The Logo
The NC State logo is an official representation of NC State University. It both identifies and defines us. It appears on all official university communications. Its directness, hard edges and unadorned type fit who we are: We are purposeful. We are modern. We are NC State.
Usage
The NC State logo, informally known as “the brick,” must be used to identify all NC State communications. The do’s and don’ts for applying the logo are provided below.
The logo is a singular design concept, but different versions work in a range of different situations.
4x1
2x2
2x1
There are three configurations of the brick: 4x1, 2x2 and 2x1. Use the appropriate configuration for your project.
4x1
2x2
2x1
There is no white brick, but you can use stand-alone red logotype against a white background. The logotype has distinct proportions and should never be re-created by reversing the logo’s colors.
4x1
2x2
2x1
Red is the preferred color for the brick, but black is acceptable.
2x1 logo. The logo’s simplest configuration allows it to stand out at a glance, at a distance or when space is at a premium.
2x2 logo. For more formal (or informational) pieces, the 2x2 logo is a bold summation of who we are.
4x1 logo. For larger pieces, the 4x1 logo may be more appropriate. Whatever its configuration, the logo must be displayed prominently. For print pieces, it should be on the front cover where possible and on the back cover otherwise.
Red logotype against white background. While there is no white brick, you can use the red logotype against a white background, as seen here. Logotype is distinct from the brick and has its own proportions. There should be clear distance between the logotype itself and other design elements — at least the height of the letter N in NC State.
Logo Guidelines
The logo must hold a prominent position in every external communication. It’s the designer’s decision where that position is.
Clear space. Don’t crowd the logo. When using it, measure the height of the letter N in NC State. Design elements, type and photos should be at least that far from the logo.
Minimum size. Use the appropriate size in all media, and remember to scale the logo proportionately. In print communications, use vector-based brick logos for highest image resolution.
Small-scale applications. The logo and unit name may form a single unit on web banners and small promotional items with extreme space limitations. Additionally, other identifying conventions may be applied for social media handles, icons and other digital uses that are too small to accommodate the logo in an appropriate size. All small-scale applications require approval of the Office of Strategic Brand Management.
Digital Use. Other identifying conventions may be applied for web and social media handles, icons and other digital uses that are too small to accommodate the logo in an appropriate size. All small-scale applications require approval of the Office of Strategic Brand Management and Sponsorship.
The logo should never be re-created.
Never add elements to the logo.
Logotype can never be transparent.
The proportions of the logo must not be altered.
Rules for Units
The NC State logo is used by all of the university’s units — including colleges, departments, named entities, centers and institutes. The following guidelines apply.
College and divisions. University Communications has provided each college and division with a set of logo lockups specific to that college or division. These combined marks are subject to the same design rules as the core logo.
Unit Logos are not allowed. Colleges, departments, units, initiatives and other campus entities cannot create or use their own unique logos. Graphics, photos and other artistic elements that help illustrate the purpose or mission of the unit may be created and displayed on unit communications in the general proximity of the unit name and brick logo. However, graphics that are frequently [more than three instances] displayed on unit communications in a consistent, locked-up format with campus entity names, especially when the brick logo is absent, will be deemed impermissible unit logos and the unit will be asked to remove them.
All other core entities University Communications will provide marks with identifiers at least one “N” space from the brick logo for those departments and entities named in accordance with POL 03.00.02. For more information, contact University Communications.
Centers and institutes. Entities with multiple funding sources and with missions that differ from the core university mission may be granted extended brand or sub-brand status within NC State’s brand architecture. Centers and institutes that have extended brands may be granted permission to co-brand in some cases. Centers and institutes that have sub-brands may request permission to co-brand and use additional marks in some cases. For more information, contact University Communications.
Abbreviations and Acronyms*. Avoid alphabet soup. Don’t use abbreviations or acronyms that an external audience or the reader wouldn’t easily recognize. (*Design exceptions can be made for limited-use internal-only applications.)
NCSU. Do not use NCSU to refer to NC State University in any way, regardless of whether the communication in question is internal or external. This rule stems from market research the university conducted in the 2000s to gauge public name recognition of "NCSU" vs. "NC State." This research discovered that "NC State" was recognized across the United States, but "NCSU" was not well known or well understood outside the South. To position NC State as a nationally and internationally prominent university, strengthen our name recognition and make our brand more cohesive, we eliminated “NCSU” from our communications. To help members of our community get in the habit of using on-brand terminology, we prefer that people refrain from using NCSU even in internal communications with a more private audience.
Other NC State Marks
The block S, wolf's head and chancellor's seal have deep roots in NC State history. They are only appropriate in certain circumstances.
The block S is reserved for student, alumni and spirit communications. The logo should not represent academic units, initiatives or fundraisers. With approval from the university architect, the block S can also reinforce pride in place in permanent physical signage on campus.
The chancellor’s seal appears only on chancellor’s office communications, graduation materials, official university certificates and awards. A commercial version is available to vendors. It should not appear as a graphic element and is subject to the same guidelines as the formal seal for internal promotional usage.
The wolf's head is an official mark associated with NC State Athletics. It should not be used by academic units, initiatives or fundraisers, and it should not appear as a standalone graphic element without permission.
University hallmark use of the University Hallmark is permitted when used to promote the university on commercial retail items that have an academic or institutional focus, as well as for college-level and department-level certificates, awards and gifts of appreciation. The University Hallmark should not be used as an icon or as part of another logo or lockup.
Historical Marks, Logos and Copyright Designs
Certain historical NC State trademarks, marks and logos remain the exclusive property of NC State and are not permitted to be used without express written permission by the university’s Office of Strategic Brand Management. Permission to use historical trademarks will generally be granted only in those instances where the context of the mark is clear and appropriate (anniversary of special events, reunions, historical projects).
Downloadable Logos
These files are font-independent. The PNG files of the NC State brick are available in several sizes for use on the Web. The EPS files are the only acceptable choice for print pieces, as they are line-art vector files that will scale cleanly to any size. The JPG logos should only be used in PowerPoint or other Microsoft Office documents. You can download single logos of each file type from the downloads page.
As a public institution, NC State University is generally not allowed to endorse another party's products, goods or services. This is especially the case with NC State's logo, which is a registered trademark of the university. Do not use the logo in any communication that identifies, promotes or advertises an outside entity's products, goods or services unless you have received prior permission from the university via a contract or a trademark license agreement. For more information, contact NC State's Trademark Licensing office.