Art & Inquiry Podcast Episode Companion Guide

Table of Contents

• Art & Inquiry Podcast Episode Companion Guide

  • About the Podcast

  • Episode Summary

  • Inside the Episode

  • Interactive Slideshow

  • Chapters & Topics

  • Meet the Featured Creator

  • Resources & Related Reads

  • Creative Theme

  • #ArtInqMe Artist Prompt: Enchantment

  • Art Show

  • #ArtInqMe Artist Prompt

  • Share Art & Inquiry

Watch the Episode

Art & Inquiry Podcast

📆 YouTube Live Premiere 07/27/25 1p PT

YouTube

Spotify

Podcast Apps

Meet Katrine

Featured Creator: Kathrine’s Thimble | Art & Inquiry Podcast Ep. 2507

Theme & Inspiration

Artist Prompt: Post your #ArtInqMe piece on social with the tags below! Instructions: Use hashtag #ArtInqMe and tag Art & Inquiry on social. Community Art Showcase

Enchantment | #ArtInqMe

Share Your Work

@art-inquiry.com | #ArtInq Bluesky Feed

View the Art Show

🦋 @art-inquiry.com

📺 @art_inq

𝕏 @art_inq

Art & Inquiry Podcast Episode #2507

Full Episode Transcript

Get Involved & Inspired

1. PICK A PROMPT &

   • Choose an #ArtInqMe artist prompt from any Art & Inquiry Episode

2. CREATE YOUR ART & SHARE ON SOCIAL

   • Post your artwork on X and/or Bluesky with hashtag #ArtInqMe and tag Art & Inquiry to show up in the Bluesky feed and Art Show!

3. GET FEATURED

   • Community creatives who share their #ArtInqMe artwork and tag Art & Inquiry have an opportunity to get featured in the Art & Inquiry Art Show! Check it out>

#ArtInqMe Artist Prompts by Episode

#ArtInqMe Artist Prompts Visit the Art Show

Ep. 2501 Mocha Mousse Mastery Ep. 2502 Be Bold Ep. 2503 Cut. Paste. Create. Ep. 2504 DIY OC Ep. 2505 Empowerment Ep. 2506 Mixing Mediums

Catch up on Art & Inquiry Episodes

Now through June 30th 2025, enter the Art & Inquiry Creative Studio Giveaway for your chance to win an incredible prize bundle featuring: Clip Studio Paint, Moho Debut, and Brush/Asset Collection valued over $400+!

Enter the giveaway and increase your chances to win by participating in #ArtInqMe Artist Prompts/Creative Challenges, listening to Art & Inquiry Podcast, subscribing to Art & Inquiry Newsletter and more to unlock even bonus entries.

Art & Inquiry Creative Studio Giveaway | 6/1-6/30

Live Premiere This Saturday, June 21st

Art & Inquiry Podcast Episode #2506: Lemons & Limes: Mixing Mediums, Making Art ft. Barbara

🎥 Join Us for the Live Premiere: Watch the Art & Inquiry Podcast episode live premiere on YouTube with MELO & Cat on Saturday 6/21 12p PT (3p ET). Can’t make the premiere? Watch the Art & Inquiry Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, or listen on your favorite podcast app on

WATCH PREMIERE

#ArtInqMe Artist Prompts

#ArtInqMe Artist Prompts by Episode

#ArtInqMe Artist Prompts Visit the Art Show

Ep. 2501 Mocha Mousse Mastery Ep. 2502 Be Bold Ep. 2503 Cut. Paste. Create. Ep. 2504 DIY OC Ep. 2505 Empowerment Ep. 2506 Mixing Mediums

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How to Unlock #ArtInqMe Artist Prompt Entries:

1. PICK A PROMPT

   • Choose an #ArtInqMe artist prompt from any Art & Inquiry Episode

2. POST ON SOCIAL

   • Post your artwork on X and/or Bluesky with hashtag #ArtInqMe and tag Art & Inquiry to show up in the Bluesky feed and Art Show!

3. SUBMIT YOUR POST

   • Copy your post link and submit for the “#ArtInqMe Artist Prompt | Post” giveaway action unlock entries for each #ArtInqMe artwork you post!

   • Best part… you can choose additional prompts and post your artwork to unlock even more entries - up to 160 entries.

ATTN: Art & Inquiry Featured Creators & Fans

Already participated in an #ArtInqMe Artist Prompt and posted it on social?

Submit the post link to unlock entries! All submissions will be validated and entries awarded for up to 1 post per platform per week.

