Viva Magenta!

It was recently announced that Pantone's Color of the Year for 2023 will be Viva Magenta. For me, magenta is a crucial part of my daily life as a graphic designer. The color is one of the foundations of color printing — the M in CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black). And while it’s a subtractive primary color, it doesn’t get nearly as much recognition as it truly deserves.

As its name suggests, Viva Magenta is a shade that represents celebration and joy. A vibrant color full of hope for creating a new narrative. Its hues embody the strength and energy that we are encouraged to have.

After a division felt deeply across all corners of society, I believe Pantone’s trend prognosticators chose Viva Magenta to serve as a middle ground for two opposing sides to find balance. We can also see the organic world and new technology coming together as one through its chaotic blend of red and blue. Ultimately, Viva Magenta is an invitation to become more optimistic about what is to come.