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Brand guidelines

Logo

Downloadable logo assets and guidance on how to use them.

On this page you can find guidance on our primary and secondary logos and how to use them. You can also find information about our crest.

For assistance with the application of the brand please contact the Marketing team: marketing@yorksj.ac.uk.

Primary logo

There are 2 versions of the primary York St John University logo:

  • Transparent logo in black
  • Transparent logo in white

The transparent logo in black should be used when placed on a white or clear background.

The transparent logo in white should be used when placed on a dark image or background. It can also be used as an alternative logo on a white background.

Correct primary logo usage

Bounding box

Each version of the logo comes with a bounding box as part of the file. This is the space around the typography that is the same width as the letter 'N' from the logo. On the primary logo this is not visible, but it's still there when you import it into your document. It is more visible on the secondary brand logo.

Safe zone

On top of the bounding box, there should also be a safe zone in place to stop the logo getting too close to the edge of a page. This should be roughly set to the height of 2 from the logo stacked.

If you want to place the logo over graphics, patterns, typography or imagery, then you should consider using the secondary brand logo with a visible bounding box.

Minimum size

The minimum size for the primary logo bounding box is 15mm high. This is the same for both versions of the primary logo.

Examples

Recruitment poster for Student Ambassadors showing logo in top left corner.

Primary brand logo placed on a plain, contrasting background.

York St John logo on a poster, with white logo over the deep blue sky in a photo of campus.

Primary brand logo placed on an area of the background image which is not busy, so the logo can be easily read.

Incorrect primary logo usage

The logo should not be edited or used in any of the below ways.

York St John University logo in pink

Do not change the colour.

York St John University logo stretched horizontally

Do not stretch or distort the logo.

York St John University with university name text changed to Change the World.

Do not change or alter the logo text without approval from the Marketing team.

York St John University logo with dashed line

Do not change the line device.

York St John University logo inside black circle

Do not place into a shape without approval from the Marketing team.

York St John University logo with extra line on right side

Do not add an extra line alongside the logo.

York St John logo skewed

Do not skew or rotate the logo.

York St John logo with drop shadow added

Do not add effects such as drop shadows to the logo.

York St John logo difficult to see over the top of a photograph

Do not place the logo onto an image where it will not stand out.

Secondary logo

We have created a secondary version of the York St John University logo that is a solid black box version. This can be used when the logo needs to be overlaid onto graphics, textures or images. It can also be used when the logo needs more impact on a communication.

This version should only be considered for use when either versions of the primary logo are not legible.

Secondary York St John logo in white on black box.

Correct secondary logo usage examples

YSJ booklet with secondary brand logo placed over image of the Creative Centre.

Secondary brand logo placed over an image.

Black and white post with secondary brand logo placed over pattern graphics.

Secondary brand logo placed over pattern graphics.

The Crest

The York St John University crest has been an important symbol of the University's identity and heritage for over 60 years. The crest connects us with the city of York and the county of Yorkshire. It includes our Latin motto, which translates as 'that they should have life and have it more abundantly'.

The crest is not designed to be a modern logo and it should not be used as such. As a standalone design it does not include the University's name. Therefore it only should be used for specific activities where the association to the University is clear. This includes its usage on sports team kits and as part of the graduation ceremonies.

The crest is the preserve of the University's Vice Chancellor's Office and any other application of the crest should be with the Vice Chancellor's approval.

York St John University crest in full colour on white.

Full colour York St John University crest

York St John University crest in black on white.

Black York St John University crest

York St John University crest in white on grey.

White York St John University crest