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Our logo is more than just an image; it represents our commitment to providing quality, consistency, and reliability in the corrections industry. Therefore, it is crucial that our logo is consistently presented in accordance with our guidelines. This section provides detailed instructions on how to use our logo correctly.
Use of the NIC Logo and Seal
National Institute of Corrections seals, logos and other official insignia may not be used or reproduced without written permission. Requests for permission to use or reproduce any seal, logo, or other official insignia of a component of the National Institute of Corrections shall be referred to the division Chiefs or Agency Directors. Permission to use or reproduce seals, logos or other official insignia of the Department is granted on a case-by-case basis and involves the consideration of many relevant factors, including: the cost or benefit to the Agency or the government of granting the request; the unintended appearance of endorsement or authentication by the Agency; the potential for misuse; the effect on Agency security; the reputability of the use; and the extent of control by the Agency over the ultimate use and distribution of any product(s) or publication(s) bearing official insignia of the Department.
Our logo embodies the values of Respect, Integrity, Accountability, Trust, Strategic Thinking, and Professional Excellence, which are at the core of the National Institute of Corrections brand. The square represents the bold and timeless nature of the corrections community, while the path through it symbolizes our vision for the future, where rehabilitation and hope are available to all who pass through correctional facilities across the country.
The brand logo serves as the primary identifier for the National Institute of Corrections as a whole. It should be used to represent our various locations, products, and services. Please note that our logo is a carefully crafted piece of artwork that must not be altered in any way.
When our icon and wordmark are used together, the height of the wordmark determines the proper ratio and relationship between the two elements.
The icon and wordmark must always appear together. Only in small circumstances does the full "National Institute of Corrections" get removed due to legibility. In all other instances, the icon and text appears together.
Icon Height
The height of the square icon is exactly the same height as that of the "I" in the NIC wordmark.
Separation
The space between the icon and wordmark is the same distance as between the N and I letters, where the path leaving the box visually aligns with the path going through the N.
Vertical Alignment
The left, top point of the path (or the lowest part of the top, green portion) should align exactly with the vertical center of the wordmark.
Minimum Size
The full version (contains "National Institute of Corrections below the block and letters) is not intended for extremely small sizes. The minimum height is .75” for print applications and 50px for digital applications. An alternate version for small locations is provided below. The text "National Institute of Corrections" must always be legible.
Color Variations
Each brand logo lockup has several color variations for use on different background types, tones, and colors.
When in doubt, use the most legible version of the logo for the available background.
For printed executions, special care should be given to ensure logo legibility on the final media or material used.
| Two-Color, Dark | Single Color, Light | Single Color, Dark |
|---|---|---|
| Hero (Default version) | White Logo (For use on colored or dark backgrounds) | Black Logo (For use in black-and-white printing) |
NIC's "hero" logo is the visual representation of our organization. Consistency in its use across various platforms ensures that the latest iteration of our brand is synonymous with the NIC name and reputation. Our logo celebrates our strength as an organization, reflecting our evolution into a leader in the corrections field since our inception in 1974. As we shape the industry and its people into a better future, our logo establishes this status with hope for a better future.
Designed with leadership in mind, the hero logo is the preferred version for most applications of the NIC brand. However, there may be situations where it makes more sense to use a single-color logo or the NIC Seal.
Please note that the only approved versions of the NIC logo are the ones provided, and it should never be reproduced in any other colors.
Artwork for all versions of the NIC logo is available in CMYK, Pantone, and RGB to accommodate any needs that may arise.
Primary Lock Up
This color logo identifies the National Institute of Corrections brand as a complete identity. This logo should be the first choice to represent NIC products, locations, and materials.
This logo is a throughtfully created peice of artwork and should not be altered in any way.
A Scalable Identity System
At NIC, we understand the importance of flexible logo usage across a variety of mediums, from billboards to business cards. Our identity system is designed to maintain consistency and brand recognition while providing a range of logo lockups to fit any space or application.
To maximize visual impact and clarity, we recommend using different logo versions for different sizes and formats, rather than trying to fit a single logo into an inadequate space.
Alternative Lockups
Small Size Lock Up
The icon should only be used when there is an absolute minimum of space and at very small sizes. Currently, the Icon alone is only used by NIC as the Favicon for our website. Other than that, please only use the Primary Lock Up for all use cases.
Icon-Only
The icon should only be used when there is an absolute minimum of space and at very small sizes. Currently, the Icon alone is only used by NIC as the Favicon for our website. Other than that, please only use the Primary Lock Up for all use cases.
Clear Space
Clear space is an essential element to consider when using our logo. It refers to the space that surrounds the logo and should be completely free of any other visual elements. This allows the logo to stand out and remain legible, even when used in smaller sizes.
As a general guideline, it's best to provide more clear space around the logo whenever possible. At a minimum, there should be clear space equivalent to the height of the the letter "I" in "NIC" on all four sides of the logo. Using an element from the logo as a reference point ensures that there is enough clear space at any size. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that our logo is presented in the best possible light, and that it remains a strong representation of our brand.
Visualized Clear Space
Background Control
Contrast is the name of the game when considering placing the logo on any background.
Our logo should not only be legible; it should also make a clear, strong statement when used. If there is not enough contrast between the logo and the background, the presence of the logo is weakened.
The logo may be placed on photographs, textures, and patterns as long as there is enough contrast for the logo to be visible.
The two-color version of the logo may be used on any solid-color background. Use the dark or light version to achieve maximum contrast.
The one-color, light version of the logo may used on any dark photographic background. Do not use the two-color version on photographs.
The one-color, dark version of the logo may be used on any light photographic background. Do not use the two-color version on photographs.
