Frequently Asked Questions

• About the graphic identity standards
• Wordmarks vs. language
• Wordmark usage and variations
• Colors and graphic elements
• Proper staging distance
• Getting wordmarks and assistance

About the graphic identity standards

Q: What are the UC Irvine graphic identity standards?

Standards relating to wordmarks, logos, colors and graphic elements developed for use by the campus community in all public communications, including newsletters, websites, promotional materials, electronic communications, signage and so on.

Q: Why are they important?

A clear and consistent visual identity is key to maintaining a strong image for UC Irvine that connects and leverages the university’s many parts, and is easily recognized and understood by its wide-ranging publics.

Q: Are these standards new?

At Chancellor Drake's direction, these standards were revised in 2007 to further stress the campus's affiliation with the University of California. The current standards build on those in use since 2000. They were updated in 2005 to add the capability for approved academic and administrative units to “attach” their names to the UC Irvine family of wordmarks in a consistent style. This nameplate capability expands the standards’ impact, and saves time and money that might have been spent creating unrelated unit wordmarks and logos.

Q: How do the UC Irvine graphic identity standards apply to other university logos and “legacy” marks?

These standards pertain to the UC Irvine campus and its various academic and administrative units. UC Irvine Medical Center has a complementary set of graphic identity standards.

Wordmarks vs. language

Q: Why is the space between UC and Irvine closed in wordmarks, but open in text references?

UC Irvine wordmarks are customized artwork created using the Minion typeface. They purposely incorporate the UCI initials, long part of the campus’s identity. However, closing the space between UC and Irvine in text references is awkward and unnecessary. See Nomenclature Guidelines.

Q: When is it OK to use UCI?

The term UCI is OK in limited text uses (e.g., headlines and all second and subsequent references). Older UCI wordmarks must not be used.

Wordmark usage and variations

Q: When should the UC Irvine wordmark or its variations be used?

To help build a strong and consistent identity, a UC Irvine wordmark should be included in all public communications, including print and electronic communications, such as brochures, newsletters and websites.

Q: Where should wordmarks be placed within communications pieces?

Wordmark placement can vary depending upon the piece. Common practice is to place a wordmark on the front cover and/or back cover of a printed communications piece. All university websites must follow the institutional guidelines for Web banners. For additional guidance or assistance, e-mail graphic services.

Q: How are the new wordmarks different from its earlier forms?

The major changes are the emphasis on “University of California,” rather than “UC,” and changing the Minion typeface used for “UC Irvine” from initial caps to large and small caps.

Q: Why are there different variations and treatments of the UC Irvine wordmarks?

The variations and treatments (e.g., four color choices, with or without a seal, stacked or horizontal) provide the flexibility campus units and graphic designers traditionally require.

Q: Which wordmark variations or treatments should be used for what?

Different variations have different applications. Suitable for most uses, the formal version is preferred for materials targeting unfamiliar audiences. White or yellow treatments may work well on busy backgrounds, horizontal treatments when vertical space is limited.

Colors and graphic elements

Q: What about wordmark color options?

Wordmark color choice depends on the application. In general, blue wordmarks are preferred, but there are many cases, such as on a blue background, where gold or white wordmarks work best. For black and white applications, a black wordmark is appropriate. See wordmark variations.

Q: Beyond wordmarks, should materials be predominantly blue and gold?

Incorporating the official UC Irvine blue and gold colors into designs can be an effective practice, but is not required that materials be predominantly (or even partially) blue and gold.

Q: When should the seal be used with the wordmark?

For certain applications, units may wish to add an element of formality to a logo treatment. Generally, the seal is not necessary, but may be a good option when used to represent professional programs. See UC Irvine seals for more on the appropriate use of the seal.

Q: How does the UC Irvine seal differ from the UC seal, and how should these elements be used differently?

The UC Irvine or campus seal includes the word “Irvine” at the bottom and is the only seal appropriate for use with the graphic identity standards. The UC seal includes the founding date of the University of California, “1868,” at the bottom. Use of the UC seal requires advance approval from University Communications; call 949-824-6490 or e-mail jmouledo@uci.edu for assistance.

Q: Can an Anteater be used with wordmarks?

Yes, as long as staging guidelines are followed. For certain applications, units may wish to add an Anteater to a design as an element of fun. For example, an Anteater may work for student communications. Numerous Anteater graphics have been developed over the decades. See Anteater graphics for more on how to incorporate Anteater graphics into a design.

Proper staging distance

Q: Should a proper staging distance be maintained between UC Irvine wordmarks and other elements?

Yes. In general, allow a minimal distance equal to one-half the height of the “I” in Irvine between the edge of any UC Irvine wordmark and any other graphic or text element. See staging guidelines.

Q: Can the UC Irvine wordmarks be combined with other wordmarks?

No. UC Irvine wordmarks should not be combined with other wordmarks into a single or connected mark. In applications where use of multiple wordmarks is appropriate – in materials denoting UC Irvine among multiple sponsors or presenters, for example – follow the staging guidelines.

Getting wordmarks and assistance

Q: Should individuals or units create their own Web banners or nameplates using the guidelines in this site?

No. This site provides downloadable files (in JPG and EPS formats) for the UC Irvine wordmarks in the various color and treatment options available, and shows how the unit wordmark system works.

University Communications will provide actual Web banner and wordmark files to approved units in a reasonable time frame. To request a Web banner or unit wordmark, order forms may be accessed from their respective informational pages.

Q: Where can I get the UC Irvine or unit wordmarks, Web banners or help with other issues related to the graphic identity standards?

UC Irvine wordmarks can be downloaded (in JPG or EPS formats) from this site. See wordmark variations. To request a Web banner, click here. For a unit wordmark, click here.