Brand Style Guide

The University of Idaho logomark — which includes the “University of Idaho” wordmark and the “I” — is a powerful symbol of our great university. As the most recognized brand element, the U of I logo should always be used consistently:

• The university’s logos and graphics are registered trademarks and should not be altered. We do not permit the development or use of alternate logos.
• The vertical stacking of the “I” over the wordmark is the preferred orientation, but there are also horizontal options.
• The University of Idaho wordmark should never appear alone (always with the “I”), but the “I” may sometimes be used alone as a graphic element.

Logo Colors

The University of Idaho primary logo colors are Gold and Black. The primary Pride Gold color is PMS 3514 C. When metallic spot color printing is an available option, PMS 871 C (Metallic Gold) may be used. 

“I” Usage

The “I” symbol can be used alone without the wordmark only in primary markets, such as Idaho and Washington, and in situations where it is obviously associated with the University of Idaho brand, like an on-campus event.

The "I" should be used to its exact design specifications and not modified in any way. The following exceptions may be made with prior approval:

• The slanted “I”: Used as a campaign design element for a set period of time.
• The cut-off “I”: An ancillary graphic used in specific campaigns. It cannot be used as the only brand identifying mark. A piece with the cut-off “I” graphic should also include the full U of I logo.
• The “I” pennant: A standalone element for use in certain applications (e.g. print, presentations, social media and digital ads) where space is limited.

Contact the brand manager with questions or for usage approval at marketing@uidaho.edu.

Unit Logos

Logos are created for the university’s main campus and three educational centers, each college, and academic department, offices/units, Extension and research centers.

Programs or offices without their own logo should use the logo of their overseeing unit. For example, the Creative Writing Program should use the Department of English logo. As an alternative, a unit without a logo can request a graphic mark. A graphic mark is a specialty design element—not a logo—that must be used in conjunction with the U of I main logo following specific “clear-space” guidelines.

View and download official unit logos.

Request a graphic mark.

Co-Branding

In some instances, materials are co-branded to show a collaboration between two U of I units or a partnership between U of I and external organizations (e.g. a conference flyer). Follow these guidelines when two logos are used in the same design:

• Logos need to be the same size.
• All units/brands need to be represented equally.
• Color usage should be 50/50. If the colors don’t work together or interpreted as another organization’s brand, use neutral colors, such as black and white.
• National program brands supersede U of I’s core brand.

Primary Typeface

A primary typeface has been chosen to nurture design cleanliness and consistency across all communications.

Public Sans

Public Sans expresses the university personality in a distinctive manner. It is collegiate, yet current. It may be used in headlines, subheads and body copy applications. It is available in a variety of approved weights and formats. 

Secondary Typeface

A secondary typeface establishes hierarchy to headlines and body copy. This is particularly important when there is a lot of copy.

Noto Serif 

This is the secondary serif font that is used for body copy or accents. Noto Serif can be downloaded from fonts.google.com.

Photography and videography are major ways that we visually tell the story of the University of Idaho. We want our photographs to reflect our archetype. They showcase people in their natural environments, not overly poised or lit in a studio. They should show emotion and give the viewer a sense of emotion and place.

Other elements of our photographic style include point of view, setups, mood, lighting, community, events and composition.

In addition to our logomark, the University of Idaho has several ancillary graphics that support the brand, including patterns and icons. Please contact the Creative Services team at 208-885-6293 or email Senior Director of Marketing & Creative Services John Barnhart at jbarnhart@uidaho.edu with any questions about use.

Promotional items market your college, department, program or event in a great way. U of I partners with a select group of approved licensed vendors who are experienced at creating branded promotional products. These vendors can help you create a product design within U of I brand guidelines.

U of I logos and brand graphics are registered trademarks. Use of these trademarks on products require prior approval from the U of I Office of Trademark and Licensing. Royalties are subject to use of registered trademarks.

How to Use the Brand on Products

Do

• Use approved licensees. Check our list of licensed vendors to ensure the company is authorized to sell products with the University of Idaho name.
• Complete the Merchandise Order Form.
• Review the university’s promotional use policy.
• Follow U of I brand visual style guidelines for logo usage, colors, typography and other design elements.
• Email the Office of Trademark and Licensing for approval of artwork prior to ordering product.
• Ask the approved vendor for product samples prior to submitting a full order.

Don’t

• Alter any of the university’s trademarks, including logos and graphic elements.
• Use the university’s brand on any products that may be harmful to the image or mission of the university.
• Don’t assign trademark usage rights or otherwise grant permission to any other internal or external entity for any purpose without prior review and approval by the Office of Trademark and Licensing.