Color Council - Bridging Color Worlds
My Journey to the ISCC Board
48 Crayola Crayons - The Very Beginning
It all began with a box of 48 Crayola crayons—those "Different Brilliant Colors" that would ultimately shape my design destiny and lead me to where I stand today: proudly serving on the Inter-Society Color Council board for 2024-2026.
The Path of Color Discovery
My color journey has been anything but linear. From the darkroom photography sessions with my father to hand-creating separations on a massive reproduction camera, each experience added new dimensions to my understanding of color. The technical precision required in pre-press work gave me valuable insights, but my creative spirit needed more room to explore.
The Art Center College of Design in Pasadena became my color playground. Under Judith Crook's mentorship, I developed a foundation in color theory that still guides me today. Being among the first to create color theory work on computers, the Asthedes and Apple, at Art Center marked the beginning of my passion for bridging traditional color knowledge with emerging technologies.
Where Science Meets Design
Throughout my color and design career, I've had the privilege of applying color across diverse mediums—from photography, branding, and packaging to materials design and showroom experiences. Each application presented unique challenges in communicating color accurately.
The most fascinating aspect of my work has been discovering how different color combinations can completely transform pattern appearances. This transformative power of color continues to captivate me as I develop color palettes for patterns and products in my studio, Vital Color™.
The Color Council: A New Chapter
Inter-Society Color Council logo
The ISCC Munsell Centennial in 2018 was a pivotal moment in my career—it opened doors to color science knowledge and tools that helped me bridge the persistent gap between designers and color scientists. This experience made me realize how crucial interdisciplinary collaboration is for advancing color understanding.
Now, as a board member of the Color Council (formerly ISCC), I'm committed to fostering these connections across disciplines. Our organization brings together artists, designers, scientists, educators, and industry professionals to share knowledge and discover new applications for color.
Looking Forward: Color Engagement
At Vital Color™, we understand that color engages us in meaningful ways. We leverage expertise in color knowledge, science, market research, and artistic direction to create designs that engage through color. Our solutions enhance products, transform spaces, elevate branding, and bring patterns to life.
This same philosophy guides my work with the Color Council. By promoting interdisciplinary dialogue and education, we're building a more colorful, connected future for everyone who works with color.
I invite you to join me on this colorful journey. Whether you're a designer seeking to understand color science better or a scientist looking to explore creative applications, the Color Council offers a vibrant community where all color enthusiasts can learn and grow together.
In 2025, I am hosting workshops at ISCC’s Color Impact 2025, in June at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). Registration is opening on March 21st, International Colour Day! I hope to see you there for this exciting color knowledge event.
*Sandra Sampson, CMG, FRSA
Founder, Vital Color™ by Simple Modern Style*
Board Member, Inter-Society Color Council (Color Council)
Immediate Past VP of Education, Color Marketing Group®
*When not in her studio, Sandra enjoys reading about color, sailing along the Southern California coast, and visiting with Kitt, her Alaskan Malamute therapy pet.*