Debbie Laskey's Blog

Welcome to Debbie Laskey's insights and commentary about BRANDING, MARKETING, LEADERSHIP, SOCIAL MEDIA, EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT, and CUSTOMER EXPERIENCES. Debbie has worked in high-tech, the Consumer Marketing Department at Disneyland Paris in France, nonprofits, and insurance. Expertise includes strategic planning, brand development, marketing plans and audits, competitive positioning, websites, communications, public relations, employee engagement, customer experiences, and social media marketing.

Showing posts with label design. Show all posts

Monday, March 30, 2026

Get Ready for Coloring Crayola Day!

Since tomorrow is Coloring Crayola Day, I thought I'd give everyone (myself included!) two days to celebrate this brand.

Who can forget the box of multi-color crayons from childhood? It was always fun to choose a crayon fresh out of the box when all were new. My favorite colors were aquamarine and turquoise blue! And did you notice that the logo has a colorful smile in it?!

According to the website, "Crayola has inspired creativity since the first box of Crayola crayons rolled off the assembly line in 1903; and the brand has grown into a portfolio of innovative art tools, crafting activities, and creative toys that inspire kids to explore, discover, play, pretend, and dream.

The company began when cousins Edwin Binney and C. Harold Smith took over Edwin's father's pigment business in 1885. Early products included red oxide pigment used as barn paint and carbon black used in car tires. After noticing a need for safe, high-quality, affordable wax crayons, in 1903, Crayola produced the first box of eight crayons and sold them for 5 cents...Crayola has been a business of Hallmark Cards since 1984 and has offices in Canada, Mexico, Italy, Australia, Asia, and the United Kingdom...The Company carried the name of its founders, Binney & Smith, until 2007 when it changed its name to Crayola to reflect its number one brand."

The iconic (and timeless) art supplies are made at a factory in Easton, Pennsylvania, with a total production of up to 13 million crayons per day in 400 different colors.

And did you know that in July 2024, the US Patent and Trademark Office issued a patent to the arts and crafts brand for the SMELL of its crayons. The smell was described in the trademark application as "a slightly earthy soap with pungent, leather-like clay undertones."

Crayola sells 30 percent of its products online at Amazon.com with the other 70 percent from brick-and-mortar retailers including Walmart, Target, and Staples.

According to Cheri Sterman, director of Crayola's education division, "Creativity is a lifelong skill that helps everyone reach their full potential. Teachers who bring creative experiences to their classroom say it really transforms the way they teach. Kids get that sparkle in their eye."

Friday, January 30, 2026

Recap of Flavors and Colors for 2026

At the end of 2025, many brands announced their highlights of the year for 2025, for example, TIME Magazine and several dictionaries. However, other brands looked forward rather than backward. Here is a recap of the brands that looked toward 2026 by sharing their flavor and color trends for 2026.

MCCORMICK'S FLAVOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026

Since 2000, the McCormick Flavor Forecast has identified the global trends shaping the future of flavor. According to the brand's website on December 9th, "For 2026, we’re celebrating Black Currant as the Flavor of the Year. Black Currant berries are native to central and northern Europe and northern Asia. They combine tart-and-tangy with a sweet, fruity flavor that's earthy, slightly floral, and herbal. The dark purple fruit has been popular for centuries in specific regions as an ingredient in jams, syrups, candies, desserts, drinks, and liqueurs. It's quickly gaining popularity and is forecast to show up on global menus soon."

TORANI'S FLAVOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026

According to FoodDive, "Specialty syrup manufacturer Torani declared its flavor of the year for 2026: FOREST PINE. Every year since 2022, Torani produces a flavor meant to predict the next big taste trend among consumers. The choice of forest pine for 2026 reflects growing demand for botanical flavors and nature-inspired, sensory-rich experiences. Forest pine blends flavors of pine, ginger and sage with the goal of capturing "the essence of the outdoors." The flavor will be added to Torani’s Puremade syrup lineup, which uses cane sugar and colors from natural sources. Although pine is typically associated with the winter season, Torani said its flavor is meant to be enjoyed all year long. The company said it would dedicate 100 percent of profits from the forest pine syrup to seven nonprofit organizations offering work readiness opportunities, many of them connected to the outdoors."

