Standards: Guides
Logo & Wordmark Application
The success of Utah State University's brand identity (previously referred to as the Visual Identity Program) relies on the clarity and consistency with which it is implemented. The guidelines below will help you understand how to best use one of the essential building blocks of Utah State’s brand: logos. The university’s suite of logos and wordmarks (marks) provide a quick and powerful visual identification that is a critical component of our identity.
Utah State logos and wordmarks (marks) are immediately recognizable and should be the starting point when creating materials. An official logo must be present on all formal university materials, including advertisements, billboards, print pieces, and any other marketing pieces that represent the university. Marks should always be consistently reproduced with the highest quality and should appear on the front and/or back cover of all formal university materials.
Utah State University has an interest in maintaining a strong visual identity that symbolizes the Utah State brand and our university's impact throughout the state, nation, and world. To ensure immediate recognition, we use a limited number of colors for our logos: "Aggie" blue, white, black, and gray.
There are many options that can be used to promote a cause, show inclusion for minoritized groups and identities, and support cultural celebrations. University Marketing and Communications, Trademark Licensing can help with ideas, suggestions, and options.
Only use electronic files or print-ready artwork supplied by University Marketing and Communications, Trademark Licensing. Logos and wordmarks (marks) can only be created by University Marketing and Communications, Trademark Licensing. If you need access to a logo or folder that you do not currently have access to, contact trademark.licensing@usu.edu. New logo requests should be made via the logo request form in Service Now. Only college, administrative units (Vice President and above), statewide locations, and sub-brands will be issued official logo suites.
Mark Area of Isolation
To maintain visual integrity of the university logos and wordmarks (marks), a minimum area of isolation must remain clear around them. Reference the examples below for proper area of isolation scaling.
The area of isolation space must be kept clear of competing visual elements, wording, and distracting images. Visual elements may not be paired with, or used in close proximity to, the official university marks. The area of isolation is required to prevent confusion and competition with the university marks. As a rule, do not incorporate text or unofficial marks that overlap, or begin to blend, with the university’s marks.
If adding text outside the area of isolation, do not use the Utah State, Univers, or Trajan fonts. These fonts are reserved for official logos. Please see alternative typefaces for font recommendations.
Consolidated Marks
Previously “multiple logos”. In cases when multiple university colleges and administrative units collaborate on events, programs, etc., the main university mark should be used with each participating party typed out below the official mark. When using a consolidated mark, the area of isolation is required between the primary mark and the participating colleges and/or administrative units.
Do not use the Utah State, Univers, or Trajan fonts when adding text outside the area of isolation. These fonts are reserved for official logos.
Departments, Programs & Offices
University departments, programs and offices do not have official logos as part of the optimized logo system. This was a strategic change intended to allow departments, programs and offices to place more focus on the names of their organizations. If you would like to place your department, program, or office name near an official mark, the area of isolation is required between the formal mark and the added department, program, or office name.
Do not use the Utah State, Univers, or Trajan fonts when adding text outside the area of isolation. These fonts are reserved for official logos.
Suggested Mark SizeMark sizing varies depending on the publication or product. Please reference this chart for the most used sizes.Marks must not be sized smaller than the smallest sizes listed in the chart. All marks are sized based on the logo height.
Only use electronic files or print-ready artwork supplied by University Marketing and Communications, Trademark Licensing. Logos and wordmarks (marks) can only be created by University Marketing and Communications, Trademark Licensing. If you need access to a logo or folder that you do not currently have access to, contact trademark.licensing@usu.edu. New logo requests should be made via the logo request form in Service Now. Only college, administrative units (Vice President and above), statewide locations, and sub-brands will be issued official logo suites.
| Logo Type | Logos & Stacked Wordmarks | Single Line Wordmark | Vertical U-State Logo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examples | Logos & Stacked Wordmark Examples | Single Line Wordmark Examples | Vertical U-State Logo Examples |
| Postcard (4 x 6) | 0.375 inches | 0.2 inches | 0.75 inch |
| Half Page (8.5 x 5.5) | 0.5 inches | 0.25 inches | 1.125 inches |
| Letter (8.5 x 11) | 0.625 inches | 0.3125 inches | 1.375 inches |
| PowerPoint Presentation (16:9) | 0.625 inches | 0.3125 inches | 1.375 inches |
| Canva Presentation (16:9) | 85 pixels | 50 pixels | 165 pixels |
| Keynote Presentation (16:9) | 1.125 inches | 0.625 inches | 2.25 inches |
| Tabloid (11 x 17) | 0.875 inch | 0.4375 inches | 1.5 inches |
| Yard Sign (18 x 24) | 1.375 inches | 0.625 inches | 2.25 inches |
| Digital Signage (1920 x 1080) | 85 pixels | 50 pixels | 165 pixels |
| Large Poster (24 x 36) | 1.5 inches | 0.75 inch | 3 inches |
| TSC Wire Banner (18 x 72) | 3 inches | 1.5 inches | 6 inches |
Logos & Stacked Wordmark
Single Line Wordmark
Vertical U-State Logo
Use of Visual Elements
The use of any visual elements must be coordinated with University Marketing and Communications, Trademark Licensing prior to creation and incorporation to ensure the proposed use will fall within university parameters. Visual elements cannot incorporate, be paired with, or used in close proximity to the university, college, department, or program verbiage/name, as this creates a logo.
Univers, Trajan, and Utah State Bold fonts are no longer allowed as these fonts are utilized to create university logos.
Design Elements
Design elements are no longer allowed as part of the university visual brand system.
Note: There are design elements that were implemented prior to this change. These design elements will be phased out of use.
Campaign & Event Graphics
Campaign and event graphics are not intended for extended use and must include descriptors such as dates or anniversary years to create a natural expiration for the campaign. These graphics may not be paired with, or used in close proximity to, the required official mark and may not incorporate the university name. Campaign and event graphics require coordination with and approval from the University Marketing and Communications, Trademark Licensing prior to use.
Fleet Vehicle Application
Logo and wordmark use on fleet vehicles is appropriate for college and administrative units that own and use vehicles for their operations. The university has created a collection of options that allows groups to customize their marks while following an institutional approach to maintain the overall Utah State University brand. Application of the logos and wordmarks (marks) to vehicles may be accomplished either with vinyl or paint, with vinyl (in the specified colors) as the preferred method. If marks are applied, it must be by an approved vendor or licensee. Fleet vehicle designs must be pre-approved by University Marketing and Communications, Trademark Licensing.
Other Applications
Please see Apparel, Mercandise, and Promotional Goods for logo and wordmark (mark) application on items such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, mugs, uniforms, and other similar items that are produced with Utah State University's name, trademarks, and/or logos.
Additional branded good guidelines:
Faculty, Staff, and University Organizations
Clubs and Student Orgnization Goods
Please see the signage section under brand toolkit for university temporary and permanent university signage.
Please see the university stationery section for the university stationery system.