Catch up on Art & Inquiry Episodes

Art & Inquiry Podcast Episode Companion Guide

Table of Contents

• Art & Inquiry Podcast Episode Companion Guide

  • About the Podcast

  • Episode Summary

  • Inside the Episode

  • Chapters & Topics

  • Interactive Slideshow

  • Meet the Featured Creator

  • Resources & Related Reads

  • Mixing Mediums

  • Art Show

  • #ArtInqMe Artist Prompt

  • Share Art & Inquiry

• Episode Transcript

Watch the Episode

Art & Inquiry Podcast

📆 YouTube Live Premiere 06/21/25 12p PT

YouTube

Spotify

Podcast Apps

Meet Barbara

Featured Creator: Barbara | Art & Inquiry Podcast Ep. 2506

Resources & Related Reads

AI Scheduling Tool: Reclaim.ai

Digital Art App: Procreate

Creative Space | #MadeByMELO Articles

AI and Creativity: A Renaissance or a Revolution? #MadeByMELO

The role of artificial intelligence in creative industries; its benefits, ethical considerations and the future of human-AI collaboration for creators & artists

news.melo.graphics/p/ai-creativity-madebymelo

The Creator's Guide to AI: The Future of Content Creation

AI is shaping the future of content creation, for good and bad. Explore the AI Content Creator Guide From the AI & the Creator Economy Series.

news.melo.graphics/p/ai-content-creator-guide-madebymelo

The Artist's Guide to AI: Creative Collaboration & Prompt Mastery

Use ai to enhance your creative process by mastering AI prompt generation with this Artist Guide to AI from the Creative Space AI & Tech Insights Series.

news.melo.graphics/p/ai-artists-guide-madebymelo

Writesonic: A Comprehensive Review - Creative Space | #MadeByMELO

A Writesonic vs ChatGPT review and comparison with examples for freelancers and creators ready to improve productivity and creativity with AI powered tools.

news.melo.graphics/p/writesonic-review-chatgpt-comparison-madebymelo

Theme & Inspiration

Artist Prompt: Experiment with a medium or technique and create something outside of your comfort zone. Post your #ArtInqMe piece on social with the tags below! 🍋 Include a lemon for extra zest. Instructions: Use hashtag #ArtInqMe and tag Art & Inquiry on social. Community Art Showcase

Mixing Mediums | #ArtInqMe

Share Your Work

@art-inquiry.com | #ArtInq Bluesky Feed

View the Art Show

🦋 @art-inquiry.com

📺 @art_inq

𝕏 @art_inq

Art & Inquiry Podcast Episode #2506

Full Episode Transcript

Art & Inquiry Creative Studio Giveaway | 6/1-6/30

Art & Inquiry Creative Studio Giveaway Guide

• ENTER NOW-6/30

• Prizes ~$400+ Value

• #ArtInqMe Artist Prompts

  • Art & Inquiry Podcast

    • Where to Watch/Listen

ENTER GIVEAWAY

Prize Bundle Valued Over $400+ Includes:

Clip Studio Paint Pro 4.0

Master Digital Art & Illustration! Clip Studio Paint Pro is the premier software for comics, manga, and digital illustration; featuring a full suite of customizable tools including pens, pencils, rulers, brushes, and more. Whether you’re sketching, inking, or coloring, this 12 month license to Clips Studio 4.0 software is designed to help you bring your ideas to life with unmatched efficiency and versatility.

Moho Debut 12.5

Animate Like a Pro! Create captivating 2D animations with Moho Debut 12.5, developed by Lost Marble. With an intuitive interface and advanced rigging tools, it’s perfect for breathing life into your characters and stories. From beginners to seasoned animators, this software empowers you to take your animations to the next level.

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Look Inside the Prize Bundle

#ArtInqMe Artist Prompts

#ArtInqMe Artist Prompts by Episode

#ArtInqMe Artist Prompts Visit the Art Show

Ep. 2501 Mocha Mousse Mastery Ep. 2502 Be Bold Ep. 2503 Cut. Paste. Create. Ep. 2504 DIY OC Ep. 2505 Empowerment Ep. 2506 Mixing Mediums  (sneak peek before the premiere on 6/21/25).

---

How to Unlock #ArtInqMe Artist Prompt Entries:

1. PICK A PROMPT

   • Choose an #ArtInqMe artist prompt from any Art & Inquiry Episode

2. POST ON SOCIAL

   • Post your artwork on X and/or Bluesky with hashtag #ArtInqMe and tag Art & Inquiry to show up in the Bluesky feed and Art Show!

3. SUBMIT YOUR POST

   • Copy your post link and submit for the “#ArtInqMe Artist Prompt | Post” giveaway action unlock entries for each #ArtInqMe artwork you post!

   • Best part… you can choose additional prompts and post your artwork to unlock even more entries - up to 160 entries.

ATTN: Art & Inquiry Featured Creators & Fans

Already participated in an #ArtInqMe Artist Prompt and posted it on social?

Submit the post link to unlock entries! All submissions will be validated and entries awarded for up to 1 post per platform per week.

