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California State University, Chico

Visual Brand Identity

Chico State’s cohesive visual system—logos, colors, typefaces, and graphic elements—works together to express the essence of our brand.

These pages contain all the nuts and bolts you'll need to: know what comprises our visual identity, create internal-facing designs, or pass along to a print vendor.

Identity Overview

  • Wildcat Logomark

    Institutional Logomark

    The Wildcat is the foundation of the University's visual identity. Designed to honor Lynx rufus californicus, our Wildcat mascot, it's also an enduring symbol of our natural environment and honors our connection to the ancestral lands of the Maidu and Mechoopda people, upon which our institution is built.

  • Seal Logomark

    Ceremonial Seal

    Our University Seal is comprised of several key elements: the year of Chico State’s founding in 1887; the University motto of "Today Decides Tomorrow;” our Wildcat mascot; decorative columns and arches in the architecture of its oldest buildings; and the oak tree, a timeless symbol of unity and wisdom.


  • Athletics Logomark

    Athletics Logomark

    The wildcat is built for speed and always prepared to pounce on the competition. Proud, distinct, and adaptable, our Athletics Logomark is a worthy symbol of the championship culture built and sustained by our student-athletes, coaches, and staff.

  • C Logomark

    Big "C" Spirit Logomark

    The Big C Spirit Logomark pays tribute to the honors athletics association Block C Club, as well as the letters earned by student athletes for their years of competition. It’s also a tribute to the first letter of our city and state's name and aims to evoke a sense of pride, loyalty, and tradition.

  • Paw Logomark

    Paw Print Spirit Logomark

    The Paw Print Spirit Logomark vividly and immediately conveys our brave personality and honors how Wildcats make an immediate and lasting impression wherever they go.

Student sitting outside working on their laptop

Download Files

Chico State logo lockups, wordmarks, and logomarks are available for download from the Box app by campus users. You may also download your unit logo, graphic elements, and design templates. Download and send this PDF to outside vendors when necessary.

File Types

Don’t know what file type to download for your logo or graphic element? Follow the information in this chart.

  • PDF

    • Format: Vector (can be scaled to any size without image degradation with appropriate software)
    • Color Mode: CMYK
    • Resolution: not applicable
    • Dimensions: 12 in / 1200+ px on the longest side
    • Suggested use: Print
(flyers, brochures, etc.)

  • PNG

    • Format: Raster (cannot be enlarged without image degradation)
    • Color Mode: RGB; transparent background
    • Resolution: 150 dpi
    • Dimensions: 12 in / 1200+ px on the longest side
    • Suggested use: Screen (PowerPoint presentation, social media posts, etc.)

  • SVG

    • Format: Vector (can be scaled to any size without image degradation with appropriate software)
    • Color Mode: RGB
    • Resolution: not applicable
    • Dimensions: 12 in / 1200+ px on the longest side
    • Suggested use: Screen (PowerPoint presentation, social media posts, etc.)

FAQs

A memorable and effective identity takes years to build, yet, it can quickly erode through a failure to protect and accurately implement the elements that define it. The elements included in this guide highlight the tools available to represent and express a unified image to the world. Whether you’re producing a brochure, a website, a grant proposal, or a banner, incorporating the Chico State brand standards will ensure that our image will retain its impact and consistency for years to come.

In most cases, the best choice is the institutional logomark, the Wildcat. It is the most prominent logomark in our visual system and the one that will most quickly and clearly identify us to audiences we are trying to attract. You can email University Communications at ucomm@csuchico.edu with any questions you may have.

No. To maintain consistency throughout the system, the University prohibits the use of any additional iconography, logomarks, artwork, wordmarks, or logotypes which is not of the official identity. Email University Communications at ucomm@csuchico.edu and they can work with you to produce a lockup that meets our guidelines and your needs. 

Most department and program logo lockups have been developed and may be downloaded here: Unit Logos A-Z.

No. Approved Chico State University acronyms and wordmarks, as well as academic unit wordmarks, have been carefully and uniquely designed.

The graphics files are available here:
Chico State Visual Brand Assets

If you require a new logo, please contact University Communications through email at ucomm@csuchico.edu. 

Yes. All faculty, staff, and students have free access to Adobe Creative Cloud Pro and Adobe Fonts, which the non-system brand fonts Brothers OT, Gotham, and Masqualero are a part of.

Yes, you may make your own, simple internally-facing designs (flyers, presentations, certificates, etc.) by accessing branded templates in the "Chico State" Project folder and brand assets in the "Chico State" brand kit within Adobe Express.

Learn how to obtain a licensing agreement for retailers or contact University Communications through email at ucomm@csuchico.edu with questions.

(Chico State reserves the right to take legal action for trademark violations against entities selling merchandise without a proper license.)

Read the Production and Purchasing Workflow for promotional items.

Please remember that any order that uses Chico State branding must be reviewed and approved by University Communications (ucomm@csuchico.edu) before production.

Chico State is the copyright/trademark owner by origination or assignment of any representation of a Chico State logo or logomark. Please contact University Communications through email at ucomm@csuchico.edu or the Office of the President through email at presidentoffice@csuchico.edu if you have further questions about ownership of copyrights/trademarks.