Graphic Design

Working with the University Graphic Artist

Project Timeline

It’s recommended that you submit your request at least three weeks before you want the materials produced if you already have photos or the design does not require photos; allow four to six weeks if you need to schedule a photographer.

What to Submit with Your Request

The focus of Idaho State’s graphic artist is to create designs that are University-level and directly link with its mission and high-level strategic objectives. If more assistance is needed or the project will be a top-level representation of the University, requests for assistance with graphic design projects may be submitted.

• A clear description of the piece, including the objective for the piece and the target audience.
• Text for the piece. Make sure it has been edited and proofread before submitting. The graphic artist is not responsible for editing or proofreading.
• Any photos that will be used in the design. The graphic artist may not have access to the photos you envision in your piece, so you will need to locate the photos that are needed for your project. You may use Idaho State’s Photo Archives as a resource or check with your marketing professional. You may request the photo download password by filling out the password request form.
• Make sure to submit the final version of the content to be used in your piece with your work request as the graphic artist will only create a maximum of three revised proofs per project. This means the graphic artist will provide a first draft for your review and then create two additional revisions of the piece, if needed. This increases efficiency for you, the graphic designer and the overall project timeline.

Design Approval Process

To ensure that Idaho State and every unit of the University is represented professionally and positively, all marketing materials are required to be reviewed and approved by the brand management team before going to production. Specifically, printed materials that use any of ISU’s logos or graphic marks need to be reviewed. This ensures that Idaho State’s brand standards are followed and that design flaws are caught before materials are distributed. 

Please closely work with your assigned marketing professional prior to submitting materials for review.

Submitted items will be reviewed using the following guidelines. As needed, additional concerns with the item will be communicated.

• University-approved fonts
• Idaho State’s brand colors
• University-level logos and identity marks
• College or department logos
• Photos match the purpose of the piece and are high resolution
• Layout and design are clean and include adequate white space, margins, etc.

Once a submitted item has been reviewed, the owner will receive an email indicating that the item was approved, approved with changes, or needs revisions and resubmitted.

Levels of Approval

Tier 1

Highest level of review before being approved for production

It’s strongly encouraged that you consult with the Office of Marketing and Communication before beginning projects that may be included in this tier.

• Any representation of the University as a whole including building banners, window clings, vehicle wraps, light pole banners, flags, or recruitment materials that promote the University at large. 
• Signage that deviates from signage standards or environmental branding that is outward facing such as large window clings facing the Quad or other high-traffic areas.
• Any items that reference the University President or President’s Office in any way. To submit a request for the University President to attend an event, fill out this form. 
• Any items that use the University seal.

Tier 2

Items required to be approved by the brand management team via the Design Approval Submission Form

Submit items after development but before production. To allow time to incorporate feedback, if needed, please plan to submit materials for brand review at least 2 weeks before the date you plan to order the items. Most marketing materials will fall into this category.

• Print materials for recruitment or marketing.
• Newsletters, magazines, or annual reports sent to an audience beyond college-wide or departmental faculty and staff.
• Event invitations that are distributed outside of the University, including to community members, supporters, or prospective students.
• Promotional items (stickers, apparel, pens, etc.).
• Digital and print advertisements.
• Social media marketing campaigns.

Tier 3

Items that don’t need to undergo the approval process

• Class advertisements that use pre-designed ISU-branded templates that have not been altered.
• Templates that are printed as-is from the University’s template gallery.
• Invitations for departmental faculty and staff events that are not sent to anyone outside of the University.
• Presentations that use ISU-branded templates or that are created for purposes other than marketing presentations.
• Communications on official letterhead.
• Course materials and syllabi.
• Content created solely for social media posting, that does not include advertising or marketing campaigns.

Since the above items will not be reviewed by the brand management team, we encourage you to do a self-review before printing your items. The following brand elements are recommended:

• Using brand logos on Tier 3 items is optional.  If University logos are used on materials, that item should be reviewed per Tier 2. 
• Idaho State’s brand fonts
• Idaho State’s brand colors
• Photos match the purpose of the piece and are high-resolution
• Layout and design are clean and include adequate white space, margins, etc.

For information on the University’s brand elements, visit the brand website at isu.edu/brand.