Catch up on Art & Inquiry Episodes

Art & Inquiry Podcast Episode Companion Guide

Table of Contents

• Art & Inquiry Podcast Episode Companion Guide

  • About the Podcast

  • Episode Summary

  • Inside the Episode

  • Chapters & Topics

  • Interactive Slideshow

  • Featured Creator: Keyah

  • Theme: Empowerment

  • #ArtInqMe Artist Prompt

  • Art Show

  • Share Art & Inquiry

  • Episode Transcript

Watch the Episode

Where to Watch YouTube Live Premiere 5/10/25 6p PT or your favorite podcast app.

YouTube

Spotify

Meet Keyah

Featured Creator: Keyah | View Info>

Original Work by Keyah | #ArtInqMe Empowerment

Theme & Inspiration

Artist Prompt: Create or share something you made that makes you feel powerful. Post your #ArtInqMe piece on social with the tags below! Instructions: Use hashtag #ArtInqMe and tag Art & Inquiry on social. Community Art Showcase

Empowerment | #ArtInqMe

Share Your Work

@art-inquiry.com | #ArtInq Bluesky Feed

View the Art Show

🦋 @art-inquiry.com

📺 @art_inq

𝕏 @art_inq

Full Episode Transcript

Art & Inquiry Podcast Episode Companion Guide

Table of Contents

• Art & Inquiry Podcast Episode Companion Guide

  • About the Podcast

  • Episode Summary

  • Inside the Episode

  • Chapters & Topics

  • Interactive Slideshow

  • Featured Creator: Amber Markoto

  • Bonus Video

  • Creative Theme

  • DIY OC

  • Artist Prompt

  • Resources & Articles

Watch the Episode

Where to Watch ⏰ Live Premiere 4/19/25 6p PT

YouTube

Spotify

Featured Creator: Amber Markoto

View Creator Profile & Artwork

Special Gift from Amber

10% Off anything in Amber’s Ko-fi Shop | Exp. 12/31/25

Bonus Video: Amber’s Book - Sneak Peek

Sneak Peek Inside the Book “MELO” & Cat are back with Featured Creator Amber to explore the creative process behind her upcoming children’s book, Winston and Friends in The Big Move. Amber reveals the story behind Winston, the main character, and showcases stunning illustrations from the book. Watch Now

Amber’s Art Challenge #WinstonNFriends | Amber’s Challenge

Theme & Inspiration

#ArtInqMe

Artist Prompt DIY O.C. | #ArtInqMe Artist Prompt: Create your own original character. Post your #ArtInqMe piece on social with the tags below! Instructions: Use hashtag #ArtInqMe and tag Art & Inquiry on social. Community Art Showcase @art-inquiry.com | #ArtInq Bluesky Feed

Featured Art Shares Nan by Amber Markoto Rubber Duck It by MELOGRAPHICS

🦋 @art-inquiry.com

📺 @art_inq

𝕏 @art_inq

#ArtInqMe DIY OC 🐤 "Rubber Duck It" 🖋️ by #ProcreateArtist @melo.graphics inspired by @ambermarkoto.bsky.social while filming the @art-inquiry.com podcast ep. 2504 Overcoming Art Block, which also has the duck emote as an Easter egg 👀

#MadeByMELO#ProcreateArt#ArtInqFind@catalyst-echo.bsky.social

— MELOGRAPHICS (@melo.graphics)
5:30 PM • Apr 20, 2025

Further Reading

Creative Space | #MadeByMELO

Check out “Drawing a Blank: Break Through Artist Block & Spark Creativity” article by MELOGRAPHICS in Creative Space | #MadeByMELO. Read Now

Full Episode Transcript

Art & Inquiry Podcast Episode Companion Guide

Table of Contents

• Art & Inquiry Podcast Episode Companion Guide

  • About the Podcast

  • Episode Summary

  • BONUS Creator Collab: Collage Challenge

  • Inside the Episode

  • Chapters & Topics

  • Interactive Slideshow

  • Resources

  • Further Reading

  • Creative Theme

  • Artist Prompt

  • Co-Host Challenge

  • Connect

  • Share Art & Inquiry

Watch the Episode

Where to Watch YouTube Live Premiere 3/22/25 6p PT or your favorite Podcast App

YouTube

Spotify

Resources

Custom Procreate Brush Sets, Color Palettes, and templates to create digital art and collage by MELOGRAPHICS in the #MadeByMELO Artist Shop.

