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Our University Seal embodies MSU Denver’s commitment to excellence for its students, faculty and staff as well as the surrounding community. Because the Seal is reserved for Board of Trustees official communications, official University documents and official University ceremonies, you must first obtain approval from University Communications and Marketing prior to its use. Upon approval, digital artwork for the University Seal will be provided by University Communications and Marketing. DO NOT attempt to recreate the Seal.
Approved University Seal display includes the following:
- University-approved diplomas
- University-approved certificates
- University-approved transcripts
- University-approved Commencement Ceremony collateral
The diagram below identifies the various symbolism found within our Seal.
University Seal Clear Zone
Upon approval to display the University Seal, be sure to avoid crowding our Seal with other imagery – such as text, photography, illustrations, color breaks or rule lines. A “clear zone” is the minimum amount of space to remain free of other imagery. This minimum space requirement also applies to page trim and folds. The clear zone is proportional to the outer diameter of the Seal, and its border is concentric to the diameter as indicated in the diagram below.
Adhering to clear-zone guidelines will best ensure legal protection of our University Seal by minimizing confusion over its appearance.
University Seal Minimum Size
Shown below is the minimum approved size for our University Seal as measured by its diameter. The diagram below shows actual size at left but then enlarged for viewing ease.
The minimum size to be displayed is 1 half-inch (12.7mm, 36 pixels) as measured by its diameter.
University Seal Color Options
Because of the formal nature of applications on which the University Seal is displayed, its color options are limited to those shown below. All components of the Seal appear in the same color and value. In its preferred display, the University Seal is a specific hue of gray, referred to as MSU Denver Gray. See Brand Colors for this specific color formula per media.
When the University Seal is darker than the background color on which it is displayed, it is referred to as “positive.” When the Seal is lighter than the background color on which it is displayed, it is referred to as “reverse.” See Color Selection to determine the most appropriate logo color option for its intended display.
Approved positive color options
Display on white or light- to mid-value backgrounds:
Preferred
MSU Denver Grey
Display on:
- White
- Any light-to-mid value background
Approved
Black
Display on:
- White
- Any light-to-mid
Approved
Neutral Metallics- Neutral foil stamps (avoid gold hues to avoid confusion with neighboring universities)
Display on:
- White
- Any light-to-mid value background
Approved
“Watermark” (10% – 30 value difference to its background color)
Display on:
- White
- Any light-to-mid value background
Approved
Blind embossed- Blind debossed
Display on:
- White
- Any light-to-mid value background
Approved Reverse Color Options
Display on black or mid- to dark-value backgrounds:
Preferred
- White
Display on:
- MSU Denver Blue
- MSU Denver Red
- MSU Denver Gray
Approved
- White
Displayed on:
- Black
- Any mid-to-dark value background
Approved
- Neutral metallics
- Neutral foil stamps (avoid gold hues to avoid confusion with neighboring universities)
- Mid-to-light value grays
Display on:
- MSU Denver Blue
- MSU Denver Red
- MSU Denver Grey
- Black
- Any mid-to-dark value background
Approved
- “Watermark” 10% – 30% value difference to its background color
Display on:
- MSU Denver Blue
- MSU Denver Red
- MSU Denver Gray
- Black
- Any mid-to-dark value background
Approved
- Blind embossed
- Blind debossed
Display on:
- MSU Denver Blue
- MSU Denver Red
- MSU Denver Gray
- Black
- Any mid-to-dark value background
University Seal Misuse
Preserving the integrity of the MSU Denver brand is paramount. A visible method of preservation is through accurate and consistent display of our University Seal. This practice will help reinforce its strength and continue to grow MSU Denver’s current degree of brand equity.
Shown below are just a few potential misuses of our University Seal. All attempts should be made to adhere to the guidelines stated in this document. Any misuse will ultimately diminish the current degree of brand equity and potentially jeopardize its legal protection.
At right is the approved and preferred appearance of our University Seal.
Avoid the logo misuses below and others. If you have questions regarding correct use, contact Strategy, Marketing and Communications.
DO NOT:
Display the University Seal in MSU Denver Blue. However, it may appear as a watermark on a MSU Denver Blue background.
DO NOT:
Display the University Seal in MSU Denver Red. However, it may appear as a watermark on an MSU Denver Red background.
DO NOT:
Display the University Seal in a gold hue. The use of gold as a color has close association with one of MSU Denver’s neighboring universities.
DO NOT:
Allow components of the University Seal to be displayed in colors or values different from the remaining components. All components must be displayed in the same color and value.
DO NOT:
Add graphics to the University Seal. Always ensure the Clear Zone is properly observed.
DO NOT:
Omit certain components of the University Seal. Always ensure that all University Seal components are intact.
DO NOT:
Attempt to recreate the University Seal. Upon approval, always use approved artwork available through University Marketing and Communications.
DO NOT:
Horizontally stretch the University Seal in an attempt to fit within specific display areas. Always use approved artwork available through University Marketing and Communications.
DO NOT:
Vertically stretch the University Seal in an attempt to fit within specific display areas. Always use approved artwork available through University Marketing and Communications.