The Johns Hopkins signature may not be used as a substitute for the university logo or seal. It may not be altered or locked up with the logo or seal. The signature may be used as a graphic element for informal uses, including wall art, brochures, banners, invitations, and clothing.

Use only digital artwork available for download. Do not redraw or alter the signature.

The signature may be used in any color or background that allows for proper readability.

Use only digital artwork at brand.jhu.edu. Do not redraw or alter the signature.

The signature is carefully drawn, authentic artwork, so any alteration is considered a misuse.

• Do not redraw or typeset the signature.
• Do not use the signature as an alternative to the university logo.
• Do not use the signature on imagery or backgrounds that are cluttered or do not provide sufficient contrast.

The minimum size for the signature artwork is 1.5 inches in print and 100 pixels for digital. Reproducing the artwork smaller than the minimum size may lead to poor legibility.

Shields from the university logo and the divisional logos may be used on their own as graphic elements on signs and other marketing materials. However, the shield must be kept intact. The book, globe, and crest of Lord Baltimore must not be altered or deleted.

The shield can be used in a variety of opacities and colors, but that is the only way in which the shield can be altered.

The shield can be rendered in any color, but to change the color you must choose the correct shield file to begin. If you want the shield to be darker than the background, use the black shield file to change the color. If you want the shield color to be lighter than the background, use the white shield file to change the color.

Do not use the shield with any typography that essentially creates a new logo—a lockup used repeatedly for an extended period of time.

If you have questions about the use of the shield as art, please contact us.

Quick check: The black logo file uses a solid shield while the white logo file uses an outline for the shield.

Shield art files are located within the university logo bundle that downloads from brand.jhu.edu.

The strongest, most recognizable identity that university entities can project is that of the university itself. The identity system is flexible and allows for expression and customized visual presentation without the creation of new logos.

In certain instances, such as temporary initiatives, fundraising campaigns, and institutional celebrations, a unique graphic identifier may be created. Graphic identifiers are not logos. They cannot be used to replace an approved logo. Graphic identifiers must follow the color and font guidelines in this document and must be approved by University Communications. For internally focused communications (i.e., communications developed for faculty, staff, students, or alumni), an approved logo does not have to appear on initial view when using a graphic identifier. For all other communications, an approved logo must appear on initial view with the graphic identifier.

Please contact your school or divisional communications office for assistance.

The university logo architecture does not include separate logos for divisional departments, institutes, or centers, or for university administration departments. For this treatment, we recommend using a line to separate the elements. Unit name should be presented in Gentona Bold in upper and lower case, making a good contrast to the logo font.

These treatments are not logos, yet clear space guidelines must be followed.

Application might range from a print ad or brochure to a website. This is not to be used, however, as a design solution for stationery.

Please contact your school or divisional communications office for assistance.

Here, the preferred clear space between the university logo and the unit name is equal to the width of the shield graphic for the horizontal layout. The clear space for the vertical layout is measured by the height of the capital H in Hopkins. The dividing line falls in the middle of the clear space. No additional text or graphic element may encroach on this space. This applies to all Divisional and Interdisciplinary logos.

Also see clear space guidelines for the university logo.

Please contact your school or divisional communications office for assistance.