Logos
The GW logo (and its variations) is the most visible and distilled element of GW’s brand. GW’s suite of logos, which we call the “signature system,” includes the university masterbrand logos; school logos; center and institute logos; administrative department logos; academic department logos; and program, initiative, and event logos.
Using GW Logos
- Maintain the logo's original width-to-height proportions. Let us know if you need help resizing.
- Surround the logo with as much clear space as possible.
- Legibility is key. Make sure the background under the logo is plain and simple.
- Stick to the logo’s approved color configurations.
- Only use logo files from MCS.
Primary Logos
The primary logo should be used whenever possible to represent the university as a whole. It must be used in most internal- and external-facing communications.
These files are high-resolution and vector files that are intended for use in printed materials, as well as PNGs for use on the web. If you would like to request alternative formats of the institutional logos or other logos from our signature system, please email [email protected]. Be sure to include specific information relating to the specifications and how the logo will be used.
| Two-color Positive Primary Logo | Two-color Positive Primary.png file | Two-color Positive Primary.eps file |
| Two-color Reverse Primary Logo | Two-color Reverse Primary.png file | Two-color Reverse Primary.eps file |
| Blue Primary Logo | Blue Primary.png file | Blue Primary.eps file |
| Black Primary Logo | Black Primary.png file | Black Primary.eps file |
| White Primary Logo | White Primary.png file | White Primary.eps file |
Placement
To maintain a flexible consistency in appearance, the primary logo must always be placed in one of the four corners of a page layout, or left- or right-aligned on a page. When possible, avoid centering the primary logo.
Clear Space
GW’s logos are most effective when surrounded by as much open space as possible. A minimum amount of clear space must surround the logo at all times. One quarter of the width of the primary logo is required as clear space around the logo.
Minimum Size
To ensure visibility and legibility, the logo should never be represented in a width smaller than .375 inches for print application or 54 pixels for digital application.
Incorrect Use
Correct and consistent use of the primary logo is an essential part of building brand equity. Never alter the primary logo, or apply any graphic effects that would compromise the visual integrity or prominence of the logo.
Horizontal Logo
The horizontal logo is representative of the university as a whole. It is used when spacial restrictions do not accommodate the primary logo. However, it should never be used as preference over the primary logo.
These files are high-resolution and vector files that are intended for use in printed materials, as well as PNGs for use on the web. If you would like to request alternative formats of the institutional logos or other logos from our signature system, please email [email protected]. Be sure to include specific information relating to the specifications and how the logo will be used.
| Two-color Positive Horizontal Logo | Two-color Positive Horizontal.png file | Two-color Positive Horizontal.eps file |
| Two-color Reverse Horizontal Logo | Two-color Reverse Horizontal.png file | Two-color Reverse Horizontal.eps file |
| Blue Horizontal Logo | Blue Horizontal.png file | Blue Horizontal.eps file |
| Black Horizontal Logo | Black Horizontal.png file | Black Horizontal.eps file |
| White Horizontal Logo | White Horizontal.png file | White Horizontal.eps file |
Placement
To maintain a flexible consistency in appearance, the horizontal logo should always be centered. The horizontal logo can be used as a sign-off on the back of a document.
Clear Space
GW’s logos are most effective when surrounded by as much open space as possible. A minimum amount of clear space must surround the logo at all times. The distance between the bars in the horizontal logo is required as clear space around the logo.
Minimum Size
To ensure visibility and legibility, the logo should never be represented in a width smaller than 1.5 inches for print application or 180 pixels for digital application.
Incorrect Use
Correct and consistent use of the horizontal logo is an essential part of building brand equity. Never alter the horizontal logo, or apply any graphic effects that would compromise the visual integrity or prominence of the logo.
Monogram
The monogram is the least formal identity in the logo suite. Merchandise is the only application where the monogram can appear on its own. All other uses of the monogram must be used in visual proximity to the primary, horizontal, or to a school, center, or institute logo.
These files are high-resolution and vector files that are intended for use in printed materials, as well as PNGs for use on the web. If you would like to request alternative formats of the institutional logos or other logos from our signature system, please email [email protected]. Be sure to include specific information relating to the specifications and how the logo will be used.
| Two-color Positive Monogram | Two-color Positive Monogram.png file | Two-color Positive Monogram.eps file |
| Two-color Reverse Monogram | Two-color Reverse Monogram.png file | Two-color Reverse Monogram.eps file |
| Blue Monogram | Blue Monogram.png file | Blue Monogram.eps file |
| Black Monogram | Black Monogram.png file | Black Monogram.eps file |
| White Monogram |
Clear Space
GW’s logos are most effective when surrounded by as much open space as possible. A minimum amount of clear space must surround the logo at all times. One quarter of the width of the monogram is required as clear space around the logo.
Minimum Size
To ensure visibility and legibility, the monogram should never be represented in a width smaller than .25 inches for print application or 27 pixels for digital application.
Incorrect Use
Correct and consistent use of the monogram is an essential part of building brand equity. Never alter the monogram, or apply any graphic effects that would compromise the visual integrity or prominence of the logo.
Portrait Logo
The portrait logos should only be used on materials that convey a serious, dignified tone, which makes their use most often suitable on institutional-level, informational and some marketing materials. Portrait logos should never be used in proximity to any of the other logos in the signature system, including department, school, center or institute logos.
There are no downloadable files for the Portrait logo available. The Portrait logo is limited in use to only institutional materials, per the Identity Standards and Guidelines (PDF) (page 23). If you are working on an institutional communications project and would like to request the Portrait logo, please email [email protected].
Placement
To maintain a flexible consistency in appearance, portrait logos should most often be placed in one of the four corners of a page layout, or left- or right-aligned on a page. When possible, avoid centering a portrait logo.
Clear Space
GW’s logos are most effective when surrounded by as much open space as possible. A minimum amount of clear space must surround the logo at all times. One quarter of the width of the text portion of the portrait logos (vertical and horizontal versions) is required as clear space around the logos.
Minimum Size
To ensure visibility and legibility, the horizontal portrait logo should never be represented in a width smaller than .63 inches for print application or 93 pixels for digital application. The vertical portrait logo should never be represented in a width smaller than .375 inches for print applications or 54 pixels for digital application.
Incorrect Use
Correct and consistent use of the portrait logo is an essential part of building brand equity. Never alter the portrait logo, or apply any graphic effects that would compromise the visual integrity or prominence of the logo.
Athletics Logos
Although athletic logos are an important representation of the George Washington University brand, they do not have to be used in visual proximity to any of the institutional logos. They are only to be used on materials for the Athletic Department.
If you are with a third party or want to use an athletics logo on merchandise, please send licensing requests to [email protected]. For any other athletics logo use request, please email [email protected].
Licensing
The availability of GW’s logos does not constitute a license for their use. Only authorized members of the university community may download and use GW’s logos, provided they do so in accordance with GW’s Identity Standards and Guidelines (PDF).
If you are a third party, please request approval to use GW marks.
Contact Us
GW’s logos are an important part of our brand, so we want to make sure you have every resource available to use them properly. Questions? Email [email protected].
Request a New Logo
Email [email protected] to request the creation of a school, center, institute, administrative department or academic department logo.
Submit a project request to create a program, initiative or event logo.