M&M'S FLAVOR VOTE: BAKERY COLLECTION LAUNCHES IN JANUARY 2026

The M&M's Flavor Vote is a limited-edition rollout of never-before-seen flavors. During the promotion, M&M's asks fans to try the new flavors and vote for their favorite. Previous installments of the contest saw the limited release of Thai Coconut Peanut, Mexican Jalapeno Peanut, and Crunchy Raspberry flavors, with English Toffee Peanut, Crunchy Mint, and M&M's Coffee Nut flavors among those to be crowned winners.

Beginning in January, fans are being asked to choose 2026’s flavor from a new "Bakery Collection." The three new flavors are Peanut Butter Cinnamon Roll, Cherry Chocolate Cupcake, and Lemon Meringue Pie. According to All Recipes, "M&M’s new Flavor Vote offerings hit shelves in January 2026. Customers can try the new flavors and then vote for their favorite using the QR code located on the packaging. The winning flavor will see an extended run, while the two losers will join the Flavor Vote graveyard."

OREO ZERO SUGAR COOKIES LAUNCH IN JANUARY 2026

And before we pivot from flavors to colors, OREO announced during December that it would unveil its "OREO Zero Sugar Cookies" beginning in January. For the first time in the U.S, shoppers can find Oreo Zero Sugar cookies on retail shelves as part of the brand's permanent lineup. According to the brand, the treat will have the same taste fans love but with a sugar-free sweetener blend. According to All Recipes, "Oreo Zero Sugar cookies are free of aspartame and are instead sweetened with a blend of maltitol, polydextrose, sucralose, and ace-K, also known as acesulfame potassium. These are commonly found in sugar-free food and beverages, such as Hershey's Zero Sugar Chocolate Candy and Diet Coke Lime. For this launch, you won't see the standard resealable packaging. Instead, the cookies will be in a stand-up bag with individually wrapped servings. It will contain 10 2-count Oreo packs, making it easy to keep your cookies fresh and snack on the go."

PANTONE COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026

Pantone Color Institute announced its 2026 Color of the Year on December 4th. Recognized as the global color authority, Pantone chose CLOUD DANCER, Pantone 11-4201, the first time a shade of white has been chosen since it began naming a color of the year back in 1999. According to TIME Magazine, "This year’s pick is meant to represent serenity and tranquility, which Pantone says is ever in need in a frenetic society. Cloud dancer calls back to the need for human connection."

According to wedding planner Muriel Saldalamacchia, Cloud Dancer brings a fresh perspective to a color long associated with weddings, "Cloud Dancer isn’t just a color—it’s an invitation to let white breathe, move, and tell a new story. It’s white, but with a soul."

ETSY COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026

The online e-commerce brand Etsy announced its 2026 color of the year on December 10th: Patina Blue, a quietly saturated blue-green inspired by the way copper naturally ages over time. According to Decor, "This hue is meant to capture a growing appetite for pieces that feel lived-in rather than pristine, echoing a broader shift toward objects that wear in, not out. According to Etsy, searches for “blue copper” have climbed more than threefold over the past year. Chemically, the patina that forms on copper is the result of oxidation and exposure to the elements, gradually transforming the metal from bright, reflective orange to a matte blue-green surface. That change has long received acclaim on historic roofs, statuary, and architectural details, where the softened color signals age, authenticity, and a certain lived-in gravitas. By translating that effect into a color story for 2026, Etsy is aligning itself with a larger move in interiors and decor toward finishes that feel layered and enduring. Patina Blue also arrives at a moment when many color narratives are pivoting away from shock value. Instead of a high-contrast statement shade, Etsy’s pick leans into nuance—a color that can read coastal, industrial, or vintage, depending on how it’s deployed. Because the choice is informed by real-time marketplace behavior rather than a purely top-down forecast, it reflects how shoppers are already decorating: layering aged blues with warm metals, natural materials, and a mix of old and new pieces. In that sense, Patina Blue is less a directive and more a confirmation that the next chapter of color is about evolution, subtlety, and the quiet depth that earns its place over time."

IKEA COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026

According to Apartment Therapy, "Swedish furniture brand IKEA announced its 2026 Color of the Year as Rebel Pink, a hue that brings "a bold response to the need for joy, energy, and self-expression," explained Abbey Stark, home furnishing direction leader at IKEA U.S. "When selecting Rebel Pink as the Color of the Year for 2026, we looked deeply into macro trends across design, fashion, and culture, and how they influence life in our homes. We see [Rebel Pink] as a new neutral that energizes everyday spaces while staying true to Scandinavian simplicity; it’s not just a color, it’s a movement that invites people to push boundaries and embrace individuality.” The color is heavily featured in the new GREJSIMOJS collection, a set created by 12 designers that celebrates the importance of joy and play for both kids and adults.