FREE Procreate Digital Art Journal - Starter Kit

FREE Procreate Custom Brush Set - Sampler Pk

Paperwork Procreate Custom Brush Set & Color Palette

Further Reading

Digital Art Journaling with Procreate by MELOGRAPHICS

Software/Apps: Canva - Free Assets Adobe | Tutorial Gimp Procreate

Canva Adobe | Tutorial Gimp Procreate

Theme & Inspiration

Artist Prompt: Create your own traditional or digital collage. Post your #ArtInqMe piece on social with the tags below! Instructions: Use hashtag #ArtInqMe and tag Art & Inquiry on social. Community Art Showcase

Cut. Paste. Create. | #ArtInqMe

Co-host Creative Challenge

#ArtInqMe Artist Prompt - Cohost Challenge

#ArtInqMe Artwork

Keep it MELO by Catalyst Echo

Inception of Catalyst by MELOGRAPHICS

@art-inquiry.com | #ArtInq Bluesky Feed

🦋 @art-inquiry.com

📺 @art_inq

𝕏 @art_inq

Art & Inquiry Podcast Episode 2503

Full Episode Transcript

Art & Inquiry Podcast Episode Companion Guide

Table of Contents

• Art & Inquiry Podcast Episode Companion Guide

  • About the Podcast

  • Episode Summary

  • Inside the Episode

  • Further Reading

  • Creative Theme: Be Bold

  • Artist Prompt

  • Connect

  • Share Art & Inquiry

• Episode Transcript

Watch the Episode

Where to Watch Live Premiere 2/14/25 6p PT

YouTube

Spotify

Further Reading

Creative Space | #MadeByMELO Explore more typography and design articles by MELOGRAPHICS in Art & Creativity Collection.

What Does the Font Say?: The Art of Typography and Fonts Choosing the Perfect Font for Digital Design: Web & Email Safe Fonts for Style, Content, Readability  Find Your Type: A Typography Glossary for Art & Design View All

Theme & Inspiration

Artist Prompt: Use typography or calligraphy to convey the meaning of words. Post your #ArtInqMe piece on social with the tags below! Instructions: Use hashtag #ArtInqMe and tag Art & Inquiry on social.

Be Bold | #ArtInqMe

🎨 Attention all #artists#calligraphers and lovers of #typography.   Art & Inquiry wants you to show us your type, the swoosh of your nib, and the cut of your jib.  

Take a quote, phrase, song lyric, slogan or word you love and use your skills to make a bold composition, then tag us with #ArtInqMe

— Art & Inquiry (@art-inquiry.com)
12:39 AM • Feb 15, 2025

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@art-inquiry.com | #ArtInq Bluesky Feed

🦋 @art-inquiry.com

📺 @art_inq

𝕏 @art_inq

Full Episode Transcript

Pantone has never chosen a brown shade in its 25-year history of selecting Colors of the Year - until now. The prestigious color authority announced PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse as their Color of the Year 2025. This announcement signals a remarkable change in design trends.

Mocha Mousse is a sophisticated brown hue creates endless creative possibilities. Mocha Mousse does more than set a color palette trend - it reflects our evolving viewpoints on design, sustainability, and cultural values. Artists, designers, and creative enthusiasts who master this groundbreaking shade will discover new ways to use color effectively next year. The versatile neutral combines warmth and depth seamlessly.

Mocha Mouse Mastery

• Meet Mocha Mousse

  • First Brown Pantone Color of the Year

  • Symbolism and Cultural Significance

  • Global Design Impact

    • What do you think?

• The Science Behind the Selection

  • Pantone's Color Selection Process

  • Color Psychology of Brown

  • Market Research and Trends

    • Mocha Mousse Mastery

• Color Theory Applied

  • Working with Mocha Mousse

    • Digital Color Codes

  • Complementary Color Schemes

  • Texture and Material Pairings

  • Seasonal Palette Combinations

  • Digital and Print Media

  • Real-life Examples

• Creating with Mocha Mouse

• Make 2025 Colorful

Meet Mocha Mousse

Pantone just revealed a game-changing addition to your creative palette for 2025. The renowned color authority picked PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse as their Color of the Year 2025. This selection celebrates a remarkable milestone in their 25-year-old tradition.

First Brown Pantone Color of the Year

Mocha Mousse stands out as the first brown shade to earn this prestigious title since the Color of the Year started 25 years ago. This rich soft brown awakens your senses with delightful hints of cacao, chocolate, and coffee.

Symbolism and Cultural Significance

Mocha Mousse creates a deeper connection than just visual appeal. This refined shade represents our growing need to connect with nature while enjoying life's simple pleasures. The color reflects your yearning for balance and authentic living, blending luxury with genuineness perfectly.

Global Design Impact

Mocha Mousse will touch your life through many channels in 2025. Pantone teams up with major brands to showcase this color:

• Special events light up New York, London, Shanghai, and Mumbai.

• Motorola brings the shade to tech products.

• Joybird weaves it into furniture designs.

• Post-it and lifestyle brands embrace this new hue.

