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Say goodbye to flashy standouts, neon highlights and artificial hues and say hello to calmer tones. The recently released Shutterstock Color Trends 2022 promises a colour trio full of simplicity and subtle elegance. With a more muted, minimalistic and softer approach compared to previous years. “Serenity is the key in 2022 when it comes to selecting colors.” and continues the trend that had already emerged in 2021.

The report is based on the analysis of billions of pixel data, search queries and image downloads. New to this year’s report is the highest performing colour, which, according to Shutterstock.AI, leads to the greatest click-through rates (CTR) and conversions in advertising campaigns.

Let’s take a closer look at the Shutterstock Color Trends 2022.

Calming Coral #E9967A

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“A faintly fading peach, like a heavy filter over a beautiful sunset. This color evokes a rustic, toned-down shade in comparison to some of the brighter, cleaner shades of the past. When depicting health and happiness, put Calming Coral in your orbit. It plays especially well with dusty yellows and pinks for a nostalgic tint in design work. Or consider contrasting it with a sky blue to round out a comforting, natural palette.”

Velvet Violet #800080

Image: © Shutterstock

“A vibrant shade of purple with pink undertones, reminiscent of the lasting luxury and elegance of the royal orchid. Some purples stand out and shout – this one whispers. And yet, it’s the boldest of the trending colors for 2022, drawing attention without feeling ostentatious. Its natural complement is a contrasting shade of green, like emerald.”

Pacific Pink #DB7093

Image: © Shutterstock

“A cotton candy pink representing a perfect mix of vitality and tranquility — despite the bustle a new year brings, this color serves as a reminder to stop and smell the roses. Hot pink is cooling off and subtle pink is picking up steam. It looks marvelous when paired with other pink and peachy tones. And like its namesake, apply it to a complementary light teal to evoke the sun setting over a glimmering Pacific beach.”

Green is the new gold

Image: © Shutterstock

You want your projects to perform like a pro? Then you should opt for shades of green. According to Shutterstock.AI, various shades of green have dominated click-through rates and conversions and are expected to continue to be the most promising colour scheme for marketers.

“From extraterrestrial neon to tropical plant life, across the board green is taking the gold.”

Global colour trends

The most popular shades in twenty-four different countries around the world give an insight into regional trending colours.

The detailed report can be found in the Shutterstock blog.

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