AMES, Iowa – The Iowa State University Athletics Department, just like the institution itself, interacts with varied audiences including current and prospective students, faculty, staff, donors, alumni, sports fans and many, many others. Implementing and branding a consistent visual identity for those constituents is an absolute necessity in today’s complicated and crowded visual marketplace.
A simple, recognizable mark that elicits an emotional response from constituents is the goal. The Iowa State Athletics Department, in October of 2007, unveiled a new primary mark for its 18-sport intercollegiate athletics program that featured a cardinal-colored capital “I” with the word “State” superimposed over it. The mark emphasized the school’s athletics colors (cardinal and gold), which were adopted at the end of the 19th century, and introduced a new font (called “Cyclone”) as part of the logo.
The department also introduced several word marks and a refreshed secondary mark. The new Iowa State Athletics primary mark and typeface were created by Paul Meenan, graphic designer for the department, in consultation with a committee of campus and athletics department staff members.
As equity in the brand builds over time – through success on the playing fields and consistent and constant application by the department – it becomes synonymous as a symbol of the department. A strong brand is an organization’s most important asset. Careful quality control, graphics application and standardization is imperative.
The Athletics Department at Iowa State University has prepared graphics identity guidelines to set usage standards for its marks. As an interested fan or stakeholder in our product, we ask you to consider the guidelines established to ensure proper application and investment in this identity. For additional information on Iowa State University trademark licensing, click here.