This versatile color empowers your creative projects across fashion, interior design, and digital media. Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute puts it well: "It's emblematic of a snapshot in time, giving people what they feel they need”.

The Science Behind the Selection

Have you ever wondered how Pantone picks their game-changing colors? The choice of Mocha Mousse as Color of the Year 2025 comes from a complex process that brings together global experts who think over every detail.

Pantone's Color Selection Process

A peek into Pantone's selection process shows how forty color experts from different backgrounds work together all year. Pantone calls these specialists "color anthropologists" who study everything from entertainment and art to socio-economic conditions and new technologies. The final decision doesn't come from just one meeting - it's an ongoing discussion.

Color Psychology of Brown

The psychology behind Mocha Mousse shows why this shade strikes a chord with so many people. Brown stands for:

• Stability and security in uncertain times

• Connection to earth and natural elements

• Comfort and reliability in daily life

Market Research and Trends

Colors affect consumer behavior more than you might think. Recent market research shows some eye-opening numbers:

• Color boosts brand recognition by up to 80%

• 85% of buyers say color is the main reason they pick a product

• 93% of consumers make buying decisions based on how things look

These numbers show why Pantone takes such care in their selection process. The color they pick needs to match current cultural trends and strike a chord with consumers in all types of industries. Note that when you use Mocha Mousse in your creative work, you're working with a shade that captures the spirit of 2025.

Color of the Year: Mocha Mousse

Explore More

Art & Inquiry Podcast Episode & Guide

Ripples & Waves Read Article

A Dollop of Mocha Mousse Read Article

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Get Creative

Art Share #ArtInqMe

Art Find #ArtInqFind

Check out the Art & Inquiry Podcast, Newsletter, and share your art with the community through artist prompts and creative challenges.

Color Theory Applied

You can use Mocha Mousse's versatility in many creative projects. This sophisticated shade works well with different mediums and applications.

Working with Mocha Mousse

Understanding Mocha Mousse's unique characteristics is the first step. This warm brown changes dramatically when paired with different colors. It serves as a nude on darker skin tones and becomes a bold statement with powder blue or pink.

Digital Color Codes Mocha Mousse Color Codes: Pantone 17-1230 Tcx Mocha Mousse Color sRGB: 164, 120, 100 HEX: #A47864

Complementary Color Schemes

Mocha Mousse pairs beautifully with:

• Bright whites for modern minimalism

• Metallic accents like chrome or brass

• Powder blue and turquoise for bold statements

• Pink for sophisticated contrast

Texture and Material Pairings

The right materials boost Mocha Mousse's effect:

• Silk and satin for luxury appeal

• Suede and leather for rich texture

• Natural fibers for organic feel

Seasonal Palette Combinations

This adaptable shade works throughout the year:

• Spring: Pair with soft pastels

• Summer: Combine with bright whites

• Fall: Mix with earth tones

• Winter: Accent with metallics

Digital and Print Media

Mocha Mousse creates striking visuals in:

• Web design assets

• Digital marketing materials

• Print packaging

• Multimedia presentations

Real-life Examples

Pantone Color of the Year 2025 - Mocha Mousse

Major brands use this color in their products: Motorola's cellphones Joybird's home décor Pura's fragrances Society6's design collections Mocha Mousse is more than just a color - it's a versatile design tool that helps create everything from subtle elegance to bold statements.

Creating with Mocha Mouse

Mocha Mousse can add a new dimension to your creative projects. This rich, sensory shade provides endless possibilities to express thoughtful indulgence in your work. Your creative trip with this sophisticated hue begins here, whether you work with digital design or physical products.

Make your designs better by adding Mocha Mousse through different textures and materials. Here are some premium pairings:

Major partnerships have already embraced this versatile hue, providing inspiration for your brand collaborations:

• Wix's first-ever web design asset collection featuring transparent videos and text marquees

• Joybird's plush velvet furniture in the official Mocha Mousse shade

• Post-It's stationery incorporating this warm brown tone

Mocha Mousse's multi sensory appeal makes it powerful in designs. The color reminds people of chocolate and coffee's delectable qualities and satisfies our collective desire for comfort and wellness. This makes it especially useful for projects that need an emotional connection with your audience.

Pairing Mocha Mousse with eco-friendly materials like recycled cardboard or biodegradable materials shows both luxury and environmental consciousness. This combination reflects today's consumer priorities.

#ArtInqMe@art-inquiry.com
"Mocha Mousse Cafe" 🎨 #ProcreateArt by @melo.graphics inspired by Pantone Color of the Year Mocha Mousse

#ProcreateArt#MadeByMELO#ArtShare

— MELOGRAPHICS (@melo.graphics)
1:29 AM • Jan 27, 2025

Creative Applications in Various Industries: Natural luxury appeal can lift skincare packaging, rich indulgence can improve gourmet food presentations, and sophisticated warmth can enhance home décor items. The color's adaptability lets you create everything from minimalist designs that emphasize simplicity to elaborate compositions with metallic accents for added luxury.

