Northwestern’s logo, adopted in 2005, is a variation of a design that served the college for more than 30 years. It was created by alumnus and artist John Vander Stelt ’83. The logo consists of a cross set between the letters “N” and “W.” While the word mark is the preferred graphic identification for Northwestern College, the logo may be employed whenever space limitations prevent the use of the word mark.
All publications intended for an audience outside of Northwestern College should display the college’s word mark or logo. The word mark and logo are self-contained, distinct designs—each created to stand on its own. As a result, they should not be used in close proximity to one another.
Individual logos for programs or departments are not advised. When it comes to an institution’s visual identity, the whole is stronger than its parts. By using Northwestern’s word mark and logo, you are taking advantage of—and contributing to—the college’s name and brand recognition.
Guidelines
Northwestern’s logo may not be redrawn, embellished or altered in any way.
- Do not distort the logo by resizing it only in one direction. All elements should be resized proportionately. (When resizing the logo, hold down the shift key so the proportion isn’t distorted.)
- Do not change the relationship between the cross and the text of the logo, split them apart, or rearrange or resize them independently of one another. The graphic element and logotype have been specifically created to form an integral logo.
- Avoid screening the logo and running it behind type.
- Do not redraw the cross or substitute fonts for the logo.
- Do not place decorative borders around the logo or place the logo on a background that overpowers or distracts from it.
- Do not copy the logo from Northwestern’s website for use in publications. Graphics on the Web have a lower resolution than what is needed for print.
Color
The following colors are approved for use when reproducing the logo.
| Red |
|
| Spot color |
PMS 200 |
| Process (CMYK) |
16.15/100/86.91/6.41 |
| RGB |
168/0/0 |
|
| Black |
 |
| Spot color |
Black 6 2X |
| Process (CMYK) |
0/0/0/100 |
| RGB |
0/0/0 |
|
| White (reversed) |
|
| Spot color |
White |
| Process (CMYK) |
0/0/0/0 |
| RGB |
255/255/255 |
Whenever possible, the college’s official red—PMS 200—should be used. (Since red appears as pink when screened, anything other than 100% red should be avoided.) If it’s not practical to use PMS 200, the logo may also be reproduced in black or in white. Rendering the logo in white is appropriate when it is reproduced as a reverse over a dark-colored background or dark area of a photograph. In those cases, the background color should be dark enough to provide sufficient contrast with the reversed logo.
Minimum size
The logo should be reproduced no smaller than one-half inch in height—measured from the top to the bottom of the cross—to ensure it remains sharp and legible.
Protected white space
In order for the logo to have the most impact visually, it should be set off from other elements on the page by a minimum amount of “white space.” This white space should be clear of type, photos and other graphics. A similar distance should be maintained between the logo and the edge of the page. This space is equal to the height of the letters.
White space example (pdf)