Kansas State University Graphics Standards Guide
Usage and requirements for logos and marks
Kansas State University must convey a consistent image as a top 50 public research and teaching university. A graphic identity system helps ensure that all parts of the university are working together to communicate this image visually. These graphic standards outline the requirements and details of the university's graphic system, including use of university trademarks and Kansas State University's stationery system.
Kansas State University marks
Kansas State University has four primary visual marks -- the Kansas State University wordmark, academic icon, university seal and spirit mark -- all of which are registered trademarks, as are the words "Kansas State University."
Use of Kansas State University trademarks for licensed products and communications by individuals or entities outside the institution must be approved by the director of Trademark Licensing, logos@k-state.edu or 785-532-6269. In general for communications, the use of Kansas State University marks is restricted to representation of official partnerships or sponsorships.
Kansas State University wordmark
The Kansas State University wordmark is the standardized graphic representation of the Kansas State University name. It is a custom-designed mark.
low res images, not suitable for reproduction
The Kansas State University wordmark is the primary graphic element that identifies the university. As such, it is required to appear on all external publications, websites and other visual communications developed by any administrative or academic unit of the university, except K-State Athletics Inc.
Use of Kansas State University wordmark
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Use approved, unaltered versions of the Kansas State University wordmark only. (Provided by the director of Trademark Licensing, logos@k-state.edu or 785-532-6269.)
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Do not recreate the Kansas State University wordmark.
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Do not use the Kansas State University wordmark within text.
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Do not combine with any other marks, graphic elements or words except as specified. (Additional guidelines forthcoming.)
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Do not alter the Kansas State University wordmark except to enlarge or reduce proportionally.
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The Kansas State University wordmark may be used on give-away promotional items such as T-shirts, mugs, key chains, etc., with prior written approval from Trademark Licensing.
K-State wordmark
The K-State wordmark is designed for limited purposes described below. Questions about the use of the K-State wordmark should be directed to the Division of Communications and Marketing at vpcm@k-state.edu or 785-532-2535.
Use of the K-State wordmark
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Use of the K-State wordmark is recommended when a Kansas State University mark must appear within a list of visual marks from other entities. Using this format provides more weight, allowing the university identity to more effectively cut through the visual clutter.
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Use approved, unaltered versions of the K-State wordmark only. (Provided by the director of Trademark Licensing, logos@k-state.edu or 785-532-6269.
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Do not use the K-State wordmark on university stationery or external university publications, websites or other visual communications.
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The K-State wordmark may be used on give-away promotional items such as T-shirts, mugs, key chains, etc., with prior written approval from Trademark Licensing.
University seal
The university seal was designed to be used on diplomas and official documents and for other official purposes.
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There are two versions of the university seal. The seal that reads "Kansas State University of Agriculture and Applied Science" is the official version and may be used only with the permission of the Kansas State University president. The seal reading "Kansas State University, February 16, 1863" may be used without permission for internal documents. Portions of the unofficial seal may be modified to be used as a graphic element with permission from the vice president for communications and marketing. Permission must be sought for each instance of use.
For copies of the seal, contact Trademark Licensing, logos@k-state.edu or 785-532-6269.
Spirit mark
K-State Athletics Inc., uses the Powercat spirit mark with a modified Serpentine typeface as its primary mark.
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Use of the spirit mark
- No markings are allowed on top of or through the Powercat mark.
- The Powercat mark cannot be modified in any way.
- Standard use of the Powercat mark is facing right.
- Student organizations may use the Powercat mark if they are registered with the Office of Student Activities and Services. Student club sports must use the phrase "club sport" on any items that include the Powercat mark.
- Any use of the Powercat mark on a product must be produced by a licensed vendor.
- The Powercat mark must appear in official university colors. For any exceptions, contact the director of Trademark Licensing, logos@k-state.edu or 785-532-6269.
- In academic marketing, the Powercat must be used as a singular graphic element. It may not be used as part of another mark and may not be combined with another academic mark.
K-State Research and Extension
K-State Research and Extension has a statewide presence with an office in every county in Kansas. Research shows that Kansans are intimately familiar with "K-State" and its association with the Powercat. As such, these marks bring strong brand value to K-State Research and Extension because its target audience and stakeholders are people living in Kansas.
Approved marks for use only by K-State Research and Extension are as follows:
Co-branding with the university wordmark
Campus academic units are to use the university wordmark for such items as business cards, stationery, envelopes and other promotional items. The mark can be used with the unit name per the guidelines.
When co-branded with another mark the university wordmark must always be on the left or top, depending on the orientation.
Other marks and the university wordmark must not be placed so close together that they appear to be a single mark. The marks must be noticeably separate. Also, the words “Kansas State University” should not appear within a unit’s individual mark, unless granted a specific exemption by the vice president for communications and marketing. For details, contact the Division of Communications and Marketing at vpcm@k-state.edu or 785-532-2535.
The Division of Communications and Marketing will help units establish a unique graphic treatment for a unit's marketing materials and will ensure compliance with the university’s overall brand.
New marks should not be developed for academic units and will not be developed by the Division of Communications and Marketing. Questions may be directed to the Division of Communications and Marketing at 785-532-2535 or at vpcm@k-state.edu
Icons for social media
Icons for use in social media may be developed by the Division of Communications and Marketing, but only for this very specific use. These icons should not be used elsewhere.
Official Kansas State University colors
All trademarked images may be displayed only in black, white and Kansas State University official purple (Pantone 268 or hex code #512888 for Web).
Printed collateral materials
- PMS 268 Purple (spot color)
- PMS 268 Purple in CMYK (C= 82; M= 100; Y= 0; K= 12)
- Black
Web and PowerPoint
- #512888 (hexadecimal value)
- RGB breakdown: 79 Red, 38 Green, 131 Blue
University publications and websites
- To provide immediate brand recognition and connect university units with the Kansas State University brand, print and online publications as well as websites for all university units should reflect consistent graphic identity standards.
- Place the Kansas State University wordmark on either the front or back cover of all publications.
- Include the Kansas State University wordmark in the upper left on every university website, as shown in the header of the university home page banner.
- Contact the Division of Communications and Marketing at vpcm@k-state.edu or 785-532-2535 for questions regarding the use of multiple marks when partnerships with outside entities must be represented.
- Include Kansas State University's notice of nondiscrimination if appropriate, based on the target audience.
Use of trademarks on promotional items
Use of any university trademark on a promotional item of any type requires prior written approval from the director of Trademark Licensing, logos@k-state.edu or 785-532-6269. This applies to all products, including those designed by students or student groups.
Use of university identification in advertising
Kansas State University must be identified in all university-generated advertising that promotes any unit of the institution. While preferably this will take the form of the Kansas State University wordmark most of the time, it may also be featured with type identifying Kansas State University. This applies to all online ads, magazine and newspaper advertising, posters, banners and billboards.
When advertising is used to promote an event, university identification must appear prominently, but sizing should reflect the relative roles of the event, the sponsoring unit and the university.
Learn more about the services of the Division of Communications and Marketing.
