The Palette of Our Lives: Standardizing Color
At the outset of “The King of Color,” Lawrence Herbert, the visionary behind the Pantone Matching System, reflects on his legacy as he approaches his 90s. With a desire to leave a mark on the world, Herbert's journey reveals the profound impact of color in our daily lives.
Color: A Universal Language
Before Herbert revolutionized color standardization in the 1960s, the concept of color was subjective. As he aptly explains, asking someone for “rose red” would yield a spectrum of interpretations. With the Pantone system, each color was assigned a number, shifting the landscape of printing, fashion, and beyond.
The Global Impact of Color Standardization
Herbert's innovation went beyond simple aesthetics. He enabled consistency across industries, paving the way for a more connected world. As he notes, “If I said to you, 'Give me a rose red,' everybody would come along with a different color rose red.” With his system, color ceased to be arbitrary, bringing a shared understanding of hues to artists, manufacturers, and consumers alike.
Tracing the Color Journey
The documentary delves deep into the influence of the Pantone Matching System, illustrating its implications in everything from advertising to digital design. The recent selection of Pantone's Color of the Year 2026, a pristine white called Cloud Dancer, sparked debates in creative circles, signaling the ever-evolving nature of color trends.
A Critique of 'The King of Color'
“The King of Color” positions Herbert as a titan of creativity, comparable to icons like Steve Jobs. Yet, the film skirts a line between celebration and self-indulgence—heralded by some as a corrective narrative, it dances precariously on the edge of egotism.
Even his own daughter questions the self-centered nature of the documentary, remarking, “It's a little self-centered.” Yet, amidst these critiques, it's hard to deny the film captures Herbert's passion for colors and the technical nuances involved in color chemistry. His explanations of printing technology are not merely educational; they're a masterclass in the art of color creation.
Color and Culture: An Emotional Connection
In “The King of Color,” color takes on a personal narrative, reflecting cultural moments and trends throughout history. Colors evoke emotion, scene, and context, which the documentary explores effectively. As we watch Herbert reminisce about his early days in the industry, we're reminded that his journey is inherently tied to the broader tapestry of artistic expression.
A Film Worth Watching
In the end, while it may teeter on self-aggrandizement, “The King of Color” is still a visually engaging piece that offers a snapshot of a visionary's mind. It's a film for artists, designers, and anyone who's ever been inspired by color. As Herbert notes, “They laughed at my colors, now they pay me for them.”
Quick Facts:
Title: The King of Color
Rating: PG
Runtime: 1 hour 22 minutes
Theatrical Release: In theaters now.
Conclusion: Color as an Expressive Force
As “The King of Color” demonstrates, the impact of one individual's vision can ripple across industries and generations. Lawrence Herbert's legacy is a colorful reminder that creativity can standardize and elevate how we experience the world. If you haven't already, I invite you to experience this essential documentary that celebrates both creativity and the often-overlooked powers of color.
Source reference: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/11/movies/the-king-of-color-review.html
