Logo

Find out how our logo should be used and how to apply it to your designs.

Getting our logo

If you’re working with a roster designer, they already have all our assets including logo.

If you’re not, send us your request to use the logo including draft artwork. Email dcm@sussex.ac.uk.

We may request some changes to the design before providing a high-resolution logo.

Important

All schools, departments and units at Sussex must follow our brand guidelines. Doing so maximises the reach of your work and builds on the strengths of our collective effort. You should never make your own logo or create a sub-brand.

If you need the logo for a digital project please contact the DCM team with details regading its proposed use: dcm@sussex.ac.uk.

Using our logo

The University of Sussex logo is one of the most important components of our identity. Together with our other core elements – colour, typography and tone of voice – it expresses who we are.

Make sure the logo is used correctly to maintain a strong and clear identity.

University of Sussex logos in opposing colourways

The logo comprises two elements: the US symbol and the “University of Sussex” wordmark.

These elements sit on a central axis and the logo should always be centred. This reflects the centrally-aligned look of early Sussex publications.

The University of Sussex logo, denoting the wordmark and symbol

The logo must always appear with a minimum clear space around it that is twice the height of the Y in the wordmark. This is to protect the clarity and visual integrity of our logo.

The University of Sussex logo, showing the minimum space around it

Minimum size

To ensure legibility the logo must never be reproduced at widths less than:

  • 12mm for print applications

  • 70px for on-screen applications.

Measure the width from the widest part of the wordmark.

Make sure the logo can be read easily on-screen as readability can be affected by resolution, device size and applications.

Recommended sizes

Use these measurements to guide the width of the logo on each size of communication:

  • A2 – 42mm

  • A3 – 30mm

  • A4 – 22mm

  • A5 – 16mm

  • A6 – 12mm.

If the format is not a standard ‘A’ size, measure based on the closest ‘A’ size.

Colour usage

The University of Sussex logo, black and white colourway

The most common colourway for our logo is black on white, as shown above.

You can also use combinations of colours from our primary and secondary brand palettes.

Readability and accessibility

Make sure the logo is legible. For example, use a light colour and a dark one to create a strong contrast between the logo and the background.

For screen use, ensure the colour combinations pass our accessibility guidelines.

Tone

Your choice of colour combination can help set the right tone in your communication.

Formal colourways use more subtle combinations.

Spirited colourways are more vibrant.

Co-branding with external partners

Each logo should sit side by side and be equally balanced visually. They should be divided by a vertical rule.

Try to match the size and heaviness of each logo by eye to make them appear of equal importance.

University of Sussex logo lock-up with a partner organisation

The dividing rule should be the:

  • height of the US symbol

  • thickness of the letter I in our wordmark

  • distance from each logo of three Y characters from our wordmark.

Always use our approved artwork.

How not to use the logo

Do not try to alter or re-create the logo. This would undermine the integrity of our brand.

How not to use the University of Sussex logo, showing it skewed

Never rotate, skew or distort the logo.

How not to use the University of Sussex logo, showing it stretched

Never stretch the logo, vertically or horizontally.

How not to use the University of Sussex logo, showing it with a gradient

Never colour the logo with a gradient or effect.

How not to use the University of Sussex logo, showing the elements spread out

Never move or alter the elements in the logo.

How not to use the University of Sussex logo, showing it outlined

Never outline the logo.

How not to use the University of Sussex logo, showing it spaced differently

Never create your own spatial arrangements.

How not to use the University of Sussex logo, showing it boxed

Never place the logo in a small container.

How not to use the University of Sussex logo, showing it misaligned

Always use central alignment when placing the logo.

Other logos

The University of Sussex Business School and the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts have their own logos and identity guidelines.

See Business School branding guidelines.

All other schools, departments and units within the University of Sussex must follow our brand guidelines. Doing so maximises the reach of your work and builds on the strengths of our collective effort.

To make sure the Sussex brand is clearly visible to our audiences, always use our logo. Never make your own logo or create a sub-brand.

This includes adding the name of your school, department or unit in close proximity to the logo as a two-part lock-up.

How not to use the University of Sussex logo, showing it with another name next to it
How not to use the University of Sussex logo, showing it with another name next to it

Find out how to use our elements to follow the correct approach.


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