University Marks
The Johns Hopkins University brand includes various supporting marks, each with its own use cases and guidance. These marks uniquely articulate our brand and are limited in circulation to preserve their intended purpose.
Academic Seal
Adopted by the board of trustees on December 7, 1885, the academic seal represents the university’s dedication to the advancement of knowledge in service to the community and the world. The design originates from the collaborative work of Baltimore historian Clayton C. Hall, Esq. and Stephen Tucker, Esq., the Somerset Herald at the College of Arms in London.
The seal may only be used with permission from University Communications. It can never be altered or varied. Contact [email protected] for permission and files.
Full-Color Seal
The full-color seal of Johns Hopkins University is reserved for official documents—including diplomas, presidential and trustee minutes, and other legal, academic, or official university documentation—or the highest awards and certificates.
Single-Color Seal
The single-color seal may be used for formal occasions and products, including items for Commencement; specific gift items in brass, silver, or pewter; appropriate clothing (blazers, not t-shirts); and university chairs.
The truth will set you free
The University Archives preserves the original handwritten minutes of the board of trustees going back to 1870. The minutes for December 7, 1885, include a description of the various elements of the seal, reading in part: “The escutcheon shall be represented as suspended from an oak branch; below shall be the motto, Veritas vos Liberabit.”
—James Stimpert, Senior Reference Archivist, Sheridan Libraries in a Letter to the Editor in Johns Hopkins Magazine, Summer 2018
Spirit Marks
Our spirit marks were created to evoke a sense of energy and Blue Jay pride. They’re ideally suited to represent Hopkins Athletics but are available for use across the enterprise to support brand affinity. Spirit marks may not replace the primary logo on any communication, and they may not be altered or combined with other graphics or text.
Split Block H
The Split Block H can be considered for use as a spirit mark to represent affinity among our alumni and current student audiences. It may not be altered or locked with any logos or text. The color division of the H should never change direction, nor should the proportion or the font change.
Blue Jay Marks
Our Blue Jay Marks set expands on the bird rendering seen in Johns Hopkins’ official Athletics logo. While the Blue Jay Head (Side View) has been in use since 2014, the rest of the set was introduced in late 2025.
Only one Blue Jay Mark should appear in a design, but all four marks may be used across a design series, such as light pole banners. Cropping is permitted, but the graphics may not be altered in any other way. Additional colorways, including one-color black and one-color white, are available, but use of the full-color marks is preferred. No other text or graphics may be locked to these marks, except for in licensed merchandise design.
Custom blue jay illustrations and iconography are not allowed without permission from University Communications.
Note: The Shielded Blue Jay is reserved for use by Johns Hopkins Athletics only.
Blue Jay Head (Side View)
Blue Jay Head (Front Facing)
Blue Jay Body (Side View)
Blue Jay Body (Front Facing)
Mascot Marks
Johns Hopkins’ mascot, Jay (they/them), is a great characterization of Blue Jay pride. This set of marks was created in 2025 to capture Jay’s energy when they’re out and about on campus or attending our athletic competitions. Jay appeals primarily to our undergraduate audience, but may also be used in communications to graduate students, alumni, etc.
Only one Mascot Mark should appear in a design, but all four illustrations may be used across a design series, such as light pole banners. Cropping is permitted, but the marks may not be altered in any other way, such as changing the text on Jay’s sign, altering Jay’s clothes, or having Jay hold something. No additional colorways are available for these illustrations—full color must always be used. Only University Communications is permitted to make alterations to the Mascot Marks.
To protect the integrity of Jay and avoid brand confusion, custom mascot illustrations are not permitted.
Jay in Black Shirt
Jay in Spirit Blue Shirt
Jay with Sign
Jay in White Shirt
Baby Jay
The Baby Jay graphic was created specifically for use on youth merchandise and collateral specific to youth and family programming. Alternative uses must be approved by University Communications.
Imagery
Photos and videos of Jay can be used in promotional materials, particularly those pertaining to undergraduate students. An extensive photo album of Jay imagery is available for download. This album contains cut-out Jay images with transparent backgrounds, as well as Jay in context on campus.
Note: The mascot costume was updated in 2019. Images of the old mascot should be avoided.
Simple Poses
Athletics
Academic
Seasonal
Miscellaneous
