Hey Illustrators, Let’s Talk About Mocha Mousse
So, the big news is out: Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2025 is PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse. My first thought? Honestly, it’s a bit of an offbeat pick. Don’t get me wrong—it’s beautiful, with its warm, rich brown tones that remind me of chocolate mousse and cozy lattes. But was I excited? Not really. It’s not a color I naturally gravitate toward in my work, and I’ll admit, it took me some time to think about how this could fit into our world as illustrators.
Let’s break it down: what Mocha Mousse offers, where it can shine, and how we can make it work—without falling into the obvious traps.
Mocha Mousse and My Creative Process
A Color I Don’t Reach for Often
I don’t use brown tones like Mocha Mousse much in my work. It’s not my vibe, and it’s rare to see it in my portfolio. In fact, I can only think of one recent illustration where it even made a subtle cameo. So, when Pantone announced it as 2025’s star color, I didn’t immediately feel connected.
Why It Feels Too Obvious
Here’s the thing: Mocha Mousse screams café aesthetics, yoga studios, or earthy skincare, nature-inspired projects. And while that’s all well and good, it’s also… well, expected. If a coffee shop or a wellness brand came to me, I’d probably steer away from this color simply because it feels so on the nose for them.
Where It Could Work
That said, there’s potential if we think outside the box. I see Mocha Mousse as a great supporting player—a solid base or background tone for more vibrant, fun palettes. Picture it paired with vivid blues, hot pinks, or even neon accents to bring out its softer, grounding qualities. Used this way, it becomes a subtle frame that lets the main elements of an illustration really pop.
What Illustrators Need to Know About Mocha Mousse
The Risk of Playing It Safe
Let’s be honest: Mocha Mousse on its own can feel a bit… boring. It’s easy to fall into a neutral comfort zone with this color, which isn’t where we want to be as illustrators. To make it work, you’ve got to challenge yourself to pair it with unexpected hues or layer it with rich textures that bring it to life.
Tips for Using It Effectively
Use It as a Base: Mocha Mousse works beautifully as a background or foundation for your illustration. Think of it as the quiet, steady part of your palette that supports the bolder colors.
Add Contrast and Energy: Pair it with colors that bring energy and excitement. I’m thinking jewel tones, metallics, or even electric pastels.
Play with Texture: Experiment with rough digital brushes, layered gradients, or even watercolor effects to make the color feel dynamic and intentional.
My Take on Pantone’s Color of the Year
A Good Starting Point
I like the idea of Pantone choosing a Color of the Year. It gives creatives across industries a shared theme to play with and reinterpret. While I don’t think Mocha Mousse is a groundbreaking pick for illustrators, it’s a solid jumping-off point. If nothing else, it challenges us to take something subtle and make it our own.
Does It Fit the Illustrator World?
Pantone’s influence often leans heavily toward fashion, interior design, and branding. But for us illustrators, it’s a little different. We’re not just thinking about what’s trendy—we’re thinking about what brings a story to life, connects with an audience, or helps define a character. So while Mocha Mousse might not feel revolutionary, it’s a reminder to explore tones we might not usually consider.
Color and My Journey as an Illustrator
How My Use of Color Has Evolved
Color has always been one of the most exciting (and challenging) parts of my work. Over the years, I’ve moved from playing it safe to experimenting with bold, unexpected palettes that push boundaries. My audience seems to love those moments of surprise—those pops of color that grab attention and create emotion.
Would My Audience Connect with Mocha Mousse?
Probably not on its own. But if it’s part of a more vibrant palette or used as a grounding element in a bold composition, it could work. It’s all about how you frame it.
What I Want You to Do with This Color
Here’s my challenge to you: Don’t just use Mocha Mousse the way Pantone tells you to. Don’t slap it on a coffee cup and call it a day. Instead, experiment. Pair it with unexpected colors. Use it in ways that surprise people. Push it beyond the obvious and see what you can create.
To help you get started, I’ve created a free downloadable color palette featuring Mocha Mousse and some of my favorite complementary tones. Check it out here. Let’s see how we can make this color exciting, together.
Final Thoughts
Mocha Mousse might not be my first pick, but that’s the beauty of being creative—we get to transform something simple into something extraordinary. I can’t wait to see how you all use it in your illustrations. Tag me in your work, and let’s discuss how illustrators can own the Color of the Year!
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