The Color Marketing Group announced the trends in color for 2008 back in December. Now that the first quarter of 2008 is almost over, I thought it might be interesting to think about color branding and marketing so far this year to see if those trend predictions are coming to fruition.
To recap, the Color Marketing Group determined the following color trends would prevail in 2008:
- “Looking Green”: This prediction tells us that everyone wants to feel like they’ve jumped on the eco-friendly, “green” bandwagon. From colors to textures and everything inbetween, colors will take on a more natural look in 2008. For example, earth-tones, natural finishes, etc. will be popular this year.
- Eco-Blue and Techy Blue: The prediction for blue in 2008 tells us that environmental blues (e.g., those that remind people of the sky or water) will be popular as will an extremely dark blue (nearly black) that will be associated with technology.
- Warmer Metallics: Rather than the silver, nickel and chrome finishes that have been popular in the past, this prediction tells us that 2008 will see a turn to more earthy metallics such as copper and bronze tones.
- More Ethnic Tones: This prediction says that earth tones will be paired with ethnic colors like reds, oranges and turquoise to create a more “global” feeling.
So what do we think from a branding perspective? Are these trend predictions panning out so far in 2008? Certainly, the “green” trend has permeated into every aspect of marketing and branding from package design to logos and more. I also think the ethnic color trend is finding its way in branding this year.
In short, it looks like there are no surprises in 2008 (so far) in terms of color branding and marketing. It does seem like this will become the year of “natural”, “green” and even “globally-embracing” (I just made that term up, but I think it fits in terms of embracing the environment as well as embracing a global audience) brands, products and advertising. What do you think?
Tags: color branding, color marketing, color trends, package design, logo design, color marketing group, CMG, branding
