VIU logo guide

Using the primary logos

Full colour primary logo

• Use when the audience is unlikely to recognize “VIU.”
• Do not layer over images. Retain the white background.

Primary variants (white, blue and black)

• Use when the audience is unlikely to recognize “VIU.”
• You can layer these variants over images if there is enough contrast that the logo text is easy to read.

Minimum sizes for primary logos – full colour and variants 

• print: width of 1.125 (1 ⅛) inches
• digital: width of 100 pixels
• apparel: width of 3 inches

Secondary Logo

The secondary logos features the mountain and waves graphic above the letters VIU. There is a full-colour version as well as three one-tone variants in white, blue and black.

Using the secondary logos

Full-colour secondary logo

• can be used for audiences familiar with the university or when "Vancouver Island University" is used prominently nearby
• cannot be layered over images. Retain the white background.

Secondary variants (white, blue and black)

• can be used for audiences familiar with the university or when "Vancouver Island University" is used prominently nearby
• can be layered over images or over any VIU brand colour 

Minimum colours for secondary logos – full colour and variants

• print: width of 0.875 (⅞) inches  
• digital: width of 70 pixels  
• apparel: width of 2 inches 

Spacing – all logos

All logos should have a clear space around them. The clear space should equal the height of the letters in the logo. In the primary logo this is the height of the stacked words “Vancouver Island University”

Clear space means free of graphical elements, text or other logos. When a logo is placed over an image, the clear space will be an area free of high contrast elements in the image beneath the logo.

Contrast – all logos

When layering the variants over images, there must be enough contrast so that all parts of the logo are clear – the text and the images. Use a variant colour that contrasts with the dominant colour on the image. Logos should be placed over a part of the image that is low contrast, with similar tones and that does not feature important visual elements.

Minimum size notes

Minimum logo sizes ensure the logo is legible and rendered accurately. In some cases, it may be necessary to use a logo at a size smaller than these minimums. Before doing so, please contact Brand and Marketing for assistance and approval. 

Logo dos and don’ts  

Do:  

• use an initials version of the logo for local area and on-campus applications  
• use the primary logo where a formal tone is required
• use a current version of the logo for all new or updated materials. Current logos are available on the Marketing and Communications resources page
• ensure you have sufficient contrast when layering a logo over an image
• allow for clear space around the logo
• contact Brand and Marketing if you have any questions

Do not: 

• change the colour of any piece of the logo
• squish or stretch the logo in any way
• alter the logo fonts
• add any text to the logo (this includes department names)
• modify or replace the logo’s icon
• separate the icon from the rest of the logo or use it on its own. 
• have other graphics, text or logos too close to the logo  
• place a logo over an image without sufficient contrast
• place graphic elements, text or other logos too close to the VIU logo

Wordmarks

Instead of a horizontal version of the logo, we are now using a wordmark. 

Unit identifiers 

The unit identifier system is used to highlight and recognize specific areas within VIU, such as departments, programs, or faculties, in a flexible yet consistent manner, while reinforcing the connection to the primary VIU identity. Several templates have been created to meet the varied needs of the university. 

How to get a unit identifier 

Requests for new unit identifiers must be submitted to Brand and Marketing.

Unit identifier examples

Two lines 

Single line

Initials

Approved exceptions 

• Alumni 
• Shq’apthut 
• Mariners 
• Milner 

Additional identifiers 

Coat of Arms  

Armorial bearings, such as a coat of arms (sometimes called a crest), are considered honours granted from the Canadian Crown. The Vancouver Island University coat of arms was developed by the Canadian Heraldic Authority originally for Malaspina University-College and was officially adopted on May 20, 1995.  

• The coat of arms is limited to specific formal uses, including formal communications from the President, Chancellor, Senate and Board of Governors.  
• The coat of arms is used for ceremonial purposes such as convocation, in formal invitations and in authorized commemorative gifts or products.  
• Use of the coat of arms must be approved by the Brand and Marketing department. 

Seal  

The official Vancouver Island University seal features the shield elements from the institutional coat of arms and is used for the most formal expressions of the university’s identity, primarily to authorize parchments awarded to graduates. Due to its nature as an element involved in the formalizing of degree granting, and as the official identification of the university on contracts and other legal documents, the seal has very limited uses outside of these primary functions.  

Questions around appropriate use of the seal may be directed to the Office of the Registrar or the Brand and Marketing department. 

RGB logos

RGB logos are for digital projects.

• RGB primary logos
• RGB secondary logos
• RGB wordmarks

CMYK logos

CMYK logos are for print projects. 

• CMYK primary logos
• CMYK secondary logos
• CMYK wordmarks