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The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

UNC Creative

Print Style Guide

Formal signature

This identity system replaces any logos that already exist. However, it does not replace the longstanding athletic symbols such as the interlocking “NC.” For clarification about which logo you should use, contact University Relations (919.962.2011) or UNC Creative (919.962.7123).

The signature must be reproduced from high-resolution digital artwork.

Usage

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill signature is the keystone of our visual identity and is used on all communications materials. Using it consistently will enhance the world’s recognition of who we are.

The logo must be present on all university communications

As the primary graphic identity for the institution, the formal signature must appear on all communications, including brochures, stationery, business cards and websites.

The logo may not be reconstructed or altered in any way

This rule includes but is not restricted to type, the ruled line, outlines or embellishments. Do not create secondary logos, as this is confusing to audiences and dilutes our goal of creating a common, mutually reinforcing image.

Clear space requirements

To ensure the integrity and visual impact of the signature, the appropriate “clear space” must be maintained on all sides. There should always be 1/2 the distance “x” between any part of the signature and any other page element or the edge of the page, where “x” is equal to the height of the well.

Size requirements

The signature must be resized proportionally and as a group (logo mark, divider rule and logo type); therefore, measurements for all elements in the signature are relative to each other.

When PMS® 542 or black is used in printing of the logo, the minimum size for the logo is 1.875 inches wide. When the logo appears as a white knockout on a color, the minimum size is 2 inches wide. If a publication is using a 4 process color build in the printing of the logo, the minimum size is 2 inches wide.

Unit logos should have a minimum height of 0.25 inches for the ‘UNC’ portion.

Colors

Adhering to the following color reproduction guidelines will help in creating a consistent image and maintaining the visual impact of the logos. Whenever possible, the logo should appear in Carolina Blue. It may also be reproduced in black or white. When appearing on a white or light background, the entire signature should be either black or PMS® 542. When appearing on a dark or black background, the entire signature should reverse out to white.

For all print applications:

Carolina Blue = PMS® 542

For full color reproduction, please use either Pantone® 542 or the following breakdown for process color matching:

Cyan 62
Magenta 22
Yellow 0
Black 3

For Web applications:
Carolina Blue = #56a0d3
or
R 86
G 160
B 211

Do not change any colors of the signature. Do not screen any of the signature colors. Do not print the signature in black over a dark background. Do not print the reversed out signature onto a light or white background. Do not place signature over heavily patterned background.

Unacceptable logo treatment

Do not configure the elements into a different signature. Do not crop or remove any part of the signature. Do not distort the signature. Do not tilt the signature in any direction. Do not add any shadows, effects or other elements to the signature. Do not alter the proportions of the signature typography. Do not attempt to typeset the logo type. Do not attach a program-level identification to the signature or attempt to create your own unit logo. Do not duplicate any part of the signature to create a pattern. Do not recreate the type or substitute another typeface. Do not surround signature with other competing shapes.

The logo mark

This is the only acceptable logo mark. It may not be reconstructed or altered in any way. This logo mark may be used as a design element separate from the formal signature only if the formal signature (“logo”) appears elsewhere on the printed piece. See examples for clarification.

The logo mark must be reproduced from high-resolution digital artwork. If you have any questions about how to use it as a design element, please contact UNC Creative at 919-962-7123.

The centered signature

Television, video and podium sign use only

This version of the signature has been developed for television, video and podium use only. It must be reproduced from high-resolution digital files. If you have any questions about when to use the centered signature, please contact UNC Creative at 919-962-7123.

Artwork for podium signs, along with printing specifications can be obtained by contacting UNC Creative.