<aside> 📌 The RISD seal is our institutional logo. We do not use the seal as decoration or image; we do not crop it or skew it. It is only used as an endorsement of any and all official RISD-designed communications.
If you need to co-brand an external entity or collaboration with the RISD seal, please reach out for guidance and proper licensing via [email protected].
Otherwise, design guidelines are just that: guidance. If you have questions about the nuance of any of this, or want to share what you are working on (we’d love to see it!), please reach out to [email protected]
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Want a more in-depth understanding of how the identity works? Make an appointment with us for onboarding; email [email protected]
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Step 2: Review the design approach for said Orbit Step 3: Download the assets you need (type, seal, color) Step 4: Share your design with [email protected] for review (optional)
The school is organized into three Orbits, each with its own approach to applying the RISD identity. Orbit 1 sits closest to the identity system. It covers the institutional voice: official documents, first points of contact, and how RISD presents itself to the outside world. As you move outward, the approach loosens. Orbit 3 sits farthest from the system, using the fewest required elements and allowing the most expression.
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Closest to our identity system, utilizes the RISD seal, the colors RISD blue, black, and white, and our two custom typefaces: RISD Serif and RISD Sans
One exception is events: when an Orbit 1 group hosts an on-campus event for the RISD community, such as the President's Office welcome reception for new students, the event communications may follow Orbit 3 guidelines instead. For events held off campus or aimed at prospective students, stay closer to Orbit 1.
The more external the audience, the closer the materials should stay to Orbit 1.
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Typographic rule of thumb: Use RISD Sans Semi-Complete and RISD Sans Incomplete for display only, when type is meant to function expressively. The most accessible weight of RISD Serif is Complete.
Our typeface visually captures the central idea powering the design system: incomplete and complete. It embodies the process of creative thinking and making that happens at RISD and serves as a foundational tool to create consistency across all aspects of the school.
Under the guidance of Gretel, the custom drawings were developed by RISD alum Ryan Bugden 14 Graphic Design.
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Overview of RISD’s proprietary typefaces
Overview of RISD’s proprietary typefaces
Above: RISD Semi-Complete used in print. The large display type functions as image, while the same text appears in RISD Sans on the book's edge, so readers don't have to rely on the display type alone.
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Utilizes the RISD seal and our RISD Serif and RISD Sans—color is open with two caveats:
We offer a Secondary Color Palette as a place to start. These colors are mid-tone enough to work well with black or white on top of them, and are also readable when set in type. If you choose a new color, test it against these parameters. Pastel on pastel usually won’t work.
Use this tool to check the contrast of your colors: https://www.accessibilitycolor.com Avoid pastels or colors that will be too light to be read by low readers.
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Some Orbit 2 groups still use a pre-2021 identity. To update your materials to the current RISD seal and custom typefaces (the heart of our visual identity) while maintaining your group's distinct character, contact [email protected] and we'll work through it with you.
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