Guidelines and templates for marketing materials

Print collateral includes printed items used to market the college, department, or unit. These materials should clearly and consistently reflect the university's brand. Looking for a unique strategy or design? Contact our team.

Requirements

  • Designs should adhere to brand guidelines, including color, typography, and wordmark standards.
  • Federal law requires the inclusion of a non-discrimination statement on printed pieces and publications that describe or invite participation in programs at Iowa State University. 

Branded templates

Brochure designs should all appear to be part of the same family, even with considerable flexibility in the graphic techniques.

A basic 4 x 9-inch, three-panel brochure template is available as an InDesign file.

  • The university wordmark should anchor the back of the brochure. 
  • Contact information should be placed on the back cover as a block of text.
Sample layout for a 3-panel brochure

University certificates

Certificates for colleges, departments, and units feature the centered version of the university's primary wordmark in a design suitable for both vertical and horizontal formats.

Presidential certificates

Presidential certificates are issued and signed by the president or the executive vice president/provost. The design features the centered version of the university wordmark and the university seal (approval is required, contact umarket@iastate.edu).

Type specifications

  • Font: ITC Berkeley family
  • Colors: Khaki and red
  • Use type size and color (red) to emphasize key words or names
  • Although not recommended, Univers may be used in situations where a contrast in the weight of type is desired

Ordering information

To order a desk nameplate, contact Cyclone Awards and Engraving in Ames

For licensed vendors

Contact ISU Trademark Licensing for template access, trademark@iastate.edu

Sample of a branded desk nameplate

Flyers must clearly and effectively communicate your message.

Tips

  • Use dynamic photos and bold typography and color to draw attention
  • Use short headlines or emphasize key words with type size and color
  • Use the Univers font family for attention-getting headlines
  • Use ITC Berkeley for body content that's longer than one paragraph
  • Use Univers bold and black for subheads, call outs, and photo captions
Sample of a branded flyer.

Folder designs can effectively brand the folder and the materials within them. Adhere to brand guidelines for the design, including color and wordmark standards.

Sample of a branded folder.

A fold-over template is available.

Gray block placeholder

Sample of a temporary nametag.
Example of a temporary nametag

Temporary nametags

Temporary nametags for specific events should be designed using the university's brand guidelines, including wordmark, typography, and color. This example was developed for an official university sponsored symposium.

Permanent name badges

Official name badges are available through ISU Printing Services, with several styles and information options (PDF) to choose from. Orders include two badges -- red on white, and white on red.

Samples of permanent nametag designs

Self-mailer designs must follow university brand guidelines. Templates include mail panel locations that comply with postal regulations. 

Postcards

Postcards provide an effective and inexpensive method to reach a large audience. 

  • 4 x 5.5 inches
  • 4 x 6 inches
  • 5 x 7 inches
  • 6 x 9 inches

Letter-sized (8.5 x 11 inches)

The mail panel placement allows the address to appear in the window of a No. 10 envelope.

Tri-fold self-mailer

  • 11 x 8.5 inches
Samples of mailer panel templates

Consistent and proper use of presentation designs help solidify the Iowa State University brand.

Presentation template formats

  • PowerPoint
  • Keynote
  • Google Slides
Samples of branded presentation slides.

A basic report cover template is available as an Adobe InDesign file.

Sample of a report cover design.

The poster design provides your research presentations with an immediate visual association to the university and your department. Templates are available in both PowerPoint and Adobe Illustrator files formats.

Horizontal poster sizes

  • 36 x 24 inches
  • 40 x 30 inches
  • 48 x 36 inches
  • 56 x 36 inches
  • 48 x 24 inches

Vertical poster sizes

  • 24 x 36 inches
  • 30 x 40 inches
  • 24 x 48 inches
  • 36 x 48 inches
  • 36 x 56 inches
Sample research horizontal poster design
Sample research vertical poster design

Design ideas and inspiration

Folders

Folder designs can effectively brand the folder and the materials within them.

Invitations

Certificates

Brochures

Flyers