General Guidelines
This page contains information about the versions of the I Mark, the use of the trademark and registered trademark symbols, the Illinois and Urbana-Champaign logos, and the buffer zone.
Integrity
The campus logos must remain as originally drawn and proportioned and cannot be modified. The wordmark is a graphic element, not a typeface. Do not use the campus logos in a sentence or substitute the I Mark for the letter "I" in a word. The logos may not be deconstructed; for instance, the Column I may not appear without the other elements that make up the I Mark.
Official Use Only
The campus logos may not be used to promote or imply endorsement of non-University activities.
Two Versions of the I Mark
There are two versions of the I Mark: one with the "1867" text and one without. The I Mark without the text is known as the standard version.
Historical Reference
The "1867" version of the I Mark was created to add a historical reference to the year the University was founded. It should be used only when historical context is important, ie., print or electronic communication materials related to formal campus events such as convocation and commencement.
Trademark and Registered Trademark Use
When the standard I Mark is placed on merchandise, it must appear with the trademark symbol ™. When the 1867 version is placed on merchandise, it must appear with the registered trademark symbol ®. All merchandise must be produced by a licensed manufacturer. Read more about trademark and licensing guidelines.
Note: The trademark and registered trademark symbols need not appear when the I Mark appears on communication materials used for official University business.
Illinois and Urbana-Champaign Logos
Illinois Logo
The Illinois logo is the preferred campus logo.
Urbana-Champaign Logo
The Urbana-Champaign logo should be used only when it is important to distinguish the Urbana-Champaign campus from the Chicago or Springfield campuses.
Buffer Zone
I Mark
When either version of the I Mark appears alone, a buffer zone of at least one-third of the height of the I Mark should appear between the I Mark and any other design element. Note: A buffer zone larger than one-third of the height of the I Mark is preferred. Designers should not place any design element in close proximity to the I Mark in an attempt to make the two appear to be a unit.
Urbana-Champaign and Illinois Logos
A buffer zone of at least one-third of the height of the Urbana-Champaign logo (shown here) and the Illinois logo (see example) should appear between the logo and any other design element. Note: A buffer zone larger than one-third of the height of the I Mark is preferred.
Using the I Mark on Campus
While it is important to use the Illinois logo (preferred) or Urbana-Champaign logo on external communications materials, once visitors are on the physical campus in Urbana-Champaign only the standard version of the I Mark need be used.
The I Mark appears alone or separated from other elements by a buffer zone on the campus entrance signs, street signs, curbside signs such as I Streets, historical markers, parking meters, traffic control sawhorses, exterior building signs, and vinyl window signs.
Events
Campus units may create their own type treatments, look, logos, etc., for special events, but should not incorporate or modify the campus logos or any element of the campus logos, such as the Column I, to create a new logo for the event. Examples of special events include Homecoming and the Biennial Conference for Women.
Please note that the event-related type treatment, look, or logo may not replace the campus logo or I Mark as the symbol for the campus. The I Mark and campus logos must still appear on all print and digital communication materials according to the guidelines in the Graphic Standards Manual.
Flexibility
There are rare instances where these guidelines should be flexible. Designers working under unique circumstances should contact Creative Services. All variances from this policy must be approved by the Director of Creative Services.
