Logo Standards FAQ Downloads

Effective immediately as of August 8, 2008, our name has changed from “North Carolina School of the Arts” to “University of North Carolina School of the Arts.”  As a result, every staff person, administrator and faculty member needs to make sure that the logo which appears on School documents correctly reflects our new name:

Please do not use any previous versions of the logo, since they do not include our full, proper name (with “University of”) and are therefore inaccurate representations of the School as it stands today.  This includes the 40th anniversary version of our logo and the so-called “swoosh” logo.  If you find an old logo appearing on School documents, please replace it with the above logo which is the only one that is current and accurate.  Downloads of the current logo – black text on a white background, and white text on a black background – are available at the bottom of this web page.

1. The logo should appear on the front or back of all school publications.  This will acts as a consistent indicator that the collateral originates from the School.
2. Use the logo at a minimum width of one inch (square), making sure that all words are legible.
3. Make sure the logo is clear and easy to read.  Avoid placing the logo on top of busy artwork or a strong color palette which will make it less legible.
4. Do not reproduce the logo in different colors.  Use only the logo downloads available on this page: black text on a white background, or vice-versa.
5. Do not manipulate or reshape the logo. This includes distorting it horizontally or vertically, rearranging different pieces of the logo, and adding special effects or additional icons or type next to the logo.  The logo can be scaled to be larger or smaller, but only if its dimensions are kept to scale.

1. I heard there is a new logo coming. Is this the new logo?
   No, this is an interim logo that accomplishes the goal of describing our name accurately while also having a look that is consistent with that of our previous logo.  We have hired the Mitre Agency, a branding firm, to partner with us to create a new logo during the fall of 2008.  You will be informed when it is launched, and this page will be updated at that time.
2. Why can’t we use an old logo on our documents?
   First, the old logos do not reflect the correct name of the school: University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Second, using a single logo consistently will create branding awareness for the public who will see and recognize the same logo everywhere they might encounter it.  If we all use different logo designs, this will muddy our name recognition and brand value.
3. Why do we even need standards and guidelines?
   When someone sees anything representing the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, there should be an automatic association with the School based on the typography, color, photography, copy and design.  This doesn't mean that everything has to look exactly the same or that there is no flexibility when it comes to creative projects. However, if you are working with a free-lance designer, please make sure they are aware of these guidelines.
4. What are the School’s colors?
   The official color of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts is Process Blue (Pantone Matching System). To create a four-color (process/full color printing) version, please use: C 78, M 24, Y 6, K 0. For digital/on-screen use: R 0, G 153, B 204. For web use: 0099CC. White is traditionally used with process blue, although there is no official second color.
5. What font is the logo?
   The logo was created using a serif typeface called Weiss. If you would like to match your email or letter font to the logo, please use Garamond or Palatino. The preferred sans-serif is Helvetica.
6. Where do I get the logo?
   You may download the logo from the download section of this page. If you need a different format or have specific requirements, please contact the Office of Communications and Marketing.
7. Is there a “The” at the beginning of our name?
   No, our official name is “University of North Carolina School of the Arts” without a “the” at the beginning. However, when it is grammatically appropriate, you may say “the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.” If it begins a sentence, you should capitalize the “T” in “The.”
8. Are there nicknames or abbreviations of our name that are approved to use?
   We can be referred to as “UNC School of the Arts” and “UNCSA.” However, in formal documents that you expect will reach an external audience, it is best to use our full official name at the beginning, then continue with an abbreviated form, so that a reader who is unfamiliar with our school will know our official name.
9. Is there a hyphen somewhere in our name?
   No, we are known simply as “University of North Carolina School of the Arts.” There is no dash between the words “Carolina” and “School.”
10. I understand that, if we need to use letterhead, we should print it ourselves using your templates with the interim logo. But what paper should we order for this?
    For most communications, regular paper and envelopes are fine. However, there may be times when a higher quality paper is appropriate. In such cases, the Marketing and Purchasing Offices recommend that you purchase Office Depot item #479162 (Southworth 20 lb. white paper) and item #479128 (Southworth 24 lb. envelopes).
11. What do we do with business cards?
    For the time being, you may continue to use your existing business cards. If you have run out and need new business cards ordered, please make sure your vendor is using the interim logo (not one of our old logos).
12. Are we responsible for updating the signs outside of our buildings?
    No, you are not responsible for this. Facilities Management is currently in the process of changing over all of our signs on the campus grounds.
13. What if I have more questions?
    The Office of Communications and Marketing will be happy to answer any questions you have.  Please contact the Marketing Manager, James Pao, at 336-734-2891 or paoj@ncarts.edu

To download a file, click the thumbnail to open a large image in a new window. Once the larger image opens, right-click (or ctrl+click on a Mac) and 'Save picture as' to your hard drive.  JPEG images have been provided; if you need additional formats, please contact the Office of Communications and Marketing.

DOWNLOAD 1: BLACK TEXT JPG
DOWNLOAD 2: WHITE TEXT ON BLACK BACKGROUND JPG