Designing on Brand
Type Treatments
Type treatments provide a way to create a consistent and repeatable look and feel for an event or unit using core brand elements. All type treatments are created with condensed or regular versions of Helvetica Neue and a combination of CU СÀ¶ÊÓƵ’s branded colors.Ìý
Usage Guidelines
- Our type treatments should only use Helvetica Neue Condensed or Regular.
- There are no specific guidelines surrounding the use of capitalization outside of grammar and language rules.
- We do not combine or use an icon/image/graphic element next to any text.
- We do not use extraneous elements like illustrations.
- You may add simple shapes into or around the text such as:
- Lines, squares, rectangles, circles, ovals or dots.
- You must use type treatments in conjunction with a CU СÀ¶ÊÓƵ lockup on all branded materials.
- Ensure there is enough clear space around the type treatment in all design layouts.
- Do not combine with other type treatments or logos.
- When designing type treatments, vertical and horizontal options can be useful if they need to appear in assets of many different sizes.
Sizing and Placement
Clear Space
Type treatments must also be accompanied by a lockup. All design elements like lockups, text or other graphics must be spaced at least the size of the lockup used apart both vertically and horizontally.Ìý
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Minimum Size
Branded Merchandise
Vendors must be licensed to print any merchandise using University of Colorado СÀ¶ÊÓƵ marks. Before you start the process, you can find a licensed vendorÌý
Why do we use licensed vendors through Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC)?
CLC helps us with royalty reporting, contract compliance and brand protection and enforcement. CLC also requires all vendors to follow ethical standards in their workplaces. CLC vendors make the process easier for customers. They will send designs directly to the CU СÀ¶ÊÓƵ Visual Identity Manager to help expedite your orders.
What university marks can I use?
- A university/department lockup
- Any approved buffalo
- Any approved type treatment
Can my department, lab, or Residence Hall Association have a logo outside of the lockup?
To maintain brand consistency, these groups cannot have individual logos. If you’d like brand individuality outside of the lockups, we can help you design a type treatment instead. We can always design your group an official lockup.
Can student clubs or Student Run Organizations have logos?
Yes, student organizations can have individual logos. However, you must follow brand guidelines if you use any official CU СÀ¶ÊÓƵ marks. Please reach out toÌýthe designers in Student Affairs if you need help designing one.
Can my club/department use Ralphie, Chip or the slanted CU?
These marks are managed by the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and can be used only by groups overseen by Athletics.
My design was approved before. Why is it now being rejected?
Brand guidelines adapt and evolve just like the university. As new guidelines are implemented, some designs may no longer be compliant. We will not require you to return or destroy previously approved merchandise, but CU СÀ¶ÊÓƵ reserves the right to reject any design that does not meet current guidelines.Ìý
Please note the approval process can take up to 2–5 business days, so please plan accordingly. Your licensed vendor will submit your final design through CLC when it is finished. If you’d like the process expedited, please send your design to the Visual Identity Manager first.Ìý
Once a design is submitted to CLC, it must be approved before use. If a design does not meet brand guidelines, it will be rejected and will need to be resubmitted. If this happens, the approval timeline will reset. Securing approval through the Visual Identity Manager before submitting to CLC will prevent rejection delays.
Infographics
An infographic is a visual representation of information or data, designed to quickly and clearly communicate complex ideas. Stats, charts, icons and more improve understanding and add visual interest in infographics.
Usage Guidelines
- Strong hierarchy and organization.
- Maximum of 4-5 different formatting for stats on one infographic spread.
- Clean and cohesive.
- Give ample negative space so the information remains readable and uncluttered.
- Instances of $ and # should be superscripted.
- Icons can accompany shorter stats to relay subject matter at a glance.
- Use thin horizontal lines for organization.
