Pantone® Color Institute Executive Director, Lee Eiseman has graciously agreed to be one of the keynote speakers for this year’s International Summit! We caught up with the long-time CMG member and Chairholder to learn more about how her color thinking is evolving, her new book, and what she has in store for us at the Summit.
CMG: I understand that you have a new book coming out in October called “Complete Color Harmony, Pantone Edition: Expert Color Information for Professional Results.” Can you tell us a little about how the book was updated and what readers can expect?
LEE: “The publishers have printed different editions over the years and came to me last year with a proposal to do an update. Each edition (the last printed in 2004) has contained some standard information about color theory and the like, however, as we well know, although there are some classic concepts about color, such as the color wheel, much information about color usage is still evolving. At one point in time, ”power clashing” would not have been acceptable in a world filled with strict color rules. However, I rarely use the word “rule” in dealing with color, but prefer the term “guideline.” My goal in doing the book is to offer some new information and/or validate the readers’ personal insights. This new book is more a complete re-do than an update.”
“However, I rarely use the word “rule” in dealing with color, but prefer the term ‘guideline.”
CMG: It sounds like you have included a section on special effects. Can you tell us more about that?
LEE: “Special effects speaks to color complexity. There are several color mood themes and palettes in the book that speak to that. Taken from the book: ”Social anthropologists tell us that the human eye is inevitably drawn to changing color patterns as they often undulate in the same way that a body of water moves and changes. The rationale is that because humans need water in order to survive they are inevitably drawn to the fluctuating movement of changing colors. Whether we are thirsting for an object of beauty, or simply thirsty, we can’t deny that there is a fascination for complexity in color.”
“Social anthropologists tell us that the human eye is inevitably drawn to changing color patterns as they often undulate in the same way that a body of water moves and changes.”
CMG: The description on Amazon says the book will include a section on the psychology of color. Is there something you’ve learned about how color impacts us emotionally that is a new a-ha?
LEE: “I don’t know that this is a brand-new “aha” but I think that people are beginning to better grasp and employ the impact of color effects. For example, again, a quote from the book: “Perfect harmony (if that truly exists) is not always the goal of a color combination. Discordant color can be used intentionally to manipulate emotion— to arouse, disturb, titillate, and exaggerate, to create tension, and, if dissonance is used thoughtfully, it can be a powerful tool in the marketplace.”
“Discordant color can be used intentionally to manipulate emotion.”
CMG: Can you tell us a little bit about the presentation you’ve prepared for the Summit?
LEE: “The title will be “Color Harmony: Insights and Inspiration.” Knowledge, judgment and intuition are all involved in mastering color. As explained in my new book, The Complete Color Harmony, Pantone Edition, harmonious hues can be found in traditional teachings, such as the use of the color wheel. However times, taste, and trends can and do change and along with them with some “directives’ for color harmony. The presentation will address some updated guidelines (I don’t like to use the word “rules” when it involves color!) that could help to jumpstart attendees’ imaginations, or validate their own insightful and creative thinking.”
“Complete Color Harmony: Pantone Edition” will be released on October 10, but you can pre-order it on Amazon now. Summit attendees will have the exclusive opportunity to purchase the book on Saturday following Lee’s talk and have their copy signed by the author.
Want to hear more from Lee? Check out her blog to stay on top of her adventures in color or meet her at this year’s International Summit – Register today.
