University Wordmark

The Pepperdine wordmark is the foundational element of the University's visual identity and serves as the primary logo for use in all University marketing materials. The wordmark should always appear on each official Pepperdine communication vehicle, regardless of medium.

The wordmark functions as a corporate sign-off or stamp of approval for the communication. It should not be treated as a title nor be incorporated into text. The size and location of the wordmark should be discrete and should be positioned as a first or last read. In every case, the wordmark should be afforded adequate clear space around it to allow for ease of visibility.

The obligation to create and maintain all enterprise-wide brand visuals rests with Integrated Marketing Communications. No other person or department acting as an official representative of the University is allowed to create or develop a unique brand mark for their own purpose. This is especially important for any communication or marketing materials that reach an audience outside the local campus environment, since an overabundance of unique identities dilutes the strength of the brand identity of the University as an enterprise.

Wordmark variants

The Pepperdine wordmark has two variants—one with the word "university" and one without. The one with "university" is known as the formal mark, while the one without is known as the friendly mark. Each consists of the name Pepperdine (and "university" for the formal mark) in Pantone 281 blue with a swoop under the letter R. Each mark contains a rule in Pantone 166 orange.

The full color mark works best when placed on white or light backgrounds. When placed on a dark background, the letters are set in white only. The rules retain the Pantone 166 orange. It is highly recommended that the background color be Pantone 281 blue.

In any space or usage the wordmark should always attempt to reflect the University blue and orange colors.

Please contact Keith Lungwitz at 1440 with any questions regarding wordmark usage.

Formal mark

The formal mark contains the word "university" and is used in two types of spaces: 1) non-contextual spaces where the Pepperdine brand is not known or recognized and, 2) spaces that would benefit from a greater appeal to prominence or gravitas. This mark is only used as a stand-alone mark and is never locked with any other element.

Friendly mark

The friendly mark does not contain the word "university" is used in two types of spaces: 1) spaces where the Pepperdine brand is known or recognized and, 2) in combination with school names, or divisions and offices that are not within a school. When combined with a secondary element such as a school, the underscore is removed.

Clear Space

In order for the wordmark to retain visual clarity in whatever space it exists, it must maintain a minimum distance from other content in the same space. This minimum distance is known as clear space and represents the margin surrounding the wordmark within which type and or other graphics may not interfere. The letter "N" in Pepperdine is the standard for determining the correct clear space above, below, and to the side of the wordmark.

For the formal mark that contains the word "University," the clear space above and to the sides is measured from the edge of the name Pepperdine, however the the clear space below the wordmark is measured from the bottom of the word "university." The resulting clear space is demonstrated by the gray box. The horizontal center of the formal wordmark is determined by the baseline of the name Pepperdine as indicated by the pink line.

For the friendly mark, all of the clear space is measured from the edge of the name Pepperdine. The swoop on the letter "R" and the underscore are ignored for this measurement. The resulting clear space is demonstrated by the gray box. Because of its oblique nature, the friendly wordmark is centered visually rather than mathematically. The horizontal center of the friendly wordmark is determined by the center line of the name Pepperdine as indicated by the pink line. As with the clear space, the swoop on the letter "R" and the underscore are ignored when determining the horizontal center.

Color

On light or white backgrounds, the Pepperdine wordmark should only be rendered in Pantone 281 blue. When placed on dark backgrounds, the wordmark should only be rendered in white. The rule should remain Pantone 166 orange for both types of backgrounds. In instances where the medium is limited to one or two colors, the option to demonstrate the wordmark in solid black, white, or gray is also acceptable. In no instance should any color other than blue or orange be added to the wordmark.

Placement over photos

The Pepperdine wordmark should never be placed over a busy photographic or decorative background where its legibility is impeded. Placement of the wordmark over photos with solid color areas are generally safe as long as the proper contrast is maintained.

Proximity to other unique marks or logos

The Pepperdine wordmark should never be combined with any other unique mark or logo. When used in proximity to other unique marks or logos, the Pepperdine wordmark should maintain the proper clear space (see Clear Space above). Keeping the proper amount of clear space between the Pepperdine wordmark and other unique marks not only allows it to be more visible, but also clearly identifies itself as a unique brand. This relationship is especially important in instances where Pepperdine is a co-branded with another entity as part of a larger enterprise.

Improper proximity	Proper clear space

Placement in space

The wordmark is first and foremost a mark which informs the reader that the communication vehicle is officially sanctioned by Pepperdine University. It is the stamp of approval from the University. Therefore, the wordmark should be a first or last read on any communication piece. Its size should be modest and discrete. It should never be the dominant element on the page.

The wordmark should never be used as the title of any communication piece, a part of the title, or used in paragraph text. It should always stand apart from the rest of the content (see Clear Space above). When used in a multi-page or multi-panel piece, it only needs to appear once on the front, once on the back, or both.

Examples of the proper use of the mark in a communication.

Examples of the improper use of the mark in a communication.

In the first example, the wordmark is too large for the space and competes with the title. In the second and second example, the wordmark is too close in proximity to the other elements and does not maintain the proper clear space. In the third example, the wordmark is being used within a block of text. These types of arrangements are to be avoided.

Pepperdine "P" letterform

The Pepperdine "P" is an icon that stands in for the Pepperdine wordmark on digital platforms when space is severely restricted. Currently, it is used as the face of the Pepperdine mobile app, the University mobile icon, and as the Pepperdine reference on mobile web. In all other instances and platforms, the Pepperdine wordmark should be used. The Athletics "P" (with the wavy top) is a formal Athletics mark and should not be used to represent the University as an enterprise. Its use is restricted to Athletics use only.