BENJAMIN MOORE COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026

The following news was announced back in October but is included due to all the other OF THE YEAR announcements. The paint color brand announced SILHOUETTE AF-655 as its color of the year for 2026 and described it as "a distinctive color that weaves luxurious burnt umber with delicate notes of charcoal."

SHERWIN-WILLIAMS COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026

For the first time, Sherwin-Williams and its sister brand HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams teamed up to reveal a joint 2026 color of the year. The news was announced back in September but is included due to all the other OF THE YEAR announcements. The two brands announced UNIVERSAL KHAKI SW 6150 as their color of the year for 2026 and described it as "a tailored and timeless neutral with the endless possibility of a fresh canvas."

AKZONOBEL'S COLORS OF THE YEAR FOR 2026

The following news was announced back in September but is included due to all the other OF THE YEAR announcements. First though, did you know that this brand has been around since 1792? According to the paint color brand's website, "It’s time to dance to the Rhythm of Blues™ and celebrate AkzoNobel’s Colors of the Year 2026 – an upbeat and versatile color family that’s calming, connecting and creative. There’s a trio of shades for next year – the light blue Mellow Flow, the dark blue Slow Swing, and the vibrant Free Groove – so everyone can find a style that works for them. The harmonious collection of signature indigos is just what we need in our homes, according to the results of the company’s extensive annual trend research."

LITTLE GREENE'S COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026

The following news was announced back in September but is included due to all the other OF THE YEAR announcements. First though, did you know that this brand is a 300-year-old family-run business in Northern Wales? The brand chose ADVENTURER, a regal plum aubergine very similar to burgundy, as its color of the year for 2026 and explained that "it combines sophistication with comfort and works well as an accent wall in bedrooms, bold powder rooms, or dining areas, and pairs beautifully with neutrals or pale pinks."

According to Ruth Mothershead, creative director at Little Greene, "The movement toward burgundy represents customers' growing confidence with color in their homes. Adventurer provides that perfect balance of regal sophistication and intimate comfort."

GRAHAM & BROWN'S COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026

The following news was announced in September but is included due to all the other OF THE YEAR announcements. The leading British interiors brand announced DIVINE DAMSON as its own color of the year for 2026 and explained, "The deep, plum shade is designed to work on its own or be paired with a more subtle, complementary color like gray. The dark, moody red is a mix of oxblood, cherry, and mocha brown (a color trend that also defined 2025), with a touch of deep aubergine (a color that's growing in popularity). The color was inspired by the lush tones of ripe damson and figs."

VALSPAR COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026

The following news was announced in August but is included due to all the other OF THE YEAR announcements. The paint brand announced WARM EUCALYPTUS 8004-28F as its color of the year for 2026 and explained, "Sometimes a color gives you a warm feeling inside. And out. This year, that color is our 2026 Color of the Year — naturally restorative and serene Warm Eucalyptus."

GLIDDEN COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026

The following news was announced in August but is included due to all the other OF THE YEAR announcements. The paint brand announced WARM MAHOGANY as its color of the year for 2026 and explained, "Warm Mahogany is a rich, grounded red that’s bold enough to draw immediate attention and reserved enough to make a timeless statement. Any style, any space, any mood."

According to Ashley McCollum, color marketing manager at Glidden, "The color can be both intimate and dramatic and is a timeless color that aligns with Glidden’s 150-year heritage."

BEHR PAINT COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026

The following news was announced back in July but is included due to all the other OF THE YEAR announcements. The paint color brand announced HIDDEN GEM N430-6A as its color of the year for 2026 and described it as "a smoky jade that embodies an air of mystery and sophistication."

DUTCH BOY PAINTS' COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026

The following news was announced back in April but is included due to all the other OF THE YEAR announcements. The paint color brand announced MELODIUS IVORY 313-2DB as its color of the year for 2026 and explained, "This creamy beige pairs effortlessly with various materials, including wood, cozy textiles, and handmade crafts, which support the rise of slow living and nostalgia-inspired aesthetics."

Do you like these choices? Do these flavors and colors tell engaging brand stories? We'll see how they align with the news stories of 2026 as the year unfolds.

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Don't Forget that Timeless Marketing Mantra: Don't Judge a Book by Its Cover

If you're a bibliophile like me, do you wonder how publishers chose a book's cover design? Are there photographs or drawings on the cover? Are there bright colors on the cover? Is the cover clearly targeting a specific audience?

