Maintaining a consistent brand image is crucial for any university, and color plays a vital role in visual identity. For the University of North Carolina (UNC), a specific color palette has been established for all print and digital content. This guide outlines the official UNC brand colors, providing a comprehensive overview for designers, content creators, and anyone working with the university’s visual identity. Understanding and adhering to these color guidelines ensures brand consistency and strengthens UNC’s visual impact across all platforms.
Primary Color Palette: The Foundation of UNC Branding
The primary color palette forms the core of the University’s visual identity. Carolina Blue is paramount, serving as the signature color and requiring a minimum usage of 10% in all designs. Alongside Carolina Blue, Navy, Black, White, and Gray complete the primary palette, offering versatility while maintaining brand recognition.
Carolina Blue: This iconic color is synonymous with UNC. It is officially designated as PMS 542 in the Pantone Matching System. For print materials, the CMYK values are C:60, M:19, Y:1, K:4. In the digital realm, the Hex code is #4B9CD3, and the RGB values are R:75, G:156, B:211. For web accessibility, an alternative Web Carolina Blue (Hex #4B9CD3, RGB 75, 156, 211) is recommended for font sizes larger than 24px (or 19px bold). Digital links should utilize #007FAE.
Navy: A strong and complementary color, Navy adds depth to the primary palette. Its Pantone specification is PMS 2767, with CMYK values of C:100, M:90, Y:10, K:77. The Hex code for digital use is #13294B, and the RGB values are R:19, G:41, B:75.
Black: Essential for contrast and readability, Black is defined as PMS Black 3. The CMYK breakdown is C:74, M:52, Y:71, K:90, while the Hex code is #151515, and RGB values are R:21, G:21, B:21.
White: A clean and neutral color, White is represented as CMYK 0, 0, 0, 0. The Hex code is #FFFFFF, and the RGB values are R:255, G:255, B:255.
Gray: A subtle neutral, Gray is specified as PMS Black 3 at 6%. The CMYK values are C:4, M:3, Y:3, K:0, with a Hex code of #F8F8F8 and RGB values of R:248, G:248, B:248.
Secondary Color Palette: Accents and Highlights
The secondary color palette provides accent colors to complement the primary palette. These colors should be used sparingly to add visual interest without overshadowing the core brand colors.
Dome Copper: A metallic color, PMS 8920 (metallic) Infinity foil 62, Dome Copper is intended for print and foil applications only and is not suitable for digital use.
Basin Slate: A sophisticated muted blue, Basin Slate is PMS 5405. The CMYK values are C:68, M:35, Y:17, K:40, with a Hex code of #4F758B and RGB values of R:79, G:117, B:139.
Campus Sandstone: A light and warm neutral, Campus Sandstone is PMS 2309 at 50%. The CMYK values are C:3, M:8, Y:11, K:0, with a Hex code of #F4E8DD and RGB values of R:244, G:232, B:221.
Longleaf Pine: A deep green, Longleaf Pine is PMS 561. The CMYK values are C:84, M:20, Y:58, K:54, with a Hex code of #00594C and RGB values of R:0, G:89, B:76.
Azalea Pink: A vibrant pink, Azalea Pink is PMS 191. The CMYK values are C:0, M:79, Y:36, K:0, with a Hex code of #EF426F and RGB values of R:239, G:68, B:111.
Tile Teal: A bright and energetic teal, Tile Teal is PMS 7466. The CMYK values are C:97, M:0, Y:30, K:0, with a Hex code of #00A5AD and RGB values of R:0, G:165, B:173.
Sunburst Yellow: A cheerful yellow, Sunburst Yellow is PMS 109. The CMYK values are C:0, M:10, Y:100, K:0, with a Hex code of #FFD100 and RGB values of R:255, G:209, B:0.
Davie Green: A bright and lively green, Davie Green is PMS 382. The CMYK values are C:28, M:0, Y:100, K:0, with a Hex code of #C4D600 and RGB values of R:196, G:214, B:0.
Web Alternative Colors and Accessibility
Due to its light nature, Carolina Blue requires special attention in digital applications to ensure accessibility, particularly for individuals with low vision or colorblindness. The web alternative colors and guidelines are designed to meet WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards, making UNC websites more inclusive.
Web Carolina Blue (Hex #4B9CD3, RGB 75, 156, 211): Use this web-optimized version of Carolina Blue for text and backgrounds, ensuring font sizes are larger than 24px (or 19px bold) for sufficient contrast.
Hyperlink Blue (Hex #007FAE, RGB 0, 127, 174): Specifically for hyperlinks, this darker blue should only be used on white backgrounds to maintain contrast and readability.
To verify color contrast ratios, utilize the WebAIM Color Contrast Checker. For further details on color usage and accessibility, consult the resources on the UNC Websites page.
Guidelines for Color Usage: Dos and Don’ts
Adhering to these guidelines ensures consistent and effective use of the UNC brand colors.
Do:
- Utilize Carolina Blue: Ensure Carolina Blue is present in at least 10% of every design.
- Use Correct Color Breakdowns: Employ the specified CMYK, RGB, Hex, and Pantone values for each color based on the intended application (print or digital).
- Prioritize Primary Palette: Use the primary color palette as the dominant colors in designs.
- Accent with Secondary Palette: Incorporate secondary colors sparingly as accents to enhance visual appeal.
- Maintain Accessibility: Ensure text and background color contrast meets WCAG 2.1 AA guidelines for all web and digital content.
Don’t:
- Omit Carolina Blue: Never exclude Carolina Blue from any UNC-related design.
- Eyeball Colors: Avoid guessing or approximating colors. Always use the official color specifications.
- Overuse Secondary Colors: Refrain from using secondary palette colors as primary design elements.
Contact for Further Information
For comprehensive details and support regarding the University’s color palette and brand guidelines, please reach out to UNC Creative. They are the central resource for ensuring consistent and impactful brand communication.
