Start something campaign
These guidelines will assist in creating Start something campaign materials for the University of Calgary.
Guidelines
Below is an overview of the elements used in the University of Calgary's Start something campaign. For a more detailed description on how to use each element, please refer to the latest full set of guidelines.
Please contact us if you have any questions about the visual identity for the campaign, or would like to request files.
On this page:
When to use Start something elements
All faculties, units, and initiatives are welcome to incorporate the Start something elements when your project is representing or speaking to the spirit of entrepreneurial thinking, and how that work ladders up to UCalgary’s brand promise.
The Start something elements should be used with purpose, not as a random visual element and should always have a connection to the greater Start something message.
Questions about using these elements in your project? Please contact us.
UC Spark
The UC spark symbolizes the spirit of Start something and the entrepreneurial university. It represents the energy, excitement, and innovation that is a part of what we do here at UCalgary. It also speaks to the connections that make up our community and embodies how we come together as one. Please contact us if you would like to request spark files.
The spark is not a logo and should not be used in place of the UCalgary logo.
Primary sparks
The primary UC sparks based on the UCalgary brand colours of red and gold. The sparks highlight the letters U and C to represent the University of Calgary. These sparks should be used for campaign materials that represent the university as a whole, and are the preferred sparks for usage.
The U and C shapes in the spark should always be visible. The spark can be rotated +/- 15 degrees, but should not rotate past those points. The spark should be at least 1 inch (70 px) wide. If needing a smaller spark, please use a secondary spark.
Red primary UC spark
Gold primary UC spark
White primary UC spark
Secondary sparks
The secondary sparks are simplified versions of the primary spark. They are for use in single-colour materials, such as black-and-white print materials, or when the spark needs to be smaller than 1 inch (70 px) wide.
Like the primary sparks, the U and C shapes should always be visible, and the spark should not be rotated more than +/- 15 degrees.
Red secondary UC spark
Gold secondary UC spark
Black secondary UC spark
White secondary UC spark
Use with photography
Large, primary UC sparks can be incorporated into images, highlighting UCalgary students, faculty and staff who are showing entrepreneurial spirit. When the spark is intended as a standout element of the image, the colours within the photo need to be muted to allow the spark to be the primary focus.
Image with gold primary spark
Image with red primary spark
UCalgary photographs with the spark already added in are available on the UCalgary photography DAM. (Use search term "Creative Assets" to filter images. Alternatively, find the "Creative Assets" folder in the left menu. It is the first folder nested under the "UCalgary Photos" folder.)
For images where there isn't space for the large spark to be included, the colour of the image needs to stay at full saturation, or for portraits, the spark can sit as a small icon on top of the image. The image's original colour does not need to be altered. A light or dark gradient may be added to help the spark stand out from the image.
Portrait example with small, primary spark
Group photo example with small, primary spark
Patterns
To create vibrancy, patterns have been created for use with the campaign. These patterns can be used as a background element on their own, and incorporate the shapes found in the primary spark icons. Please contact us for pattern files.
The pattern in red
The pattern in gold
Patterns can be used in a variety of ways. They can be full-bleed backgrounds, like in the presentation templates, or they can be added as a border element, like the top bar on the letterhead template.
Campaign wordmarks
The “Start something.” wordmark is available in one- and two-line versions to suit a variety of formats and assets. The wordmark is available in black, white and red, as well as in a lockup format with the UC spark. To request the wordmark files, please contact us.
Red, one-line wordmark
Black, one-line wordmark
White, one-line wordmark
Red, two-line wordmark
Black, two-line wordmark
White, two-line wordmark
Wordmark lockups
University of Calgary logo lockups
In cases where “Start something.” is not the main headline, but there is a desire for it to be used in the creative elsewhere, the wordmark and University of Calgary logo can be locked up and placed together. Please contact us to request the lockup files.
Vertical UCalgary logo lockup with wordmark
Horizontal UCalgary logo lockup with wordmark
UC spark and wordmark lockups
The UC spark and campaign wordmark can be used together in a variety of situations, depending on the channel and the overall message. However, if looking for a simplified file that contains both elements, spark and wordmark lockups have been created for use.
Example of a spark lockup with a one-line wordmark
Example of a spark lockup with a two-line wordmark
Templates
In addition to the elements above, a large collection of Start something templates and resources have been created for use by UCalgary communicators. Please contact us if you would like to request the template files.
Print and business templates
- Letterhead
- PowerPoint presentation
- One page document
- Proposals
- Posters
- Postcards
- Greeting and thank you cards
- Directional signage
- Name tags
Digital assets
Social media
Brand lookbook
See how the UCalgary brand is used around campus, in print and online.
