Marketing
Identity - Graphics
A graphic identity represents the image and aspirations of an institution. It is the cornerstone of all communication efforts, and must be applied consistently to convey a single, clear message.
Considering the importance of our image, it's vital that we safeguard it by using our graphic identity correctly. Everyone involved in communications at CIU has a responsibility to apply the identity in a consistent and accurate way. This Identity Guide contains guidelines for the proper use of our identity. It describes authorized usage for communication of all kinds. Any exceptions to the requirements of the Identity Guide must be approved by the President's Office prior to authorizing usage in all media. CIU's graphic identity is born of tradition and built of aspiration. It represents who we are and who we want to be. It is therefore up to each of us to protect it and remain vigilant in controlling its use. All external uses of the corporate logo MUST be authorized by the CIU Marketing Department.
4.1. The Logo
The logo was developed by a team of designers and design consultants. Their work was guided and inspired by the market research findings and by feedback from many constituencies inside and outside the company, most notably the Marketing Committee and Deans, which represent a cross section of the corporate community.
- The Prayer Towers reminds us of the home we had for many years at the Colonia Hotel in downtown Columbia, SC.
- They represent our physical foundation
- Thy tow'rs are pointing upward toward God and heaven and light - (Columbia International University, Alma Mater, Evangeline B. Kimber, '27
- Our name stands for a symbiosis between education and great commission.
- The connection between it and the tower will reestablish our roots to our beginnings, and our direction to the future.
- Our motto has been, is, and will always be our most important statement.
- It tells you why we exist, why we persist and why we can firmly call ourselves a center for biblical, transformational great commission training.
- This line communicates our philosophy of education clearly.
- It connects us to our heritage as a Bible College, and reinforces our commitment to that guiding principle.
The logo must appear on all documents, communications, publications, websites, and merchandise.
Exceptions are the University Seal, and student organizations when used in internal communications.
The logo is the visual signature of the company, and it must therefore be handled in a consistent manner.
There are several versions of the logo, each is detailed below. To see which variation goes on which print pieces, please seeour inventory list by clicking HERE.
4.1.1. Primary/Undergraduate
This version is to be used primarily on corporate and higher educational promotional items such as mugs, t-shirts, pens, as well as campus signage and vehicles.
4.1.2. Linear
To allow flexibility, the logo can be used in a horizontal (linear) format when needed.
4.1.3. Graduate School
4.1.4. Seminary & School of Missions
4.1.5. Higher Education
4.1.6 Corporate
4.2. Printing
The logo will usually be printed offset, but may also be:
- Foil stamped
- Silk-screened
- Engraved
- Embossed in the prescribed colors of gold
- Blind embossed
4.3. Color Variations
The logo colors can also be used in a variety of configurations. This includes two-color, one-color, and black-and-white.
4.3.1. One Color
4.3.2. Reversed
4.3.3. Black and White
4.3.4. Gold
4.4. Usage Guidelines
4.4.1. Inviolate Area
Keep and inviolate area around the logo, equal to or more than 1/2 X, where X is equal to the total height of the logo.
However, the area of isolation may be reduced to 1/4 X for web applications of the logo, word mark, and signatures. For example, if the logo used is 64 pixels high, the VSPACE and HSPACE attribute of the image should be no less than 16 pixels.4.4.2. Minimum Reproduction
The minimum print reproduction size of the logo is 5/16 inch.
4.4.3. Use with Design Features
Do not use design features such as screening, re-proportioning, rotating, or including the logo as a part of a pattern or larger image.
4.5. Photos
4.5.1. Acceptable 4-color
When using the configurations over a 4-color photograph, the logo must be either blue and gold or reversed to white. The placement of the logo should be in an area of the photograph where there are no distracting patterns or elements.
4.5.2. Acceptable 1-color
When using the logo over a 1-color photograph, the logo must be either black or reversed to white. The placement of the logo should be in an area of the photograph where there are no distracting patterns or elements.
4.5.3. Unacceptable 4-color
When using the logo over a 4-color photograph, it is unacceptable to place the logo over an area of the photograph where there are distracting patterns or elements.
4.5.4. Unacceptable 1-color
When using the logo or signature over a 1-color photograph, it is unacceptable to place it over an area of the photograph where there are distracting patterns or elements. It is unacceptable to use the white logo over an area that is of similar lightness.
4.6.Other Official University Marks
4.6.1. The University Seal
The seal of the University will remain unchanged and will be used to authenticate the highest official University documents. It may be used on other formal documents. The seal indicates official sanction, while the logo represents the University's image and visual identity.
4.6.2. Student Organizations
Due to their nature and frequent changes in leadership, student clubs and organizations recognized by the University and funded primarily by students may use their own logos and wordmarks when communicating with an on-campus audience. When communicating off campus, they must use the official CIU logo with their organizations name in one of the approved CIU fonts. All uses of the university seal MUST be authorized by the CIU Marketing Department.
4.7 Special Event Graphics
For certain events and short-term offerings, it may be appropriate to use an art treatment to create a look to describe and reflect the spirit of the event or offering.
Parts of an art treatment (type, illustration, and/or photography) may be used together or individually in various combinations. The CIU logo must always be prominently and properly displayed on materials with art treatments so that there is no question that the function or event is part of CIU. Art treatments may not be used independently of and may never be used in place of the CIU logo. The use of an art treatment must be approved by the CIU Marketing Department.
