Our University logo

• Ensure our logo is sized correctly with all proportions remaining the same.
• The recommended size of the logo is: 20mm high for A4 and 15mm high for A5.
• The recommended minimum height is 10mm on printed items and 50px on digital content. It should always be this height or larger for readability. [1]
• The logo should be positioned either in the top left corner (to introduce) or bottom right corner (to sign off), with the exception of video end frames where the logo should be positioned centrally. [2]
• To protect the logo's integrity, an exclusion zone around the logo is calculated using the size of one of its squares away from both any border and any content it butts against. [3]
  This clear space insulates our logo from distracting visual elements, such as other logos, copy, illustrations or photography.

• Our logo must not be recreated, or the two elements separated (the 5 squares and text) with the exception of www.essex.ac.uk only.
• Our logo should only be black or white - simply use whichever is higher contrast to the background.
• A gold logo is used for Graduation only. We also have a Mandarin version.
• Please note, the full colour scarlet/violet logo was retired in 2017 and should not be used.

We have an animated version of our logo that can be used in digital applications. [1] The motion of this logo reflects the energy and impact of our visual style.

• This animated logo should be used to end video content.
• The animated logo should be used as provided and shouldn't be edited or recreated.
• The animated logo can be used on a solid black background, a scarlet to violet gradient or over footage, provided there is enough contrast for the text to be legible. [2]
  
  

In the vast majority of cases our logo will only appear at the end of the video.
However, in some very select cases it may be considered beneficial to display the logo throughout, as a corner ident. For example, in a digital advert on non-University owned channels, we need to ensure the viewer immediately knows the video is from the University of Essex for the duration of the advert.

Applying our logo in videos

We have templates for applying our logo to the end frame so please speak to our videographers or media centre.

• Our logo animation should be used to end video content. The stacked version is preferable but linear can also be used. [1]
• The logo should be 25% of the height of 16:9 videos. [1]
• Do not attempt to edit or recreate the logo animation end frame.
• A static version of our logo can be applied to the top left-hand corner of videos if they are not being posted on a University owned channel. [2]
• We have a separate video end frame template for using the logo animation with a call to action. The stacked version is preferable but linear can also be used. [3]
  The call to action could be a short URL, or a maximum of two lines of text, for example “Search Student life at Essex”. For URLs you don’t need to include “https://” or www.
  
  

We generally do not approve the use of our logo in third-party marketing materials or endorse our suppliers’ services.

If the University of Essex logo is used in an uncontrolled manner, we risk suggesting endorsement or ‘seal of approval’ where the connection to Essex may be minimal.

When any additional logos are used, they must not exceed the size of the University logo or overshadow it visually, so the University logo is the main focus.

If working with partners, see Partnerships and co-branding section below.

If you are creating promotional material, this should be done by our design and print supplier CDS who hold all our logo files. Alternatively, our branded templates already include our logo.

If you need the logo to send to a third party/institution you are collaborating with, we can issue the logo (along with associated guidelines for use) direct to that institution. Please contact the Brand team, by emailing branding@essex.ac.uk.

We recognise that in some cases, it may be appropriate for a particular unit to be more identifiable within the University structure. 

Logo lock-ups are an exception, not the rule.

As specific context and approval is required, contact the Brand team branding@essex.ac.uk before commissioning any work on a logo lock-up.

If you are suggesting the University logo alone is not enough, an assessment will be made about whether any advantages of having your own logo lock-up can compare favourably to the disadvantages of loss of identity when the link with the University is less clear.

Logo lock-ups will not be approved when:

• Essex leads the commercial offer, largely academic
• entity is fully or majority funded by Essex
• entity is core business for Essex eg teaching or research
• audience expects and values Essex input more than the entity or Essex adds value, more value than the entity

Having your own logo will never be as recognisable as the University of Essex logo. In fact, a new logo can often be confusing - diluting the connection to the University - and will take time to become established and trusted by an audience.

