{"id":8929,"date":"2026-04-13T13:19:30","date_gmt":"2026-04-13T18:19:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/?p=8929"},"modified":"2026-04-14T10:09:39","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T15:09:39","slug":"designer-debate-pantone-color-of-the-year-2026-cloud-dancer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/features\/designer-debate-pantone-color-of-the-year-2026-cloud-dancer","title":{"rendered":"Designer Debate: Pantone Color of the Year 2026, Cloud Dancer"},"content":{"rendered":"<!--the_content--><!--block-empty--> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-8\"> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-6\"> <p>Cloud Dancer is Pantone Color of the Year 2026 and everyone\u2019s talking about it. It\u2019s subtle, it\u2019s polarizing, it\u2019s even provocative.<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p>Should you incorporate it into your brand\u2019s marketing? Is it an effective choice for any print marketing? Two of Smartpress\u2019 graphic designers go head-to-head to debate the color. Hear whether it could be a good fit for your industry and how to use it in print designs (or if you should at all\u2026 ).<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p><a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/shop\/all\">Explore all of Smartpress print products for your next campaign<\/a>.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-8\"> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"> <h2>Key Takeaways<\/h2> <ul> <li><a href=\"#what-color-is-cloud-dancer\">Cloud Dancer is versatile, but context matters<\/a>. It can act as a subtle, sophisticated hero or a supporting player, depending on your brand goals and campaign design.<\/li> <li><a href=\"#two-takes-on-one-trending-tint\">Designers are split<\/a>. Some embrace its calming, minimalist vibe. Others see it as too safe, relying on it to support bolder colors rather than stand alone.<\/li> <li>With premium print products and expert guidance, <a href=\"#cloud-dancer-printed-to-perform-with-smartpress\">Smartpress ensures this neutral makes your messaging shine<\/a>, whether subtly or in the spotlight.<\/li> <\/ul> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <!--block: 50-50-image --><div class=\"row center-xs blockOffset-bottom-sm\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-10\"><div class=\"row center-xs\"><\/span><\/p> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-6 no-pad blockOffset-top-sm blockOffset-right-sm raisedLeft\"><figure class=\"figureContainer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/smartpressblog.imgix.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CD-Accordian-0039_edit.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=900&s=d8f784ae1b63f99c5160fb2a9b15cdb1\" alt=\"Two hands holding an accordion into gate poster on top of another one printed in orange and white.\"   data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><figcaption style=\"width: 66.6666666667%;\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><p class=\"wp-caption-text\">Accordion Into Gate Poster: 80# Uncoated Smooth White Text, 19.5 x 28.8&#8243;<\/p><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>  <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-6 no-pad blockOffset-bottom-md\"><figure class=\"figureContainer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/smartpressblog.imgix.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CD-SS-Booklet-0014_edit.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=900&s=6b60109f0ad876528e5a37ceb5f1a017\" alt=\"Three custom catalogs overlapping each other and printed with furniture imagery.\"   data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><figcaption style=\"width: 66.6666666667%;\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><p class=\"wp-caption-text\">Catalog: 100# Uncoated Smooth White Cover with 100# Uncoated Smooth White Text Interior, 5.5 x 8.5&#8243;<\/p><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>  <\/div><\/div><\/div> <!--\/block--> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-10\"> <div class=\"row\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"> <h2 id=\"what-color-is-cloud-dancer\">What Color is Cloud Dancer?<\/h2> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <!--block: 50-50 --><div class=\"row center-xs\" ><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"><div class=\"row\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-6\"><!--[col]--><\/span><\/p> <p>Technically called Pantone 11-4201 Cloud Dancer, this shade makes sense as the color of the year to some and makes no sense at all to others. Pantone describes it as having \u201cexpansive presence\u201d and that it \u201cinvites a space where function and feeling intertwine to build atmospheres of serenity and spaciousness.\u201d<\/p> <!--[\/col]--><\/div> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-6\"><!--[col]--> <p>If your marketing concepts could use a \u201cvisual cleanliness that inspires well-being and lightness,\u201d Cloud Dancer may be the color for you. Pantone refers to it as a key structural color, meaning it\u2019s versatile and supportive of all colors. In other words, it can take a back seat so others may shine.<\/p> <!--[\/col]--><\/div> <\/div><\/div><\/div> <!--\/block--><!--block-empty--> <!--graybar--><div class=\"ltGrayBkgd-md\"><\/div><!--\/graybar--> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-8\"> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"> <figure class=\"figureContainer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/smartpressblog.imgix.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/2026-03-30-Cloud-Dancer-0001.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=900&s=71debb6c675207fa834c79cfbd3f81a1\" alt=\"Two men leaning over a table in a print production facility looking at printed materials.\"   data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><figcaption style=\"width: 66.640625%;\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><p class=\"wp-caption-text\">Jeff, left; Nate, Right<\/p><\/figcaption><\/figure>  <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-8\"> <div class=\"row\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"> <h2 id=\"two-takes-on-one-trending-tint\">Two Takes on One Trending Tint<\/h2> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-8\"> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"> <p>But is taking a back seat a good thing? Should a Pantone Color of the Year be in the background? Or does the very nature of being named such a color mean it should take the spotlight? Our designers step into the ring to debate this, how to use Cloud Dancer (or not) and other hue Qs.