Logo & Brand Identity Elements
Our Identity
Saint Mary’s College of California’s logo is the visual expression and the cornerstone of our visual brand identity. The logo must be used in all communications and promotional materials. In its boldness and nod to our heritage, it offers an emotional connection and embodies the vibrant spirit of our campus community.
Primary Logo
Our primary logo is used in business stationery, as a signature at the bottom of communication materials for internal and external audiences, or for promoting events and activities sponsored by campus units.
Primary Logo Configurations
It is rare for just one version of a logo to be applicable in all situations. Our goal in this manual is to make the use of the identity as flexible and practical as possible. The primary institutional logo has two configurations. Use the vertical, stacked version as the primary presentation of the logo. The horizontal version can be used when a shorter/wider orientation provides better space allowance.
Clear space protects the clarity and integrity of the institutional logo. This space is intended to separate the logo from other surrounding elements such as imagery, text, or graphic treatments.
Minimum Sizes
To retain proper legibility, the logos have minimum sizes for different uses and production purposes. The institutional logo may not be used at sizes smaller than what is recommended on this page. Inches (in.) represent minimum width for printed media. Pixels (px) represent minimum width for digital media.
1. Dotted lines represent the minimum amount of clear space required around the institutional logo. This ratio should remain the same when the logo is resized smaller or larger.
2. Certain mark variations may work better with different production processes. Please consult the Office of Marketing & Communications to ensure you are using the institutional logo properly and maximizing legibility.
Spirit Mark
The spirit mark represents not only our Athletics teams but also the Gael spirit in all of us. It may be used for spirit- and pride-building functions—such as on promotional items and apparel. It can also be used on hero images, social media banners, videos, and as an avatar.
Wordmark
The wordmark should be used when space is limited and a more dynamic visual approach is preferred. In these instances, it should sit adjacent to the spirit mark.
College Seal
The college seal is used as a formal symbol on official university documents and on materials produced for the president.
The seal is not a marketing logo. Use of the seal for any purpose other than those listed below must be approved by the Office of Marketing & Communications per consultation with the Office of the President.
Usage Examples
- Office of the President
- Commencement
- Formal admission letter
- Diplomas
Minimum Size
Athletics Brand Identity Elements
SMC Gaels
The logotype for athletics identity also draws inspiration from classic typography and Gaelic letterforms and is often paired with “Saint Mary’s College” and “Gaels” in Gaelic font. The college’s spirit mark serves are the primary athetics logo.
Spirit Mark
SMC Shield
Gaels Script
Gaelic Pattern
Logo Uses
Incorrect Logo Uses
The institutional logo, college seal, and SMC Knot must remain intact as described in this document and must not be manipulated in any way. This practice ensures brand integrity and consistency. Please refrain from altering the logo or any graphic elements of the brand in any way that has not been approved by this style guide.
Do not change the color of the logo.
Do not crowd the logo with other elements.
Do not change the typeface of the word mark.
Do not place logo on background with poor contrast.
Do not stretch or distort any part of the logo.
Do not remove any elements from the logo.
Do not alter the size relationship of the SMC Knot to the word mark.
Do not place logo over busy photograph or background.
Office of Marketing and Communications
Office of Marketing and Communications
Email: marcom@stmarys-ca.edu