If you'd like to discuss a project you believe requires a logo please contact the Brand team, by emailing branding@essex.ac.uk. 

When working with partners, the way we use our combined branding depends on the weight of balance in the relationship.

A partner should only use University branding if a formal partnership agreement, sponsorship agreement, Memorandum of Understanding or equivalent formal agreement exists.

Equally, our logo should not be added to a third party/external organisation’s content as an endorsement/labelling device unless the content itself is distinctively Essex and the provider can identify this aspect to us clearly.

In keeping with our ‘one University’ approach we do not typically give prominence to other brand logos in our marketing communication materials and assets. You can add the web address of any third party organisation instead in your communication as a practical solution.

We make exceptions only when use of that logo provides a recognised shorthand – ideally globally – in our communications. The list of approved logos for third parties within this context is:

• QAP (Queen’s Anniversary Prize)
• TEF Gold
• Times Higher University of the Year
• YERUN
• YUFE
• Public Health England
• NHS
• University of Sanctuary
• AMBA
• THE
• QS
• SU
• UN Global Compact
• Graduate Outcomes
• V16

In addition, use of the key social media logos is permitted based on this principle, eg:

• Facebook
• X (formerly Twitter)
• Instagram
• YouTube
• LinkedIn
• TikTok
• Snapchat

These logos must not exceed the size of the University of Essex logo or overshadow it visually, so the University of Essex logo is the main focus.

When working with partners the partnership agreement will determine the way that we brand any materials. The agreement will determine whether Essex is a lead partner, equal partner, or if it is a multi-partner project. If you are unclear on your partnership project and require advice on how your materials should be designed, please contact branding@essex.ac.uk

Essex as lead partner

Essex is considered the lead partner on a project when the resources and funding are primarily provided by the University.

• The Essex brand and style should prevail.
• Partner logo(s) should appear at the bottom, arranged on a horizontal axis.
• Partner logos should have equal prominence.

Equal partnerships

For joint communications acknowledging equal partnerships, we should seek to maximise our presence by proposing CDS design any artwork, utilising our key brand elements.

• Both Essex and partner logo(s) should be used with equal prominence, size and spacing, with Essex taking the primary position.
• Ensure logos are clearly visible against the background.

In some cases, it may not be acceptable to have Essex as the lead identity and an independent identity may need to be developed. Our in-house Brand team can help with this. Please contact branding@essex.ac.uk for guidance in the first instance. Do not commission or design any logos without contacting the Brand team first.

Multi-partner projects

If the project is a partnership between Essex and other Universities, then depending on the weighting of contribution, it may not be appropriate to use the Essex identity.

In this situation an independent identity may be developed, with recognition given to all institutions involved in the project.

Research is at the heart of our University and is central to our mission. Our research shapes thinking and influences policy. It helps build our reputation as one of the leading research-intensive universities in the UK.

Many research projects at Essex are in partnership with other organisations. When this happens, the other organisations need to be represented on any materials or communications.

Recognising external funders

When research projects benefit from external funding, the funder’s contribution should be recognised through the use of their logo on project materials. On occasion, the funder may request that a name and/or brand is developed for the project. 

Promoting your research project

The Communications Team is on hand to help you promote your research. Please contact comms@essex.ac.uk for further advice.

To discuss the funder’s requirement with regard to branding any promotional materials, or how to display the logos of the partners involved, please contact the Brand team branding@essex.ac.uk.

Research poster templates for conferences

If you require a research poster for a conference, we have a selection of University branded templates available for use.

Where Essex has endorsed/sponsored/or given accreditation to another organisation, endorsement wording can be used to clearly define the relationship between Essex and our partners.

Choice of wording should be agreed on a case-by-case basis.

Examples of acceptable descriptions include:

• in partnership with
• in association with
• sponsored by/Proud Sponsor of
• an initiative with
• in collaboration with