Mocha Mousse goes beyond visual appeal. This sophisticated hue helps you craft meaningful connections with your audience through both digital interfaces and physical products.

Make 2025 Colorful

Mocha Mousse proves how design has developed by becoming Pantone's first brown Color of the Year. This sophisticated shade offers creative possibilities that go way beyond the usual applications. Your digital designs and physical products will gain depth and meaning through this carefully chosen hue.

The color adapts beautifully to different seasons, materials, and industries while keeping its essence of grounded luxury. Many major brands now use this transformative shade, which shows its commercial appeal and cultural impact.

Color psychology plays a vital role in making the most of Mocha Mousse in your designs. You can learn more about this fascinating topic in the Creative Space | #MadeByMELO detailed guide "Color Psychology in Design: The Meaning of Colors & the Huge Impact of Hues".

Want to learn more about creative ideas and remain competitive in design trends? Subscribe to Art & Inquiry for exclusive interviews, inspiration, and state-of-the-art ideas that stimulate your artful mind. Your creative trip with Mocha Mousse starts now - make it count.

What’s your favorite color? It likely influences your life and work more than you think! Each year, the Pantone Color Institute announces its Color of the Year, setting design trends across fashion, interiors, and graphic design. But how does Pantone choose the color? What emotions does it evoke? And why does it sometimes spark criticism? This article explores the history of Pantone, the selection process, real-world examples, and even the backlash. See how one shade can inspire so much.

• A Bit of Pantone History

• The Color of the Year Selection Process

• The Influence on Design Industries

• Criticisms and Limitations

• Conclusion

• Get Creative

Pantone Color of the Year

At the end of 1999, the Pantone Color Institute announced Cerulean [PANTONE 15-4020] as the first ever Color of the Year for the year 2000. It was a soft color, meant to represent the blue sky and airy, hopefulness, and it was chosen to represent the new millennium.

At first, it was meant to be a one off to celebrate Y2K, but the concept took off and now, 27 years later, it is still going strong with merchandise, corporate tie-ins (Motorola x Pantone, Joybird x Pantone, Wix x Pantone), brand collaborations (Janavi x Pantone, oyuna x pantone, Society6 x Pantone, Libratone x Pantone, Spoonflower x Pantone), a scent (pura x pantone), and even a tea (tealeaves x pantone). You may have already spotted it in the magazines and on the runways. From makeup brands to home decor, Mocha Mousse is already everywhere.

A Dollop of Mocha Mousse

Explore the 2025 Pantone Color of the Year with color theory applications in this Art & Inquiry article by MELOGRAPHICS.

Art & Inquiry

Interviews, inspiration, & innovation for the artful mind.

art-inquiry.com/p/mocha-mousse-pantone-color-2501

The Pantone Color of the Year (COTY) went from a cool idea for a color company to celebrate the millennium to a tsunami of influence in commercial and creative spaces. So, how did we get here? How did Pantone become the most recognizable authority on color and how did the COTY become such a celebrated, anticipated and integral part of modern design?

A Bit of Pantone History

Before we dive into this too deeply, let’s get a quick overview of what Pantone is and why they are trusted to choose something as influential as a color of the year.

Back in the 1950’s, Pantone was a printing company in Carlstadt, New Jersey specializing in color charts for cosmetics companies, fashion and medical industries. Laurence Herbert joined the company in 1956 and quickly noticed how difficult it was to communicate effectively about specific colors. Identifying specific colors based on a description or a name is tricky because color is very nuanced and can be subjective.

If I tell you something is red, that doesn’t take into account the shade, the tone or the undertone. The word red does not provide enough information to determine if it leans more toward yellow (warm) or blue (cool), if it is a lighter or darker shade, or if it is highly pigmented/saturated or more faded. In the printing world, this is further complicated by the fact that every color you see is made by mixing only 4 colors (CMYK) and, at this time, it was as much an art as it was a science.

Mistakes happened often and there were a lot of costly inefficiencies in the process of trying to get consistent color every time. At the time it was part of the cost of printing in color but Laurence Herbert knew there had to be a better way to do things. So, in 1962, he bought the company with a vision to tackle this problem. In 1963, Pantone released the first Pantone Matching System (PMS) color guide with 10 colors, it assigned the colors a specific code and a specific formula to use to replicate them on any 4 color press. By the end of the year, there were 500 PMS colors.

From that point forward, Pantone worked tirelessly to establish itself as the standard in the graphic arts industry for color, expanding it’s color libraries, creating and licensing software to manufacturers for desktop publishing and setting up the Pantone Color Institute in 1986. In 1988, Pantone introduced new standards for textiles, impacting the industries of fashion, home décor and interior design. In 1994, Pantone launched the View Color Planner, a book designed to help corporations and designers choose color and learn about color forecasting and trends. And then there was the Color of the Year.

