With every New Year, we often wonder how the last 12 months possibly went by so quickly. We’re now faced with a fresh set of months to make our mark on which can be equal parts inspiring and daunting.

But I’m all about “the little things,” and a total 180 degree transformation is not what I’m aiming for this year. With the Pantone Color Institute’s announcement naming Ultra Violet the 2018 Color of the Year, I took inspiration for the year ahead from their explanation.

“PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet communicates originality, ingenuity and visionary thinking that points us toward the future,” the company said. “…the depth of PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet symbolizes experimentation and non-conformity, spurring individuals to imagine their unique mark on the world, and push boundaries through creative outlets.”

With the launch of Vision Monday’s rebranded daily VMAIL newsletter, the continuation of our popular VMAIL Weekend edition, as well as the topics we’ll be tackling this year in our 12 print editions, we have so many outlets to bring a distinct perspective to. That is a key part of the experience for us as editors and also for our readers.

“The Color of the Year is one moment in time that provides strategic direction for the world of trend and design, reflecting the Institute’s year-round work doing the same for designers and brands,” said Laurie Pressman, VP of the Pantone Color Institute.

Creative thinking and the pushing of boundaries in work, whether it be retail, frame design or in a practice, is exactly what this New Year should be about. Of course, there will be many roadblocks, detours and unforeseen changes that can’t be prevented, but having a visionary outlook for the year ahead is essential in taking the good with the bad.