Book covers are important because they can influence reading choices; convey information such as a book's genre; generate interest and entice readers to learn more about a book; set the tone for the reading experience and create an emotional connection with a reader; stand out from the competition (other books); and be a marketing tool that helps sell a book.

According to Tim Kreider's article, "The Decline and Fall of the Book Cover" in The New York Times, "The main principles of design - in books, appliances, cars, clothing, everything - are: (1) Your product must be bold and eye-catching and conspicuously different from everyone else's, but (2) Not too much!"

According to Clare Thorp, "Covers can be a swift way to signal genre, but the good ones do more than that. They give face to a book's personality. They're what will make you pick it up in the first place, then keep it on your shelf to remind you what it meant to you."

According to Marielle Segarra in an article entitled, "Why It's OK to Judge a Book by Its Cover" from NPR, "I am the queen of judge a book by its cover. The reason you can [do that] is because there is a lot of effort and marketing that goes into making covers that tell you what's in the book, what kind of person it's for and what to expect. When you start to look at the books that you've loved in your life, you might notice some trends. When I look at my bookshelves, I have the most black books and the most red books, but I don't have a lot of green books. Whatever they're doing with the marketing for green books, not for me. I don't know if you should use a cover to pick a book 100 percent of the time. I have read books with gorgeous covers that I did not like. I have also read books that had embarrassing covers that I loved. But if you're at a bookstore trying to decide which of the three or four books to buy, pick what speaks to you and jumps out at you."

As I picked up a recent book to read, I wondered about this topic because there were many different covers based on the country where it was sold. The book is LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY by Bonnie Garmus. And if you've already read the book or watched the Apple+ television series, then you know what all the buzz is about. The simple plot line is this, "In the 1950's, Elizabeth Zott's dream of being a scientist is challenged by a society that says women belong in the domestic sphere; she accepts a job on a TV cooking show and sets out to teach a nation of housewives way more than recipes."

But back to this post's topic, the book's covers. According to The New York Times, "The United States edition, with its bubble gum pink cover bearing a stylized woman's face peering over a pair of cat-eye sunglasses, reads as overtly feminine, a light beach read for a day off. One can, of course, read any number of things at the beach. But some readers, at least, have been surprised to open it and find the story of Zott, a brilliant woman whose fetching chignon is secured by a No. 2 pencil also intended to ward off sexual assaults."

James Daunt, Barnes & Noble's Chief Executive Officer, explained, "Aiming the novel at a female readership is a bit pigeonholing, ultimately, the book has dominated the cover. And whether because of the cover or in spite of it, sales have been off the charts."

The covers in other countries paint a different picture: primary colors in Britain, sober in Germany, and surreal in Estonia.

Based on the letters the author received, LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY struck a chord with a wide range of readers, although the American cover might have scared off men. Garmus recalled talking to an all-male book club whose members were initially dissuaded by the cover's palette. According to Garmus, "The book is not anti-men, it's anti-sexism."

And according to Garmus when asked if she was furious about the pink chick-lit cover, "All I can say is, the publisher did let me have input, and I told them I thought it looked like chick-lit (nothing against chick-lit, but this book isn't that). Still, publishers have a lot of experience knowing what an audience will respond to, and they thought this was the best way. They've been great to work with; we just didn't see eye-to-eye on this. You can Google other covers from other nations and see if you think anyone else got a little closer. I think Germany and the UK both did a nice job."

According to The Publishing Post, "The US and UK cover designs, whilst both striking, are also quite different. The UK Cover is separated into four bright block squares, reminiscent of the periodic table, and can also be found under the hardcover jacket. The word "In" is stylized to look like the element Indium on the periodic table, providing another clear nod to chemistry, while a woman wearing a dress and heels is holding a television set. The screen shows a woman wearing a lab coat using a chemistry set, depicting Elizabeth’s job as a television cooking host during which she incorporates chemistry, her true love. By contrast, the US edition is pink with a woman's face peering over cat-eye sunglasses. This cartoon style design is especially popular for the romance genre. Whilst there is a love interest, this book is not a romance. In the US cover, the more light-hearted design contrasts with the contents as the book incorporates very serious themes such as sexual assault. However, there is still a nod to chemistry: a chemistry set is reflected in Elizabeth's glasses indicating that chemistry is constantly on her mind. The number two pencil which secures her hair references a pivotal scene and makes the character appear studious. Overall, the UK cover more accurately matches the book's tone but both are eye-catching."

