A Color For Every Feeling You Might Be Having In 2023, Summed Up With Midjourney

Images generated by DesignTAXI on Midjourney

Although only half a year has passed, it’s been a heck of a whirlwind. Having survived an actual pandemic, it might be argued that we should be thankful for what we have. Unfortunately, mental well-being doesn’t work this way—it’s something you have to moderate from time to time, holding onto the highs, acknowledging the lows, and topping up your glass when it needs a refill.

In this roundup, we’ve visualized a series of feelings one might experience in response to some of the bigger events from the year so far through color, with the help of AI art generator Midjourney.

The list is, of course, non-exhaustive, and cannot represent everyone’s spectrum of emotions. Instead, it’s more of a snapshot of the general state of mind relating to external influences.

It’s completely human to deal with difficult emotions. Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone if you’re going through a tough time. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to anyone in your circle, there are emotional support “warmlines” you can connect with. 

Scroll down to get acquainted with some of these shared feelings, depicted in color.

Blazing Confusion

In early June, the world watched on in bafflement as New York City was imbued with an eerie orange glow. The surreal moment felt almost like an end-of-times situation. Fumes swept in as 150 wildfires were blazing concurrently in Canada, which added to the ghastly atmosphere.

‘Blazing Confusion’, inspired by this historic moment in which the city recorded the worst air quality in the world, is an electrifying mix of fiery red, bright orange, and vibrant yellow that reflects a feeling of utter shock and confusion amid chaos. It’s the hue you might think of when you say “WTF.”

Shockwave Slate

Rising prices everywhere are leaving consumers in a state of disbelief, resulting in them freezing each time they’re tempted to splurge on something. The proliferation of artificial intelligence over the past months has also spawned concerns about human jobs possibly becoming obsolete, the widespread dissemination of fake news, and the climbing struggle to differentiate fact from fiction.

‘Shockwave Slate’, a deep, dark gray tinted with undertones of violet, mirrors the shock and uncertainty toward these weighty changes.

Glowing Acclaim

For all the world-altering stuff we’ve been through, the light at the end of the tunnel is that we’ve made a speck in history. Books of the future will recall our coming out of a global health crisis, the forging of a friendship with artificial intelligence, our witnessing of the end of a royal era and the start of a new one. That’s something to be proud of, right?

This recognition of the space our generation takes up is represented in ‘Glowing Acclaim’, a warm shade of gold encapsulating feelings of accolade.

Faded Jade

Speaking of royalty, this leads us to the fourth hue: ‘Faded Jade’. While acknowledging this important time in history, many are frazzled by outdated concepts of hierarchy and wondering why monarchies are still around. The tone also reflects media fatigue, with new issues arising every other day and the weight placed on seemingly less important topics and figures.

‘Faded Jade’ is imagined as a muted shade of green that has lost its glamor over time.

Luminescent Dawn

On the other side of uncertainty is the excitement for opportunity and renewal. In a short space of time, we’ve made great strides in automation, inclusivity, and more.

‘Luminescent Dawn’ is an expression of this enduring hope for a brighter future, tinged with a feeling of warmth and serenity. This optimistic palette is a swirl of pale pink, light peach, and muted lavender that usually grace the skies.