<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p>In one corner, we have Nate Johannes: Senior graphic designer, domicile chef and lettering addict. For him, Cloud Dancer\u2019s a heck yes.<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p>In another corner, Jeff Barr: Graphic designer, retro game enthusiast and film lover. For him, Cloud Dancer\u2019s a hard no.<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p><a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/features\/mocha-mousse-designing-with-pantone-color-of-the-year-2025\">Still luxuriating in Mocha Mousse? Revisit our design tips for 2025\u2019s Color of the Year<\/a>.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-8\"> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"> <p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/smartpressblog.imgix.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/2026-03-30-Cloud-Dancer-0060_edit.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=900&s=fd4acd87fb2c0719399ca39ba837b3d5\" alt=\"Two men leaning over a white table in a production facility holding custom printed booklets.\"   data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div><!--block-empty--> <!--graybar--><div class=\"ltGrayBkgd-md\"><\/div><!--\/graybar--> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <div class=\"row center-xs pullQuote\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-10\"> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10\"> <\/span><\/p> <p>&#8220;Cloud Dancer <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">has a level of sophistication that connects the piece to its audience by being the hero of the negative space.<\/span>&#8221;<\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-8\"> <div class=\"row\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"> <h3>Yes to Subtle Style<\/h3> <p><strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\"><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <!--block: 50-50 --><div class=\"row center-xs\" ><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"><div class=\"row\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-6\"><!--[col]--><\/span><\/strong><\/p> <p><strong>What is your overall impression of Cloud Dancer as Color of the Year?<\/strong><br \/> <em><strong>Nate Johannes:<\/strong><\/em> \u201cCloud Dancer is the \u2018quiet luxury\u2019 of the color world. Instead of selecting another bold, divisive color, I think this choice demonstrates power through subtlety. It doesn\u2019t need to shout for attention and calmly reflects strength through longevity, giving it the power to transcend fleeting trends and overly bold colors.\u201d<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p><strong>How does the 2026 Pantone Color of the Year\u200b reflect the current cultural mood?<\/strong><br \/> \u201cCloud Dancer arrives at a time when we\u2019ve hit an overload, visually and culturally. After years of hyper-saturated feeds and maximalist look-at-me aesthetics, we\u2019re reaching a point of exhaustion.<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p>\u201cThis color is a much needed exhale. I think it\u2019s Pantone\u2019s way of swinging the pendulum back toward restraint and more considered aesthetic choices. Anyone else ready for a little calm?\u201d<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p><strong>Is a neutral, airy color more usable for brands than a bold or divisive shade?<\/strong><br \/> \u201cFrom a systems perspective, Cloud Dancer is a powerhouse. As a near-white, it expands negative space and adds much-needed breathing room. I think this clarity can be a strong status symbol. It&#8217;s the power in a purposeful neutral.<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p>\u201cThere\u2019s a reason you know someone\u2019s wearing AirPods from across the street. There\u2019s a reason I love a fresh pair of white Nikes. It acts as a tonal stabilizer, allowing a brand to play with different expressions while keeping its structural integrity intact.\u201d<\/p> <!--[\/col]--><\/div> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-6\"><!--[col]--> <p><strong>How does the Cloud Dancer color perform across industries?<\/strong><br \/> \u201cFor interiors, spaces open up &#8211; it\u2019s the ultimate palette cleanser. It can turn walls into a wonderful canvas and lets natural light create stellar shadows, bringing depth throughout a space.<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p>\u201cFor branding and packaging, it signals a level of confidence that says, \u2018Our product is so good we don\u2019t need to yell for your attention.\u2019 It\u2019s especially strong when paired with tactile finishes like raised UV or foil.<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p>And Cloud Dancer could sing with print (especially in the hands of an online printer like Smartpress). It has a level of sophistication that connects the piece to its audience by being the hero of the negative space. It could be a minimalist sensory experience instead of a maximum sensory overload.\u201d<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p><strong>How would you use this color in a print marketing campaign?<\/strong><br \/> \u201cI&#8217;d use Cloud Dancer not as the background but rather as the stage, creating areas of high contrast and providing proper space for key messaging. It lets typography breathe, gives logos structural integrity and makes tactile print finishes a memorable experience.<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p>\u201cGood design isn\u2019t always about what you add &#8211; sometimes it&#8217;s more about what you resist. I think of Cloud Dancer as the supporting actor that ultimately steals the show.\u201d<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p><a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/features\/color-psychology-how-to-use-it-for-marketing-sales\">See how color affects your clients\u2019 behaviors<\/a>.<\/p> <!--[\/col]--><\/div> <\/div><\/div><\/div> <!--\/block--> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-8\"> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"> <figure class=\"figureContainer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/smartpressblog.imgix.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/2026-03-30-Cloud-Dancer-0107_edit.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=900&s=caf4de66593c828f104d361268c9cdf0\" alt=\"A man with glasses leaning on a white table in a production facility holding a printed invitation.