Merchandise 

Consider what type of merchandise your audience will be most interested in. Our internal brand store includes a selection of items sourced with sustainability in mind. No matter which vendor you work with, we encourage avoiding tchotchkes and trinkets that will end up in the back of a drawer, or worse, a landfill. Apparel is always a hit, especially if it’s branded as “Hopkins.” Check out our blog post on “Getting Strategic with Giveaways” for inspiration!

Select products that use our primary blues or choose a neutral base like gray, black, or white. Other color products can be considered when a strategic need is presented, and the context is made clear in the design (e.g., Orange for Gun Violence Awareness, Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness, and Rainbow for Pride).

You may find that the available product and print colors don’t exactly match our PMS color values. If this is the case, try for a close match, choosing the “navy” or “blue” default colors. When full-color imprint is an option, our color palette must be used.

Note: We do not allow medical or medical-adjacent products (e.g., lip balm, mints, hand sanitizer, etc.) to be branded with the Hopkins name or logos. Consumables are permitted on a case-by-case basis. View our full list of prohibited items.

If you’re including a Johns Hopkins trademark (logos, names, etc.) in your design or paying for the merchandise with Hopkins funds, you are required to use a licensed vendor for production. Vendors are licensed through Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC), are required to be members of the Fair Labor Association, and submit merchandise designs to an official licensing review portal for approval. Being a CLC licensed vendor is not the same as being a registered vendor within the Johns Hopkins procurement system.

All manufacturers and vendors currently licensed to produce merchandise on behalf of Johns Hopkins University can be found via CLC’s Licensee Search. You’ll find both local and national approved vendors in your search. A few licensed vendors who are well-versed in the Johns Hopkins brand guidelines and processes include:

Local

• API Source – Greenbelt, MD
  Cindy Wendt
  800-507-7007 x 7003
  C: 240-508-7603
  [email protected]
• Brandor – Hanover, MD
  Mark Waskey
  443-805-9605
  [email protected]
• G&G Outfitters – Lanham, MD
  Trisha Burgan
  301-731-2269
  C: 630-207-1997
  [email protected]
• JHU Campus Store – Baltimore, MD
  Valerie Cummings
  443-899-1329
  [email protected]
• Non Stop Promotions – Columbia, MD
  Lauren Cawley
  C: 443-824-4884
  [email protected]
• SpecWorks – Baltimore, MD
  Corina Peacock
  O: 888-773-2967
  C: 443-604-5545
  [email protected]

National

• Blue Sky
  Courtney Shapiro
  (847) 710-5954
  [email protected]
• Club Colors
  Tyler Kraus
  847-744-6095
  [email protected]
• Geiger
  Lovey Stofko
  410-878-7661
  [email protected]
• 4Imprint
• CustomInk

When creating artwork for merchandise, it is essential to follow the design guidelines for official logos, plain text, original art, and event, campaign, and accent graphics. When in doubt, submit your artwork to [email protected] for additional guidance and keep in mind that most people will be happy with a simple “Johns Hopkins University” item.

Per our contract with Hopkins’ licensed vendors, the vendor must independently submit your artwork to the University Communications licensing review portal for approval. University Communications cannot influence the speed at which vendors submit their artwork for review. Once University Communications receives artwork from a vendor, it will typically be reviewed within 1-2 business days. In some cases, additional stakeholders must review, and changes may be required to the artwork, which will increase review times. You and/or your vendor will receive an email notification if this is the case.

The JHU licensing team will review your artwork for brand compliance. If your artwork is approved, the vendor will receive a notification to move forward with production. If a brand flag is raised, your order will not be approved, and you and/or your vendor will receive an email with details on how to remediate the issue.

Common issues that can prevent approval include:

• Incorrect logo color being used
• Text or graphic encroaching in a logo’s required clear space
• Logo placed in too small of an imprint area, not meeting minimum size requirement
• Off-brand font used without strategic need or proper license
• Product color other than blue or neutral
• Unofficial logo being used