The one-color version of the logo may be used on low-contrast patterns. Use the dark or light version to achieve maximum contrast.
Logo Placement
Placement of the logo on canvas is vital to a consistent visual style
Where our logo is placed communicates a great deal about our brand’s visual style. In this chapter, you will find high-level guidance on how the logo should be positioned on a variety of touchpoints and media.
As a general rule, our logo should not be centered in an area. We typically favor a left-aligned layout with the logo aligned to the primary grid line—the spine.
Exceptions to this rule will inevitably surface. When in doubt, connect with a member of our team to review your situation.
Placement On The Page
Place the logo left-aligned on the primary grid line. If this space is not available, the logo belongs in the top or bottom left page corners.
Specific stationery layouts are provided in the Brand Collateral section of this document
Preferred
Align the logo to the primary grid line (referred to as the spine). The primary lockup looks best when left-aligned.
Alternate Options
Align the primary lockup to the left corners. If the layout dictates a centered or right-aligned mark, ensure that the logo is sized responsibly and is sized and spaced appropriately.
Placement on Signage
When used on the exterior of the building, signage should follow the same left-aligned placement of the logo on other touchpoints.
As our locations are all renovated buildings, each situation is unique. In order to achieve consistency between locations, we recommend aligning the sign placement to a significant building feature, like a large window or doorway.
If manufactured signs are required, place the logo on the sign asymmetrically (either horizontally or vertically). Detailed template files are available.
Vertical Position
Align the icon in the center of a vertical rectangular hanging sign to achieve asymmetry.
Horizontal Position
Align the logo in the lower left hand corner of a rectangular hanging sign to achieve asymmetry.
Placement On The Web
On the NIC website, the logo will be placed in the upper left-hand corner of the navigation bar. Do not center the logo on screen, even on small screens.
Favicon
Our favicon—a 32px x 32px icon that is displayed in the browser next to the url—is the only other approved usage of our icon in solid form.
Device Icon
If our website is saved as a bookmark on the home screen of some mobile devices, this graphic will be displayed. Default size is 192px x 192px
On Social Media
When used as social media avatars, the icon-only logo should be used with the right amount of clear space on all sides.
We have developed two approved avatar images found here on this page. They are each approved for both circular and square avatars shapes of all sizes.
While the layout of these avatars should not be altered in any way, approved secondary brand colors may used to address special events, holidays, and seasonal changes.
Icon Avatar
Preferred avatar for use on all platforms. All approved color combinations may be used.
Common Logo Errors
(What NOT to do with the NIC logo)
Note: This is not a comprehensive list of errors. These are simply the most common or egregious errors.
Colors
- Never alter the colors from the official artwork.
- Never replace our logo colors.
- Never place the full color logo on secondary colors.
- Never use patterns behind the logotype.
Shape
- Never shrink or stretch the logotype out of its established proportions.
- Never spin, tilt, angle or alter the logotype. It has been designed to be read horizontally.
Do not stretch, squash, skew, or distort the logo in any way.
Do not place the logo on a highcontrast pattern or busy photograph.
Do not edit the logo color, use an offbrand color, or reduce the logo opacity
Do not change the layout or relationship between logo elements
Do not add graphic effects to the logo, including drop shadows.
Do not encroach on the required clear space surrounding the logo.
Contrast
- When shown on a photographic background the image should always be light or dark enough to ensure substantial contrast in accordance with WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 standards.
Repetition
- The logo should not be used to create a pattern.
Alternative LOGO Versions
- There is no authorized treatment for division or partnership logos. Do not create custom versions of the NIC logo under any circumstances.
In a sentence, paragraph or phrase
- Never place the logo in the flow of a paragraph or phrase. It is a distinct graphic entity and should be treated as a separate image. When typing the agency abbreviation, NIC, use the same font as the rest of the text.
With non-system fonts
- The logo should not appear with unapproved fonts in any layout. Merriweather or Times New Roman are our preferred headline fonts. Source Sans Pro is our preferred body/copy font.
Endorsement
- Similar to the previous example, do not place the logo in an endorsement loctation unless specifically directed to do so by NIC staff. For example, one exception would be for the purposes of a signed Cooperative Agreement.
Extended Beyond the Page
- Cropping or running the logo off a page lessens the meaning of the design and the structure of the logo. The NIC logo is always meant to be viewed as a whole.
Logo considerations
Minimum Size
Defining a minimum display size for our logo ensures legibility. No version of the NIC logo should appear in print or on screen smaller than 2 inches wide. This minimum width is equivalent to 150px wide or 42mm wide, depending on which unit of measure is required.
Exclusion Zone
The exclusion zone refers to the minimum acceptable clear area surrounding the logo which is 20px or 9mm. To guarantee maximum impact of our logo, graphic elements and text should never cross into the exclusion zone.
The guidelines applies to all versions of the logo regardless of the size at which they are reproduced. In unusual circumstances where space is extremely restricted, it may be necessary to reduce the exclusion zone slightly in order to increase the visibility of the logo.
Positioning
In all aspects of our brand, legibility is paramount. Logo placement is somewhat flexible; however, always keep legibility in mind. Preferred logo position is in the top left in all applications. There are a few exceptions such as YouTube video thumbnails where the bottom right corner is obstructed by the YouTube player timestamp.
Our three approved logo versions and three Seal versions give designers a range of flexible options when creating for a variety of environments. However, sizing, placement, padding and contrast decisions can take a little more time to implement. This section will help you quickly make those decisions regarding logo usage and placement more easily.
Division names are not brands
Division names are treated as proper nouns. They do not receive their own logo art. Instead, please type the name of the department in Merriweather (for headers) or Source Sans Pro (in body copy).