# Despicably Cute Colors Pantone Reveals 'Minion Yellow,' Its First New Color in Three Years By Meghan Young | Published 2015-04-21 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minion-yellow References: [neatorama](http://www.neatorama.com/2015/04/21/Pantone-Officially-Announces-A-Despicably-Cute-Color/) & [pantone](http://www.pantone.com/pci/minion-yellow) It may have been three years since Pantone has released a new color, but the brand made it worth the wait with [Minion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thisisneverthat-6) Yellow. Inspired by the beloved [Pixar](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pixars-toy-story) film 'Despicable Me,' the Minion Yellow hue comes just in time to celebrate the upcoming prequel 'Minions.' Born out of an idea by none-other-than Pharrell Williams himself, the research arm of Pantone explored it and came up with something despicably cute. Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director, [Pantone Color Institute](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smalls-sliders), says, "Just as the sun’s rays enliven us, PANTONE Minion Yellow is a color that heightens awareness and creates clarity, lighting the way to the intelligence, originality and the resourcefulness of an open mind – this is the color of hope, joy and optimism." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.1/10 - Popularity: 60% | Activity: 54% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Pop Culture-inspired Colors:** Brands can explore other pop culture references to create new colors and expand their product lines. - **Mood-boosting Colors:** Brands can leverage the psychological effects of colors to promote emotional wellness and position themselves as holistic brands. - **Celebrity-inspired Colors:** Brands can partner with celebrities to co-create colors that reflect their branding and capitalize on their popularity. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Cosmetics Industry:** Cosmetics brands can use the new color to design playful, fun, and youthful products that appeal to the trendy and dynamic millennials market. - **Fashion Industry:** Fashion designers can use the new color to create bold, quirky, and unique looks that appeal to a younger demographic who value exuberance and individuality. - **Paint Industry:** Paint companies can use the new color to offer customers the opportunity to bring the Minion Yellow trend into their homes and to express their personalities in a playful and optimistic way. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Yellowish Cartoon-Inspired Donuts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minion-doughnuts.md) - [Cartoon-Themed Soft Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/banana-candy-flavor.md) - [Cartoon-Branded Snack Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hippeas-and-minions.md) - [Rebranded Color Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-loneliest-color.md) - [Animation-Themed Ice Cream Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cold-stone-and-despicable-me-4.md) - [Mischievous Nail Polish Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sally-hansen-x-despicable-me-4-collection.md) - [Cult-Favorite Animation-Themed Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/banana-candy.md) - [Color-Focused Furniture Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2026-pantone-color.md) - [Character-Themed Candy Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minions-candy-range.md)