KCC Logo Use Policy
Before you begin using KCC logos, read this logo use policy to be sure that you are using the logo correctly.
College funds may not be used for designs that are not in compliance with the logo use policy. Be careful not to alter the logo in any way.
Creative Logic
The creative logic for the logo design explains what the graphic elements of the logo mean. The creative logic is rarely used in publications or applications of the logo. However, if people ask what the logo represents, the creative logic provides the information necessary to explain it.
The letters in our logo design represent Kankakee Community College. Beyond this obvious symbolism, the letters identify the college as “KCC” to the community and to students. The college’s constituent groups commonly refer to the college as KCC, and the letters reinforce this identity. Referring to the college as KCC also gives a sense of inclusion to district residents who reside in areas beyond Kankakee.
The font selection breathes life into the letters, giving the letters a sense of forward motion. The forward motion represents how the college strides toward the future and reinforces our mission: Enhancing quality of life through learning.
The two curved lines are stylized to represent river waves. One wave represents the Kankakee River which is an integral aspect of the college campus, and it is an element that is easily identified by our constituents as a feature of the college campus. The second wave represents the Iroquois River that joins the Kankakee River east of the campus. The waves combine to represent the unity of the KCC district, showing that the college serves residents of both Kankakee and Iroquois counties. The KCC service area also includes small areas of Grundy and Livingston counties.
Elements of the Logo
- The letters of the college name, including the typeface of the design, are referred to as the word mark.
- The river graphic, or picture part of the design
- The words and graphic, when used together, are referred to as the logo mark.
Each element can be used as a stand alone element to represent the college; however, there are guidelines for when and how each can be used. The word mark, river graphic element and logo mark are collectively called the KCC graphic identity.
The Kankakee Community College formal name must always appear in the type face Eurostile. When used in combination with the river graphic, the logo mark (words and graphic) must be used. When address information is written, it must be preceded by the full name: Kankakee Community College.
The Colors
Colors are an important vehicle to build recognition for a logo, word mark, and logo mark. For example, companies like Coca-Cola® and Home Depot® use specific colors to represent their logos. As a further example, Coca-Cola often is represented in red and black, or in all black, but never in purple or green.
Allowable colors for the KCC logo are:
- KCC blue - Pantone: PMS 540; hex: #0f3b63.
- KCC red - Pantone: PMS 1945; hex: #c61f48
The logo should be all black when PMS 1945 and PMS 540 are not available. It is preferred that the two colors are used.
Solid Color
The KCC river graphic element, word mark, and logo mark always must be printed in a solid color, and a “screen” is used with PMS 540 blue only. Screening is the process of printing something as a grayscale or a percentage of a solid color. The river graphic element, word mark, or logo mark are not to be used as an outline. Finally, a rainbow or multiple colors in the river graphic, work mark, or logo mark or other effects are not to be used in any way other than in their original form.
Reverse printing
Sometimes the river graphic element, work mark, or logo mark appear as part of a dark background. For example, the logo may be used on a navy blue T-shirt or on paper where the background is black or navy blue. In cases like these, the one-color version of the logo mark, river graphic element or word mark may be reproduced in white.
For use of any other colors for the river graphic element, word mark, or logo mark, approval must be obtained from the KCC Marketing and Public Relations Office.
Sizing the Elements
Minimum Size
The logo should not be used at a size smaller than 1/4” (0.25) in height, measuring from top of the letter to the baseline of the graphic. The river graphic element may be used in any size to highlight a photo, informational element, headline, or subhead or as a design element.
Safe Area
To allow for maximum legibility, a safe area must be preserved around the logo. Set all elements, such as typography and photographs, away from the logo at a distance equal to one-half of the height of the symbol. Contact the Marketing and Public Relations Office to discuss specific designs.
Do not stretch the logo.
Do not distort, stretch or manipulate the logo in any way so that the original proportions are changed.
Do not add to the logo.
Do not add words or other elements to the logo.
Do not embed the logo in text.
Do not use the logo inline with text, such as in a letter.
No backgrounds or outlines
Never outline, circle, or otherwise distinguish the logo from its background by anything other than its color.
No vertical or diagonal logos.
The logo should always be oriented horizontally, never vertically or diagonally.
No old logos.
Earlier versions of the logo are to be discontinued effective June 30, 2006.
Rights and Responsibilities
KCC has the right and responsibility to ensure that the river graphic element, the word mark and the logo mark are used consistently with the guidelines. The river graphic element, work mark and the logo should not be used in any way which is inconsistent with this policy. The Marketing and Public Information Office reserves right for final approval of any KCC printed or web-based publication prior to it being published.
Violation of the Graphic Identity Policy
Using the river graphic element, word mark, or logo mark appropriately builds and strengthens the KCC identity. The following are examples of clear violations of the policy through misuse of the river graphic element, work mark or logo mark but are not all inclusive. Violations of the policy can result in loss of budget support, removal of the offending materials from public distribution or legal action in particular cases. Questions regarding the appropriate use of the river graphic element, work mark, or logo mark should be directed to KCC’s Marketing and Public Relations office.
- The river graphic element, word mark, or logo mark should never be outlined, circled or distinguished from its background by anything other than its color.
- The river graphic element, word mark or logo mark should not be distorted, stretched or manipulated in any way so that the original proportions are changed.
- Do not add words or other elements to the logo.
- Words or other design elements should not be added to any aspects of the KCC graphic identities.
- The logo should not be used more than once on a page.
- The logo should never be recreated or reset.
- The logo should always be oriented horizontally, never vertically or diagonally.
- Earlier versions of the logo are to be discontinued effective June 30, 2006.
Questions and information
If you have questions about downloading and using a logo, please contact the office of marketing and public information at eschmidt@kcc.edu or phone 815-802-8275. For further information about the use of the river graphic element, word mark or logo mark, contact the director of marketing and public relations at 815-802-8256.