The Color of the Year Selection Process

The Pantone COTY is chosen by a global team of color experts from the Pantone Color Institute. These experts travel the world and research color tends featured in various industries such as art, fashion, entertainment, social media, interior design, graphic design and more. The team is experienced in trend forecasting, various forms of design and color theory, and the impact of color. Anything and everything that impacts our culture can influence the selection of the Pantone COTY.

To narrow down which sources to focus on in a given year, the Pantone Team pays close attention to current events and cultural trends. A source that may have been assigned significant weight in the past (such as trends in print advertising) may take a backseat to a source with greater current cultural significance (such as video games or social media). Current socioeconomic and political landscapes are also important for the team to consider but they are careful not to focus too much on only one specific area because the color of the year is meant to be a macrocosm with global significance.

Based on everything I have read about the way the COTY is chosen, I believe it varies from year and year and is driven and informed by the most globally significant factors, trends and forecasts. Pantone has given itself the lofty goal of trying to predict a color that truly represents the coming year, a color that is a conclusion based on everything they research and analyze. This is why some colors seem to make more direct statements while others, like Mocha Mousse, aren’t as easy to pin down.

According to this article in USA Today, Mocha Mousse was chosen to reflect the idea of harmony. The brighter color trends of 2024 (such as Barbie Pink or Brat Green) and Pantone’s 2023 and 2024 COTY choices reflect a vibrant and celebratory urge that the world seems to be moving away from in 2025.

Reactions to this year’s choice have been mixed with many immediate reactions that were mixed and confused at best. As the year has progressed and the official collaborations have been unveiled, these initial reactions have mellowed. Acceptance, even celebration, rules the day as influential voices across industries use and instruct us how to use this color in 2025.

The Influence on Design Industries

a. Fashion

With many Spring 2025 lines already unveiled, we have a rich environment to see the impact of Mocha Mousse on Fashion in 2025. Some designers leaned heavily into the influence of this color (Isabel Marant, Hermes, and Didu, to name a few), other Fashion Houses went their own way (Acne Studios featuring Brat Green, Zomer’s Vibrant Flowers, and Pierre Cardin who took us to space). An overwhelming majority of Spring 2025 lines have shown a trend toward warm neutrals and just about every major fashion publication has released at least one article about how to wear Mocha Mousse.

b. Interior Design

In the Interior Design space, Mocha Mousse is just one of many influential colors for 2025. In my research for this article, I came across many instances of interior design publications and figures talking about how to use Mocha Mousse in interiors in 2025. Opinions ranged from “the perfect kitchen color” to “an alternative to austere gray” to a way to blend Maximalist Style with practical design in a more harmonious way. The conclusion I came to is that the Pantone Color of the Year is significant in the Interior Design world but there will always be other color and stylistic influences.

c. Graphic Design and Branding

Beyond the official brand collaborations, the influence of Mocha Mousse on Graphic Design and Branding remains to be seen. In this space, clients may wish to embrace or reject color trends depending on the needs of their products or business. While I did find a few Graphic Design and Branding example articles, mostly on potential color palettes featuring Mocha Mousse and the impact of embracing color trends on business, I believe this space is one to watch as the year goes on.

d. Product Design

I’ll be honest, the Product Design collaborations featuring Mocha Mousse were so interesting to me that I included them as a big part of my opening paragraph. There are so many collaborations that I couldn’t even include them all without cluttering that paragraph up (more). Check out the full, official collaboration list here.

e. In the Wild

I have already been seeing Mocha Mousse everywhere but that makes a lot of sense because I have been deep diving this for the past month or so. If you made it this far, congratulations! I’m giving you homework! Let us know on our social pages where you have seen Mocha Mousse in the wild.

Criticisms and Limitations

Mocha Mousse was a controversial choice for 2025, especially coming in on the heels of more dopamine heavy, fully pigmented color trends in the last few years. Initial reactions were mixed at best and trended toward the negative. Why brown? What this specific brown? How does this color represent 2025? How will it fit with existing trends and how will it impact taste in the coming year? Is this soft, warm neutral color a limitation or is it a boon? Will it catch on or will it be overshadowed? Is it boring? What does it mean to each of us? Have the Sad Beige Moms won?

But there were many who embraced the color right away and were thrilled to have a more neutral, minimal color to use. Of these, many sited grounded elegance, timelessness and warm neutrality as their reasons.

