Color is a key component of our identity. Our color palette represents our heritage, distinguishes our brand and creates consistent experiences for our audiences.
Consistent use of color is essential to a unified brand image. Review these guidelines carefully to understand usage differences between palettes, audiences and mediums (such as print and digital). As always, reach out to us directly for questions or assistance.
Primary Palette
St. Ed's is blue and gold. These are our primary colors and should be used prominently in communications to ensure brand consistency. Our blue and gold are available in a brighter, modern palette and a darker, traditional palette. Each palette should be used in accordance with the tone of a piece and type of communication required.
Modern
Within the Primary Palette, use the Modern Palette for people- and event-focused applications, those pieces that exemplify vibrancy and school spirit.
St. Ed's Blue
PMS: 2945 C
CMYK: 100-64-0-24
RGB: 0-77-142
HEX: #004d8e
St. Ed's Gold
PMS: Pantone Yellow C
CMYK: 0-15-100-0
RGB: 254-224-75
HEX: #fee04b
Traditional
Within the Primary Palette, use the Traditional Palette for traditional, professional applications, such as official communications and documents, formal events and traditional applications using the university seal.
Sorin
PMS: 281 C
CMYK: 100-64-0-60
RGB: 0-37-102
HEX: #002566
Gold Medallion
PMS: 7753 C
CMYK: 27-38-93-5
RGB: 184-147-56
HEX: #b89338
Secondary Palette
The Secondary Palette contains Brights and Neutrals, each containing colors designed for specific purposes.
Brights
The Bright Palette adds variety and vibrancy when used with the primary palette. These colors work alongside the primary colors and should be used in combination with the primary palette whenever possible.
Bluebonnet
PMS: 630 C
CMYK: 56-4-15-0
RGB: 106-213-234
HEX: #6ad5ea
Continental
PMS: 473 C
CMYK: 0-27-35-0
RGB: 252-195-162
HEX: #fcc3a2
Peacock
PMS: 346 C
CMYK: 63-0-59-0
RGB: 92-191-142
HEX: #5cbf8e
Red Doors
PMS: 179 C*
CMYK: 0-84-80-0
RGB: 238-82-69
HEX: #ee5245
*If PMS 179 appears on the orange side in certain applications, PMS 1795 can be substituted.
Neutrals
Colors from the Neutral Palette should be used for informational elements such as copy, tables and digital components.
Moontower
CMYK: 76-67-67-88*
RGB: 0-0-0
HEX: #000000
*A note for print applications: Moontower is a rich black and should only be used for graphics and large text (18 points or greater). Small body text should always be set in 100% black (Grackle). Learn more about rich vs. 100% black and how to configure your settings in Adobe applications to ensure accurate printing.
Grackle
CMYK: 0-0-0-100
RGB: 34-34-34
HEX: #222222
SoCo
CMYK: 0-0-0-85
RGB: 73-73-73
HEX: #494949
Bridge Bats
CMYK: 0-0-0-50
RGB: 148-148-148
HEX: #949494
Anchors
CMYK: 0-0-0-25
RGB: 202-202-202
HEX: #cacaca
Waterloo
CMYK: 0-0-0-15
RGB: 224-224-224
HEX: #e0e0e0
Limestone
CMYK: 0-0-0-5
RGB: 245-246-244
HEX: #f5f6f4
White
CMYK: 0-0-0-0
RGB: 255-255-255
HEX: #ffffff
Color Usage
Pairing colors is a tricky endeavor and not an exact science! Use your best judgment and limit the number of colors used to avoid a rainbow look. Please keep in mind variables could affect limitations such as text size, font, etc. If in doubt, reach out to us.
Color Ratios
Primary Palette
When in doubt, use the Modern Palette. This palette should be dominant over other colors and expresses the foundation of our brand. Of the two, St. Ed's Blue should be used more than St. Ed's Gold (gold being more of an accent).
Use the Traditional Palette when the tone of the communication requires it. Sorin should dominate and Medallion should be used sparingly.
Secondary Palette
Colors in the Brights Palette add variety and vibrancy but should be used sparingly and as accents to complement colors from the primary palette (keep in mind vivid photography can also add to the vibrancy of a piece). In most cases, colors from the primary palette should take up a larger percentage of your piece with the Brights taking up 10-15%. A good rule of thumb is to use Bluebonnet more prominently than Continental, Peacock and Red Doors.
By nature of their purpose, colors from the Neutral Palette should be used the least. One exception is using white in the Primary Palette, particularly for a two-color application, such as St. Ed's Blue and white or Sorin and white. Neither gold should ever be used alone with white.
Color Pairings
Primary Palette
Brand recognition is important. Communications to prospective students and families with a lower awareness of St. Ed's should use primary colors predominately and secondary colors sparingly (most often as accent colors), and always in conjunction with primary colors as the dominant palette in the piece.
Download Color Pairings and Schemes
Primary color palette combinations in use
Secondary Palette
Colors from the secondary palette add variety and depth to communication pieces. When awareness of St. Ed's is higher, secondary colors can be used in a broader way. The type of channel and tone of the piece (such as a social media post promoting an event to current students or a swag item for orientation) can also open the door for greater use of the secondary palette. In addition, illustrations and photography are excellent tools to add vibrancy and color to a piece. In most cases, Bluebonnet should be used most often over other secondary colors.
Download Color Pairings and Schemes
Examples of secondary color combinations in use when brand awareness is low
Examples of secondary color combinations in use when brand awareness is high
Color Spectrum
Consider the intended audience and usage of your communication to help determine which colors work best. The traits listed on the following color spectrum grid serve as a guiding framework.
