Merchandise Design Guideline Updates 

On May 18, 2026, we updated our brand guidance for merchandise, creating a new sub-page to clarify the design guidelines for use of official logos and marks, plain text, original artwork, and event, campaign, and accent graphics. We also added guidance on proper logo use based on imprint method (e.g. embroidery, embossing and debossing, glass etching, etc.), and generative AI use.  

These updates were informed by stakeholder feedback and our efforts to streamline licensing approvals for internal merchandise orders. The following bullet points highlight the updated and new content to look for on the existing Merchandise page and the new Merchandise Design Guidelines page. 

Merchandise page:

• Changed the page name from Promo Items & Merchandise to Merchandise  
• Internal Brand Store: Added a promotional block to highlight the store and moved the rest of the ready-to-order options to the bottom of the page 
• Ordering & Licensing Process–Choose Your Product: Added existing product color guidance to “Choose Your Product” step. Was formerly nested under the Merchandise Design Guidelines section.
• Ordering & Licensing Process–Create Your Artwork: Updated to point to new Merchandise Design Guidelines page for more details.
• Ordering & Licensing Process–Receive Approval: Added common issues that can prevent licensing approval. 

Merchandise Design Guidelines page:  

• Official Logos & Marks: No change in guidelines—inclusion of an official logo or mark is always preferred. Also highlighting existing guidance from our Co-Branding page regarding the use of one logo at a time.  
• Plain Text: New guidance on what plain text is and how it can be applied to merchandise. This is the preferred formatting for a unit name when a unit lock-up does not fit in the imprint area.  
• Original Artwork: Updated guidance for creation and use of original artwork (formerly “custom artwork”)—specifically, how to include a unit name shorthand or acronym in artwork without appearing as a custom logo. Use of a full unit name in artwork is no longer permitted. Also clarifying that original merchandise artwork should be used on merchandise only.  
• Generative AI: Highlighting existing guidance from our Artificial Intelligence page—generative AI is not recommended for merchandise artwork.  
• Imprint methods: New guidance on which logo file (Heritage Blue/Black or White) to use based on chosen imprint method.  

If you have any questions regarding these updates, please contact [email protected].