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Visual Identity

Using the Foundation Logo

The Foundation logo consists of the diamond symbol, logotype, and optionally, the tagline. The logo is available in a variety of formats that are used depending on the application and availability of space. In order to keep a consistent look and feel, do not stretch, condense, or abstract the signature. Any modification can create confusion and reduce the impact of the logo.


The Foundation's horizontal logo is most commonly used and can be seen in the majority of our communications. The Zip file below includes a full set of color, black, and white versions of the primary logo without tagline.

Download Zip of horizontal logo >


The Foundation's stacked logo works well when space is limited such as branded items (badge holders, flash drives, notebooks). The Zip file below includes a full set of color, black, and white versions of the stacked logo.

Download Zip of stacked logo >


Clear Space

It is important that the logo is given its own space, and is not crowded by other graphic elements. No text, images, or graphics should appear inside the clear space around the logo.

 

The recommended clear space is the width of the diamond.

 

The minimum clear space is 1/2 the width of the diamond.


Do Nots

Do not stretch or compress the logo.

 

Do not recolor the logo.

 

Do not allow the logo to appear pixelated or degraded.

 

Do not place the logo on a busy background.

Color Palette

Foundation blue is the organization’s primary color and should be used prominently in all applications. Green is an accent color and should be used with restraint. Only Foundation blue and dark gray may be used for text on light backgrounds.

Color palette graphic

Typography

Commons is our main typeface for titles and headings. Its geometric forms and friendly demeanor let it be authoritative yet welcoming.

 

Meta Serif is our main typeface for text. Its blend of traditional and modern features let it look established without seeming dated.


Example Type Progression


Alternate Typefaces

When Commons and Meta are unavailable, open source typefaces Inter and Noto can be substituted. 

Imagery

Alongside the Foundation color palette and typography, imagery and photography are used to provide a visual representation of the people, places and guiding principles the Foundation for California Community College epitomizes. 

Imagery can be generally categorized into three seperate areas: people (students, staffs, faculty, leadership and partners), places (116 campuses statewide, partnership organizations, and the Foundation offices, etc.), and concepts (the Foundation pillars and sapling, for instance). 

Note: Take special care when using photographs from timely events that are captured by attendees using phone cameras as opposed to those taken by professional or staff photographers using professional equipment - cropping and/or photo editing may be necessary. If you have any questions or need help selecting or editing the photograph, please let the Communications team know. 

Communications Team Approach to Selecting Photos

Avoid stock photography: When possible, the team uses original images from California Community College students that present authenticity. 
NOTE: If original photography is not an option, we use stock images that are not overly posed or cliché.

Photo Location Credit: If using images from California Community College locations or students/staff/professors, the team will use a photo credit of the location. 
NOTE: If capturing images of individual students, staff, or faculty, a signed Photo Release form is required, which can be downloaded here.

Avoid filters: If using stock photography, the team avoids images with overly stylized photography filters or effects such as lens flares, extreme color saturation, or high dynamic range.

Crop appropriately: The subject of photo (people or location) should be appropriately cropped within the frame. Subjects should not appear far away or too close. 

Be mindful of lighting: Images should be bright and airy and should depict the subjects in a positive and affirming manner. 

Diversity: All photos should reflect the California Community Colleges audience we serve.

Longevity: The team tries to select photos that will maintain their relevance, and assumes they will remain in print circulation for several years. 

Avoid repetition: If a photo is used in a primary manner on a given program, the team does not use the same photo in a primary manner on another program. 

Be aware of context: Photos ought to reflect the content that is being communicated. 

Use images with people, avoid objects and too much architecture: The California Community Colleges reflect the best of humanity in the state of California. The team makes sure to use images that reflect those aspects. 


 

Examples of Good Original Photography

Students appear candid, lighting is consistent, and recognizable campus facilities are evident.

 

Students evoke positivity as well as diversity. 

 

Representation of diverse students with supportive and friendly staff in a room with good and even lighting.  

 


 

Examples of Good Stock Photography

An effective group image that conveys seriousness of the subject while clear focus and depth of field in a natural and believable classroom setting. 

 

Bold and crisp color emphasizes confident and strong workforce-themed student image. 

 

While this is stock photography, it can easily be mistaken as original photography from a community college campus. 

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