Visual Identity

Toolkit

Visual Identity

How we appear in the world reflects who we are

Our visual identity is the foundation for all our communications, reaching people at every touchpoint with the university. Used consistently, it ensures that we are instantly recognizable as an inspiring place where curiosity and initiative lead to ideas that change the world.

UBC’s brand visual elements — our logo, wordmark, signature, typography and colours — help tell our story in a collective voice to inspire, motivate and reflect our brand.

Key Considerations

Key Considerations for Visual Identity

What are the key elements of UBC’s visual identity?

Our logo, signature, typeface and brand colours anchor UBC’s visual identity.

Will the audience associate the final work with UBC?

Consistency strengthens UBC’s presence in the world. Our work should be instantly associated with the UBC brand wherever it is experienced.

Does the design fit the selected medium?

Each medium, such as print, web, or outdoor signage, has its own specific considerations, advantages and limitations. Create and plan content to optimize its presentation and distribution.

Does the design utilize existing brand templates?

For many design-related projects, there are UBC brand templates available in the downloads section of the brand site. We strongly recommend you use these templates for your brand communications.

Does it target the specific audience?

Your content should reflect your audience. For example, formal communications should have a more conservative layout and colour palette, whereas material aimed at students can be more fun or “out of the box.”

Rules

UBC Brand Identity Rules

Download the complete rule book for full details about how to use and apply UBC’s visual identity system.

Download PDF

Project Planning Tips

Make the most out of your project. Here are some strategies that we think will help you.

Before

Develop a creative brief for the project.
Obtain copies of Whitney and Guardian Egyptian, UBC’s official fonts, by filling out this form.
Ensure that you have the current UBC signatures, which can be downloaded on this site. Also, check the templates and assets pages to see if there is a UBC template available to use before creating your own layout.
Check that you have the proper size and specs for the project.
Consider whether or not what you are creating will be accessible and understandable. For example, will people with vision problems be able to read it?
Meet with your supplier, print or paper representative, web programmer or signage production representative. Inform and consult with them thoroughly about your project, ask questions and set up regular ‘check-ins’ to avoid any misunderstandings on process or deliverables.

During

Use the UBC colour palette and your faculty or unit’s identifying colour, if applicable.
Commission a photographer to shoot ‘on-brand’ photography. When shooting or art directing, think of all the possible applications for the photo (ex. tall and narrow for posters or banners, wide and shallow for web-banner ads). Also think about adding ‘quiet space’ in the image for headlines and text. If you are unable to hire a photographer, look to the Brand and Marketing Flickr site for high-resolution images that are available for free to the UBC community.
When working with a supplier, ensure that you’re using the proper colour mode. Note that colour modes are divided into two main streams: RGB (digital) or CMYK (print). Don’t hesitate to ask questions and confer with your supplier at every phase of the production process.
Step back and assess whether there is a clear hierarchy in your design. Viewers should be able to easily see and understand the important information they need.
Save files in formats that ensure their usability in other applications or at other sizes.

After

Gather and organize all related files (correspondence, proofs, quotations, artwork, links). Archive the complete file.
If your project is a part of a series, ensure that the look and feel is carried throughout the entire series or campaign.
If possible, follow up with end users and audiences to gather feedback. Utilize the feedback in future projects.

Downloads

UBC Logos

The visual building blocks of the UBC brand. Here you will find the official UBC logo, signature options and the core elements that make up our visual identity.

Go to Assets

Print and Presentation Templates

Please use these templates when you are printing materials or presenting as a UBC staff, faculty, or officially on UBC’s behalf.

Go to Templates

Advertising Templates

External communications always require careful consideration. Please use these official templates for any advertising you will be publishing.

Go to Templates

Order Stationery

Official UBC stationery items, including business cards, letterhead, envelopes, and Word templates, are available for all UBC faculty and staff.

Order Stationery

Request our institutional typefaces

UBC has license packages of our institutional fonts that are available to all UBC faculties and units for free. To acquire a font package, please fill out the following request form.

Request Fonts

Training

Opportunities to gain new insights and communication skills, whether you are a new or seasoned communicator, are always available to you at UBC.

Upcoming Workshops

CreativeMornings Vancouver

Posted on Aug 13, 2018

Inspiring Talks — Ongoing series at SFU Woodward's — Goldcorp Centre for the Arts
Registration is free. You must sign up on the ticket lottery for each talk.
Needing some creative inspiration in the morning? Sign up for a CreativeMorning talk. Past speakers have included a shoe designer, a chocolatier, and a Whitecaps FC player. The Vancouver chapter of CreativeMornings is organized and hosted by Mark Busse (MarkBusse.ca) and his dedicated team of volunteers as a creative community engagement initiative of the BC chapter of Graphic Designers of Canada (GDC).

Attend a Talk