WWU Logos and Usage Guide
Download official Western Washington University logos and learn how to use them correctly. Our marks are a vital part of WWU's identity, and using them consistently helps strengthen recognition of the university.
For more details on color, typography, and visual identity standards, see the full brand guidelines.
Why Logo Alterations Aren't Allowed
Western Washington University's logos are carefully designed to represent the university's identity. Altering them (by changing colors, proportions, adding text, or combining with other graphics) creates inconsistency and confusion. Consistent use of official logos strengthens recognition and protects the integrity of the WWU brand.
Important
WWU logos must never be altered, stretched, recolored, or combined with other graphics. These changes weaken brand recognition and violate university standards.
Primary Logos
The primary Western Washington University logos are the default marks for representing the university. These include versions in full color, single color, and reverse (white). Use the primary logo in most situations, including print, web, digital, and promotional materials.
ZIP file containing PNG, WebP, SVG, EPS, and PDF versions of the primary WWU logo.
Lettermarks
In addition to the primary logos, WWU has simplified lettermarks for specific situations. Lettermarks are useful when the primary logo cannot be used effectively, such as embroidery, small-scale print, or design environments where a simplified mark is required. Lettermarks must not be altered, stretched, or paired with unapproved graphics.
To help prevent misuse, access is restricted.
- Request form required (requests are reviewed by University Marketing).
Unit Marks (Department and College Logos)
Unit marks identify specific colleges, departments, programs, or offices within Western Washington University. They pair the official WWU logo with unit-specific text in an approved lockup.
When Unit Marks May Be Used
- Used for marketing and communication materials produced by the college, department, or office the unit mark represents.
- Used for event signage, presentations, and outreach specific to the unit.
- Used on web and digital platforms maintained by the unit.
When Unit Marks May Not Be Used
- Not permitted in place of the primary WWU logo for university-wide communications.
- Not permitted by groups, individuals, or organizations not officially associated with the unit.
- Not permitted if modified, rearranged, or combined with other graphics (the lockup must always remain intact).
To ensure proper use, access is restricted. Downloads are limited to authorized staff. If you need access to an existing unit mark that has already been created for your department, college, or program, please email creative@wwu.edu.
- Unit marks should only be used by the department, college, or office they represent.
- To request a new unit mark, submit the form below.
Athletics Marks
Western Washington University's Athletics marks are an important part of our identity. These include the Viking head, Athletics lettermarks and wordmarks, and related lockups. Because of their strong association with varsity athletics, club sports, and the Athletics brand, their use is limited and requires approval.
When Athletics Marks May Be Used
- Used for varsity Athletics communications and marketing.
- Used for club sports with Athletics approval.
- Used on official Athletics merchandise and promotional materials.
When Athletics Marks May Not Be Used
- Not permitted for use in academic, administrative, or student organization materials unless explicitly approved.
- Not permitted in place of the university logo, as this creates confusion and weakens the WWU brand.
To help prevent misuse, access is restricted.
- Request form required (requests are reviewed by University Marketing and Athletics).
Student Organizations
Western's registered student organizations (RSOs) are encouraged to create and use their own unique branding to reflect their mission and identity. To maintain a clear distinction between official university communication and student-led initiatives, student organization may not use or adapt Western's official logos, unit marks, or Athletics marks in their materials.
Organizations may show their affiliation with Western in text only, such as: "A recognized student organization of Western Washington University." Event posters, flyers, websites, and digital materials should clearly represent the organization itself and avoid any suggestions of being official university communications or sponsorship.
When creating logos or visual identities, student organizations should:
- Develop original designs that reflect their unique identity.
- Avoid using or imitating WWU logos, unit marks, or Athletics marks.
- Avoid copying the official university color palette or Athletics branding.
- Clearly display the organization's name on promotional materials.
These guidelines help ensure that student organizations can build a distinct presence while supporting the integrity of Western's official brand.
FAQs
Have a question about how to use Western's logo or brand elements? Here are some of the most common questions we get about WWU logos.
Use the primary WWU logo or your official unit mark, depending on whether the account represents the entire university or a specific department, office, or program.
Avoid cropping, recoloring, or placing the logo on busy backgrounds. For profile icons, you may use an approved simplified version designed for small spaces -- contact University Marketing if you're unsure which file is best.
If you need a logo file type not listed here, email creative@wwu.edu with a brief description of how the logo will be used.
Choose the file type based on your project needs:
- PNG -- for general digital use, like email, PowerPoint, or social media; supports transparent backgrounds
- WebP -- for websites specifically, offering smaller file sizes with high-quality visuals
- SVG -- for digital or print when you need an editable, scalable vector (ideal for icons, graphics, or responsive designs)
- EPS -- for professional print projects; fully scalable vector
- PDF -- for print materials that require a fixed layout
When in doubt: use PNG for digital projects and EPS for print projects.
Yes, if it's for university use (such as department apparel, staff shirts, or event swag).
All print and promotional uses must comply with brand standards and be produced through a licensed vendor. Student organizations must use their own logos -- WWU marks may not appear on student org materials or merchandise.
The Make Waves logo is part of Western's institutional brand system and is used for high-level, university-wide messaging, such as recruitment, marketing campaigns, and broad storytelling initiatives.
It is not a replacement for the primary WWU logo and should not be used on departmental, program, or unit-specific materials without approval. Most academic and administrative communications should continue to use the primary WWU logo or an approved unit mark.
If you're unsure whether Make Waves is appropriate for your project, contact creative@wwu.edu before using it.
Western's hydrascape graphic elements and illustrations are part of a curated visual system used in select, university-level communications. They are not intended for general use by departments, programs, or student organizations.
These elements should not be added to websites, print materials, or digital assets unless they are part of an approved design or campaign developed in coordination with University Marketing.
If you're interested in exploring whether a hydrascape element could be appropriate for a specific project, reach out to creative@wwu.edu to discuss options.
No. Logos, lettermarks and wordmarks, and unit marks may not be altered, recreated, or combined with other graphics or text. This includes adding taglines, rearranging elements, or changing fonts and colors.
If you need a unit mark for your college, department, or program, you can submit a Unit Mark Request Form.
No. Registered student organizations must create their own distinct logos and may not use WWU logos, unit marks, or Athletics marks.
You can acknowledge affiliation textually (e.g., "A recognized student organization of Western Washington University") but cannot include official marks or university colors in your design.
No, Athletics marks are reserved for varsity Athletics, club sports, and approved Athletics-related uses only.
Using Athletics marks for academic or administrative purposes creates confusion and weakens the brand.
If your unit doesn't already have an official logo (unit mark), you can request one through the Unit Mark Request Form. All new unit marks are created and approved by University Marketing to ensure consistency with Western's brand standards. Custom or modified versions of WWU logos are not permitted.
No. Official unit marks already include the appropriate WWU logo as part of the lockup, so a separate standalone institutional logo is not required. In most cases, the unit mark should not be placed beside the primary WWU logo, as this would be redundant.
Email creative@wwu.edu -- we're happy to clarify how to use existing materials correctly, but we're unable to provide design services or custom artwork outside approved processes.