\"   data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><figcaption style=\"width: 66.6666666667%;\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><p class=\"wp-caption-text\">Foil Card: 120# Coated Matte White with Holographic Foil, 5 x 7&#8243;<\/p><\/figcaption><\/figure>  <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div><!--block-empty--> <!--graybar--><div class=\"ltGrayBkgd-md\"><\/div><!--\/graybar--> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <div class=\"row center-xs pullQuote\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-10\"> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10\"> <\/span><\/p> <p>&#8220;Cloud Dancer <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">really only shines when it\u2019s supporting a focal color. It\u2019s a bright, sterile waiting room that desperately needs a fish tank<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span>&#8221;<\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-8\"> <div class=\"row\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"> <h3>When Neutral Isn\u2019t Enough<\/h3> <p><strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\"><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <!--block: 50-50 --><div class=\"row center-xs\" ><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"><div class=\"row\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-6\"><!--[col]--><\/span><\/strong><\/p> <p><strong>What is your overall impression of the Pantone 2026 Color of the Year\u200b?<\/strong><br \/> <em><strong>Jeff Barr:<\/strong><\/em> \u201cIt&#8217;s a sleepy selection. I think it signals a fearful jog back to \u2018safety\u2019 in an increasingly risk-punishing economical climate.\u201d<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p><strong>How does choosing a subtle neutral slow innovation in color-forward industries like fashion and print?<\/strong><br \/> \u201cColors as understated as Cloud Dancer can have a sedating, comforting effect. Innovation typically comes from noticeable changes and shakeups, neither of which Cloud Dancer is conducive to.\u201d<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p><strong>How does Cloud Dancer perform across industries?<\/strong><br \/> \u201cIt\u2019s a great pillar that supports brighter, more vibrant splashes of color. Because of this, it\u2019s very versatile across industries. In the physical print realm, Cloud Dancer helps leave space to push focus toward graphic elements. But over-utilizing it can veer away from calm and into sterile.\u201d<\/p> <!--[\/col]--><\/div> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-6\"><!--[col]--> <p><strong>Is a neutral, airy color more usable for brands than a bold or divisive shade?<\/strong><br \/> \u201cYes, neutrals like this are incredibly useful, in spite of (and because of) its \u2018safe\u2019 appearance. Essentially a blank palette, it quietly and succinctly fills spaces and lays foundations within visual landscapes.<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p>\u201cThat being said, it really only shines when it\u2019s supporting a focal color. It\u2019s a bright, sterile waiting room that desperately needs a fish tank.\u201d<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p><strong>How would you use this color in a print marketing campaign?<\/strong><br \/> \u201cIt\u2019s a great color if you\u2019re trying to save money on ink. Jokes aside, I\u2019d use it as a jumping off point for other real colors to shine.\u201d<\/p> <!--[\/col]--><\/div> <\/div><\/div><\/div> <!--\/block--> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-8\"> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"> <p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/smartpressblog.imgix.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CD-Group-A-0003_edit.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=900&s=10afebdb6a762d2a824b1330f6ed2f3c\" alt=\"Posters, booklets and invites printed with various designs and Pantone Color of the Year 2026 Cloud Dancer.\"   data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-8\"> <div class=\"row\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"> <h2 id=\"cloud-dancer-printed-to-perform-with-smartpress\">Cloud Dancer, Printed to Perform with Smartpress<\/h2> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-8\"> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"> <p>And there you have it. A knock-down, drag-out fight over controversial Pantone Color of the Year 2026 Cloud Dancer. (Or you know, a totally civilized conversation between designers on the merits of this notable neutral.) Whether you subtly incorporate it into your print marketing campaigns throughout the year or take a stand with one completely focused on it, Cloud Dancer makes noise your messaging may need.<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p>And when you\u2019re ready to begin designing print assets with it, Smarptress has the experts and premium products to make it a success.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div><!--block-empty--><!--\/the_content-->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Cloud Dancer is Pantone Color of the Year 2026 and everyone\u2019s talking about it. It\u2019s subtle, it\u2019s polarizing, it\u2019s even provocative. Should you incorporate it into your brand\u2019s marketing? Is it an effective choice for any print marketing? Two of Smartpress\u2019 graphic designers go head-to-head to debate the color. Hear whether it could be a good fit for your industry and how to use it in print designs (or if you should at all\u2026 ).","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":8941,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"sfsi_plus_gutenberg_text_before_share":"","sfsi_plus_gutenberg_show_text_before_share":"","sfsi_plus_gutenberg_icon_type":"","sfsi_plus_gutenberg_icon_alignemt":"","sfsi_plus_gutenburg_max_per_row":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8929","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-features"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Designer Debate: Pantone Color of the Year 2026, Cloud Dancer<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Pantone Color of the Year 2026 Cloud Dancer has got everyone talking. Two of Smartpress\u2019 graphic designers go head-to-head to debate it.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/features\/designer-debate-pantone-color-of-the-year-2026-cloud-dancer\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Designer Debate: Pantone Color of the Year 2026, Cloud Dancer\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Pantone Color of the Year 2026 Cloud Dancer has got everyone talking. 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