In addition, here are two other books whose covers presented questions about content and target audiences:

AMERICAN DIRT by Jeanine Cummins featured blue birds, similar to traditional Mexican Talavera tiles, that were surrounded by barbed wire. Birds are symbols of peace, freedom, and hope - while the barbed wire kept people away from those things. The protagonist was on a journey to be free, like the birds, as she tried to escape her version of barbed wire.

THE LONELY HEARTS BOOK CLUB by Lucy Gilmore featured the illustration of a woman with bold colorful lines intended to be books. At its core, the book celebrated the power of friendship, the magic of books, and the unexpected joy found in unlikely connections, and while some men may think that the cover only appealed to women, there is no doubt that the cover's colors conveyed joy.

Have you read LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY? Did the cover entice you to read the book?

Since marketing is such an integral part of book publishing, what can your brand learn from this analysis to improve your brand storytelling?

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Pantone Announces #ColorOfTheYear for 2025

The Pantone color company has announced its color of the year for 2025. With all the chaos in the world including the possibility of a winter surge in covid cases, the ongoing war in Ukraine, the instability in Syria, the post-presidential election milieu, and the holiday season, this news was welcomed by those of us in the marketing field.

According to ENews, "Originally created in 1999 by the Pantone Color Institute, the Color of the Year's goal is to engage the design community and color enthusiasts around the world in a conversation around color, while shining a light on the relationship between culture and color. Pantone enlists a team of global color experts at the Pantone Color Institute to scour the world in search of new color influences - from film to art, fashion to technology, and even upcoming sporting events. To make their pick, experts at the Pantone Color Institute trawl through high-fashion runways, interior design trends, pop culture moments, and human psychology. Pantone's Color of the Year is a global phenomenon that reflects a lifestyle trend. You may see its effect on color palettes everywhere." And those of us in the marketing world anxiously await Pantone's announcement every December.

For 2025, the Pantone Color Institute has selected PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse, a warming, brown hue imbued with richness. The description of this color is as follows: "It nurtures us with its suggestion of the delectable qualities of chocolate and coffee, answering our desire for comfort."

According to Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute, "For Pantone Color of the Year 2025, we look to a mellow brown hue whose inherent richness and sensorial and comforting warmth extends further into our desire for comfort, and the indulgence of simple pleasures that we can gift and share with others."

Is mocha the color of any well-known brand? When it comes to brown hues, here are some memorable brands: UPS, M&M's, Hershey's, Yves St. Laurent, Nespresso, A&W Root Beer, and Godiva. Are you seeing a chocolate theme?

Will your brand add mocha to its logo during 2025? And as for fashion, do you think you look good dressed in mocha?

According to ENews' reporter Megan Gray, here are some of the many Mocha Mousse colored items:

Kate Spade Outlet Madison Willow Mini Flap Crossbody:

Have you met the Madison Willow Crossbody? With a chic metal accent and soft leather exterior, it may become your next go-to bag.

OPI Nail Lacquer Nail Polish in Espresso Your Inner Self:

You may need to espresso your inner self with this chocolatey brown hue. It's a more subtle shade that will go with every outfit, and the brand promises it'll give you seven days of wear.

Puma Suede XL Sneakers:

Retro-inspired with some Mocha Mousse flair, these suede sneakers are a wardrobe staple. They can make any outfit look effortlessly cool, plus their padding and cushioning will provide a super comfy feel.

Starbucks Ground Coffee, Mocha Flavored Coffee:

Starbucks' Mocha Flavored Coffee is made without artificial flavors and can give you a chocolatey, caffeine kick.

However, according to Cristin Kennedy of Blackbird Interiors, "The announcement of a luscious brown being selected as Pantone's color of the year isn't a shock. I think that people today are after a more intimate setting in their homes. Incorporating these richer hues lends itself to that feeling. The days of homes with all white walls and fully open concepts are coming to a close."

What do you think the color of the year will be for 2026? Here's a hint: Watch 2025 with marketing-colored glasses for clues!

And lastly, did you know that paint brands also choose colors of the year? Check out this recap from House Beautiful:

https://www.housebeautiful.com/room-decorating/colors/g63115105/color-of-the-year-2025-list/

Image Credits: Pantone, Kate Spade, OPI Nail Lacquer Nail Polish, Puma, and Starbucks.