Logo Marks
As of 2017, All CSUN logos must have the registered trademark "®" symbol. New versions of the logos can be found on the downloads page.
CSUN LOGO
The CSUN logo must be included on all external and internal marketing collateral, including print pieces, online ads, multimedia production and other media. This will help to establish the institutional identity and clearly link any campus entity’s good work to that of the university.
The University’s wordmark is a custom serif logo that was inspired from the idea that CSUN is a source of elevating impact, connecting the Valley and surrounding region. The ligatures – or connections between the letters – represent the connection between CSUN and the community. The form between the letters is curved to represent the arches in the CSUN seal..
The balance of both thick and thin line weights in the letter forms were inspired by the idea of sunlight seeping through the wordmark. The connection between only the last three letters also emphasizes the pronunciation of the mark (“see sun”).
In addition to our official name, the use of “CSUN” has grown in popularity as it uniquely distinguishes our University from other CSU campuses and regional universities.
It is the only pronounceable acronym in the entire CSU system; “sun” conveys the weather, warmth and energy of the region; sun imagery has been used in the official seal since the University’s founding as well as for student publications such as the Sundial and the Sunburst annual yearbook; and the sun is an apt metaphor for the light that knowledge sheds.
The form between the letters that connect them also represent the arches in the CSUN seal. The wordmark is then juxtaposed with the full name creating a balance of a modern and institutional logo.
OFFICIAL LOCKUPS
Three Official Color Variations:
SECONDARY MARKS AND CO-BRANDING
SECONDARY MARKS
A system has been developed to identify specific colleges, departments, centers, auxiliaries and other affiliated campus entities. To differentiate the secondary marks from the official CSUN lockup, we use Sentinel as the typeface and a combination of red and black. The scale and weight of the associated mark depends on the length of the name, specifically, whether the name takes up one, two or three lines. Additionally, emphasis can be given to a portion of the name by alternating between the bold and regular weights of the typeface. The Marketing and Communications department will create the approved sub-identity marks in consultation with campus partners. Please contact M&C to request a new secondary mark. Existing secondary marks outside of this system will be evaluated moving forward.
CO-BRANDING
When pairing the CSUN logo with another brand, such as Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts, each entity should have an equal visual weight. The hairline separation is extended one more unit above and below the line used in secondary marks in order to make each entity stand on its own. This guideline also relates to off-campus organizations, co-sponsors and other partners.
OFFICIAL LOCKUPS WITH SEAL
WORDMARK WITH SEAL
The official Seal of California State University, Northridge depicts the San Fernando Valley’s heritage of mission settlement, the mountain ranges that bound the Valley, the sun, and a crow quill pen and paper, encircled by the words “California State University, Northridge” and “1958.” Except on business collateral, use of the Seal is optional on publications as shown. The University Seal can be reproduced in any of the official University colors, but is traditionally reproduced as all red and white with black type.
OFFICIAL CSUN LOCKUP WITH SEAL
SPECIAL USE CSUN LOGO
Based on our current lock-up system, we’ve introduced a CSUN sun motif to encase the logo, to further emphasize the mission of our university and reinforce brand recognition through a distinct mark. This mark would be used for external-facing audiences and only as a stand-alone logo mark.
Variations in color may be used in this special-use case, allowing for flexibility and adaptability in various mediums and applications. Please contact strategic communications and brand management before using this logo on an external facing media.
CORRECT USAGE
The official wordmark should appear in a prominent position, preferably in the bottom right on all communications. The wordmark should not be used as body copy in ads, fliers, or other publications. It should be placed prominently and separate from other copy and/or elements in all layouts.
INNCORRECT USAGE
As was the case with the CSUN Library banners, these guidelines may require modification to allow for appropriate placement. Ideally, the Matador should not be flipped, nor should the CSUN logo be split up into four letters. For exceptions to the guidelines, please contact the Strategic Communications and Brand Management office.
