Brand and Style Guide
Our Logo
WORDMARK
The U.S. Air Force Academy logo visually represents us to the world and it is critical that the visual elements that represent our institution are presented correctly and with integrity to bolster our reputation and brand recognition. When determining which variation to use in a layout, consider the orientation of the area. If the area is wider than it is tall, the horizontal wordmarks should be used. If the area is taller than it is wide, the vertical wordmark should be used.
Clear Space
To preserve the logo’s integrity, always maintain a minimum clear space around the logo. The clear space isolates the logo from any competing graphic elements such as type, photography and background patterns that may divert attention. At a minimum, a space equal to the height of the A should surround the top, bottom, left and right side of the wordmark. Adding more clear space around the logo is accepted and encouraged.
X Do not size logo components independently.
X Do not alter placement of components.
X Do not rotate the logo.
X Do not remove logo components. This is only acceptable when using the logomark.
X Do not condense, stretch or distort the logo.
X Do not use drop shadows, strokes or other visual effects.
X Do not recolor the logo, even if the color is an approved brand color.
X Do not add embellishments.
X Do not swap the colors of the logo elements.
X Do not attempt to separate the characters.
X Do not add other graphical elements.
X Do not use any colors other than the approved logo color palette.
X Do not embed images in the logo.
X Do not place the logomark over a busy image or pattern.
X Do not rearrange the characters.
X Do not place logo inside state or country outlines.
X Do not combine logo with any flag.
Primary Mark
Our Primary Mark for athletics is a collegiate outline letter treatment of our logomark. It may be applied in any of the color configurations shown here. The one-color modified outline treatment is used when our two-color treatment cannot be applied.
Primary Mark with Descriptor
Both versions of our Primary Mark may appear with an athletic descriptor, when needed. The typesetting and placement specifications shown on this page should always be used and not modified for any reason. When combining words with our Primary Mark only use names/title descriptors that are included on the approved list shown below. Contact U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications Directorate (USAFA/CM) at 719.333.7818 for approval of new name/title descriptors that may be needed prior to creating artwork. Our descriptor must be typeset in AIR CORPS JNL font and appear in one solid color as shown on. Do not alter the height proportions or placement of the descriptor for any reason.
Usage Guidelines
The cap height for the descriptor in the vertical configuration is indicated with the “Z” variable and the leading for additional lines is 150% of “Z.”
Secondary Wordmark
Our Athletics Wordmark is designed for use on Athletic uniforms and promotional/event communications. Use only approved artwork files for reproduction–do not recreate or typeset our wordmark for any reason.
Wordmark with Descriptor
When creating descriptor names/titles with our Wordmark, only use words that are included on the approved descriptor list shown on page 31. Words must be typeset in AIR CORPS JNL font. There is only one version of our Wordmark with descriptor approved for use. Do not alter the height proportions or placement of the descriptor lettering for any reason.
Usage Guidelines
The specification settings for the descriptor are based on the cap height of the Wordmark, not including the border. Descriptor cap height is 55%, leading is 75% for each row and the outline stroke is 3% extended from each letter. The tracking is 325 thousands of an em space. Descriptors with multiple words containing more than 10 characters or spaces need to utilize multiple lines.
Secondary Bolt Mark
Our Bolt can also be used as a secondary mark for Athletics. The color combinations shown here, utilizing Academy Blue and Gray, and black are the only approved colors for our Bolt. Only the Athletic Department can use the bolt.
