Guide to Visual Identity and Usage
We are One Oberlin. And one pivotal way we express that we’re a united institution is through the implementation of a thoughtfully created visual identity that consistently represents our diverse campus.
Whether you’re in need of a logo, official colors, typefaces, or something else for your project, the Office of Communications has developed a visual identity system that honors Oberlin’s rich history and traditions while staying in step with contemporary design aesthetics.
Logo & Wordmark
Oberlin Logo
The Oberlin logotype has been a central element of our brand identity since the 1980s. This modest alteration of the most recent logo design provides a cleaner, more modern look that can be capably reproduced at small sizes and on screens. It’s available in a variety of file formats suitable for print and digital use.
The two-color logo displayed here is the primary identifier for the institution. The logo should not be shortened, skewed, stretched, or distorted in any way.
Wordmark
The Oberlin wordmark is a more casual expression of our brand. Set in Mercury, one of our brand typefaces, the wordmark is primarily used for promotional items and informal branding initiatives when the official college logo may not be necessary or desired.
Limited-use graphic elements
College Seal
Oberlin’s official seal is reserved for uses pertaining to the Office of the President and the Board of Trustees.
O! Graphic
Designed to convey a sense of excitement around Oberlin, the use of the “exclamatory O” is limited to student recruitment branding by our admissions offices.
Conservatory Graphic Identity
The iconic windows of Bibbins Hall inspire these typographic expressions for use in various ways by the conservatory.
Logo Lockups
Oberlin + You
Oberlin consists of a great number of departments, offices, centers, and formal programs—and each is equipped with its own “lockup”: literally an iteration of its official name locked up with the Oberlin logo. Logo lockups are frequently used for event posters and other promotional materials.
Lockup files specific to your area can be found at the link below.
Color Palette
Seeing Red (& Yellow)
Inspired by the coat of arms of founder John Frederick Oberlin, Oberlin’s color palette has been characterized by rich shades of red and yellow since the late 19th century.
We honor these legacy colors with vibrant shades selected to be optimally reproduced in print as well as digital formats. They are complemented by a set of supplemental colors that offer a wide range of flexibility and visual appeal.
Primary Color Palette
The primary palette colors should be used prominently in Oberlin-branded materials meant for external audiences, such as prospective students and alumni.
traditional red
Bold Red
Oberlin Yellow
Secondary Color Palette
The secondary colors allow for variety and flexibility in Oberlin-branded materials. These colors should be reserved for use as accent colors in materials for external audiences, but may be used more prominently for on-campus uses.
Light Gray
Black
Dark gray
Typography
Fonts of Knowledge
Oberlin’s type system was developed with flexibility and compatibility with our overall brand tone in mind.
PRIMARY
Mercury (serif)*
Gotham (sans serif)*
*Use of the primary typefaces requires the purchase of a license. Contact brand@oberlin.edu for more information.
ALTERNATIVES
The following widely available default system fonts can be substituted for our primary typefaces in many instances. Use these when creating documents, emails, and presentations.
Georgia (serif)
Helvetica (sans serif)
Arial (sans serif)
stationery
Office Needs
You can order printed stationery for your Oberlin department, office, center, and program through Printing Services, our friendly campus print shop.
Digital letterhead templates (for electronic use) for your area can be found at the link below.
Other BRANDED RESOURCES
Email Signatures
Optional email signatures offer a great way to share your Oberlin contact information in a way that’s consistent with our campus branding guidelines.
Presentations
Whether you’re creating in PowerPoint or Google Slides, our Oberlin-branded presentation tools will help you deliver your message in a way that’s consistent with our visual identity.
promotional ITEMs
Show Your Obie Love!
Oberlin-branded apparel and other merchandise can be a great way to foster love of Oberlin—and we’re here to help!
Official employee apparel should use the office logo lockup whenever possible. Other promotional items can incorporate a more flexible range of the Oberlin brand.
Note: Vendors require vector artwork for promotional items. Please contact brand@oberlin.edu for the appropriate files.
Additional Resources
There’s more where that came from!
The links below connect you to a variety of additional resources related to the Oberlin visual identity and style guidelines. Haven’t found what you’re looking for? Reach out to us at brand@oberlin.edu.
Guide to Editorial Style and Usage
A guide to creating accessible Google Docs
Oberlin-branded Google Doc template
Note: The Oberlin Athletics and Allen Memorial Art Museum brands are managed independently and their logos should not be used to broadly represent the institution. Please contact each area directly with inquiries.