My initial reaction was more W.T.F than W.O.W. Due to our backgrounds, I knew Art & Inquiry would cover the Pantone COTY before it was announced and I was hoping for something bold and beautiful, something vibrant and high energy, a color to solve world ennui, a color to give us life and sparkle. When we got brown, it seemed like a big frown, but, as I’ve researched for this deep dive, I have grown to see the positive sides of this color.

This all begs the question, is the Pantone Color of the Year a true reflection of color trends or is it just another (albeit hugely significant) influencer? And when this color starts to show up everywhere, as it already has, is this a reflection of people, industries and companies jumping on a trend or of Pantone truly trend spotting? How do the brand collaborations and runway shows impact the influence? And is the COTY just one more way to monetize color and maintain the authority of the Pantone Color Institute over the world of color?

Conclusion

The Pantone Color of the Year is, beyond a doubt, one of the most influential yearly announcements impacting color across industries. But why? And, more importantly, does Pantone have too much control over color? I entered into this deep dive hoping to answer a lot more of these questions in a much more decisive way but I find myself here with even more questions.

Here’s what I can tell you:

• Pantone worked very hard over many years to establish itself as a foremost authority on color.

• The Color of the Year is one of many tools Pantone uses to maintain this authority.

• The COTY choice is announced and then it is immediately backed up with brand collaborations across industries and the Spring runway shows in the Fashion world.

• Publications, Influencers and Design focused Content Creators create media on the COTY quickly and every year across all industries.

• All this works together in ripples and waves to turn a color forecast into a color future.

Whether you believe this is a good thing or a dangerous monopoly over creative freedom, one thing is for sure: 2025 is the Year of Mocha Mousse, whether we like it or not.

Now it’s time to play.

Get Creative

Color of the Year: Mocha Mousse

Explore More

Art & Inquiry Podcast Episode & Guide

Ripples & Waves Read Article

A Dollop of Mocha Mousse Read Article

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Check out the Art & Inquiry Podcast, Newsletter, and share your art with the community through artist prompts and creative challenges.

Art & Inquiry Podcast Episode Companion Guide

Table of Contents

• Art & Inquiry Podcast Episode Companion Guide

  • About the Podcast

  • About the Podcast

  • Chapters & Topics

  • Further Reading

  • What do you think?

  • Creative Theme

    • Mocha Mousse Mastery

  • Creative Challenges

    • Artist Prompt

    • Art FInd

    • References

Watch the Episode

Where to Watch

YouTube

Spotify

Creative Theme

Get Creative

Artist Prompt Artist Prompt: Embrace the Pantone Color of the Year 2025 Prompt: Create a piece that showcases different shades and tones of Mocha Mousse. Experiment with light and shadow to bring depth to your work. Post your #ArtInqMe piece on social with the tags below! Instructions: Use hashtag #ArtInqMe and tag Art & Inquiry on social

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Creative Challenge Eye Spy Art Find: Eye spy with my little eye something mocha mousse! Find something that looks like the mocha mousse color and share it on social. Instructions: Use hashtag #ArtInqFind and tag Art & Inquiry on social.

@art-inquiry.com | #ArtInq Bluesky Feed

🦋 @art-inquiry.com

📺 @art_inq

𝕏 @art_inq

Full Episode Transcript

Artful Minds Wanted. No Experience Needed.

Art is for everyone. Art & Inquiry exists to break down traditional barriers around art and creativity, making the process approachable and enjoyable. Whether you’re a painter, sculptor, digital artist, or someone who loves DIY crafts, Art & Inquiry is the collaborative canvas to explore creativity and get inspired.

What to Expect

Art & Inquiry offers a wide variety of engaging content to spark your inspiration and elevate your creative practice:

• 🌟 Monthly Themes & Prompts

  • Get rid of decision fatigue! Each month, explore creatively energizing prompts and themes that guide you without limiting your potential.

• 🎙 Creator Interviews & Spotlights

  • Join the curators, MELO & Cat, on a creative quest through creator stories, artists insights, and creative inspiration. Perfect for learning new tips and processes!

• 📬 Companion Resources

  • Video podcast and posts include valuable extras—toolkits, tutorials, and inspiration—to help you master techniques and achieve your artistic goals.

• 🎨 Inclusive Community

  • YOU are the heart of Art & Inquiry. From beginners to pros, everyone belongs here. Celebrate all levels and mediums of creativity while connecting with like-minded individuals.

How to Get Started

Are You Ready to be More Creative in 2025?

Art & Inquiry is so much more than a podcast or newsletter. It’s a space to explore, create, and connect while breaking down the stereotypes around art being “stuffy” or “only for experts.” It’s about collaboration, experimentation, and getting rid of perfectionism to highlight the fun in creativity.

With engaging interviews, hands-on prompts, and endless inspiration, we’re fostering an inclusive movement for artful minds everywhere.

Get ready to create, explore, and thrive. 🎉 Don’t miss out—subscribe today (it’s free).