Keepers of all things colourful Pantone have announced 2013’s colour of the year. Last year it was Tangerine Tango, in 2011 it was a cute Honeysuckle and this year the experts have gone with a radiant Emerald. So what does emerald represent to us?

Emerald

Or the charmingly named Pantone 17-5641, this year’s colour is Emerald. Naturally the colour emerald is associated with the gemstone which has conjured an image of sophistication and luxury for centuries. The luminous colour is a symbol of beauty and new life across a plethora of cultures and religions. It’s said to be the colour of growth, renewal, prosperity and regeneration and with the globe in the clutches of financial crisis seems an appropriately optimistic choice.

Emerald has featured increasingly in the fashion world and couture market. According to Pantone it’s a colour appropriate for every occasion, conjuring classic elegance in women’s formal and day wear and making a strong statement in men’s sportswear, knitwear and ties. In the beauty world emerald harmonises other colours and dramatizes eye colour. It complements peaches, pinks, roses ruby reds and aubergines.

Executive director of Pantone Color Institute comments,

Green is the most abundant hue in nature the human eye sees more green than any other colour in the spectrum. As it has throughout history, multifaceted Emerald continues to sparkle and fascinate. Symbolically, Emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is so important in today’s complex world. This powerful and universally appealing tone translates easily to both fashion and home interiors.

A quick note about how the colour is picked

The process for picking the colour of the year is more exciting than it might sound. Every Pantone held secret meetings over two days to debate which colour epitomises the current zeitgeist. Representatives from various nations’ colour standard groups gather in a European city to present their argument for a particular colour before the shade is chosen.

Pantone standard

Pantone is considered the standard when it comes to colour. Printers, graphic designers, jewellers, decorators and anyone else who works with colour will often work according to pantone specifications and these are generally considered to be a mark of quality in any visual field.

If you’re a graphic designer, illustrator or just like to draw, chances are you have a sketchpad, and chances are this sketchpad is full of detailed drawings, abstract scribbles and, of course, a fair few doodles. But did you know these doodles could reveal some exposing secrets hidden in your subconscious? According to the vice-chair of the British Institute of Graphologists Ruth Rostron our doodles can be like “Freudian slips or body-language that we’re not aware of” because we tend to only be half-conscious of what we draw, when we draw them. So time to learn a little more about ourselves…

Although the content of what we draw can reveal some insights into our inner psyche it’s actually how we draw a doodle which gives the most insight.

Straight or curly?

Straight lines represent strong willpower and self-control; curved strokes demonstrate flexibility, imagination and emotion.

Circle, square or triangle?

People who want harmony and love tend to draw rounded shapes and circles. Circles can also be symbols of friendship and femininity. Down-to-earth, practical types who enjoy being in control are more likely to draw square shapes. They tend to be grounded and realistic people who have an organised, scientific approach and a sense of security.

Triangles a little more interesting; if you draw triangles or pointed shapes regularly then you might have a lot of energy that needs to be released. These kinds of people are creative, active and ambitious and tend to be determined. They can also be dreamers who have a difficult time staying grounded in reality.

Where on the page?

Where you draw your doodle indicates something about your attitude to aspects of your life. Doodling at the top of the page indicates a preoccupation with aspirations and dreams, the bottom of the page represents security and material concerns, the right is the future and the left is the past and family.

Style and stroke

If you doodle with a heavy stroke then you’re a determined person, but if you go over and over a line then you might be frustrated, obsessed or stuck with a problem. Heavy shading or criss-cross strokes suggest depression or worry. If you use a light touch then you’re probably a sensitive person and might be a little hesitant in day to day life.

Drawing lines or objects in rows shows a methodical approach, good organisation and an appreciation of order and control. Disorderly looking doodles indicate a lively personality and an individual who does thing spur of the moment and has a tendency to get side-tracked.

Some common doodles explained:

Stars: Stars indicate ambition. Lots of little starts indicate optimism, a big embellished star indicates a clear goal in sight and neat uniform starts suggest good mental focus. Free hand means you’ve got a lot energy.

Squares or boxes: Indicate you want control and that you are thinking through a problem. If a box becomes a cube you’re probably a very efficient, analytical person who can deal with difficult situations without fuss.

Flowers: Flowers indicate an amiable, family-centric person who is sociable. A dropping flower head indicates worry.