Graphic Elements
Publisher's Marks
These marks were inspired by printing houses and publisher’s unique symbols that appear on spines or title pages of books. They reinforce our brand platform and big idea: an invitation to a vibrant journey and a fresh page for writing your next chapter. They are a distinct opportunity to bring in some of the different symbols that make up Bryn Mawr and its traditions.
These are NOT logos and should never be used in place of any part of the Bryn Mawr logo. Rather, they are decorative elements that help add to the visual story of Bryn Mawr.
Can we make more publisher's marks?
Please do not create any new variations of the publisher’s marks without permission from the Office of Communications & Marketing.
Bryn Mawr’s history and campus are full of symbols and imagery that would work well for future Publisher’s Marks. For example, what could an Athena or an archway-inspired Publisher’s Mark look like?
Suggest new marks inspired by our college campus at communications@brynmawr.edu.
Architectural Inspired Frames
Drawn from shapes found within the campus' architecture, these framing devices allow us to bring part of the look of the campus into our designs in a unique way. Our frames speak to our Connection pillar by portraying campus as that portal for connection.
Primary Frame Usage
color fills to call out specific stats related
to the college.
can use the frames to hold photography
as well.
NOTE: Please do not create any new variations of these frames without the permission and collaboration of the Office of Communications & Marketing team.
Light Rays
A book-inspired element, our light rays are drawn from old, illuminated manuscripts. They dial up that idea of inquisitive pursuit of truth and the light that comes from wisdom. They also speak to the many ways light as a symbol of wisdom is woven into Bryn Mawr’s story. They are a visual element that can add balance to a composition by placing them in corners to ground a layout or by using them to highlight statistics or call out information.
We rarely use the full sunburst,
but the graphic exists as a whole
so it can be cropped into other
ratios as needed.
These work best when aligned
to the horizontal or vertical
middle of a composition or
piece of copy.
These work the best in corners
or other smaller places in a
composition.
NOTE: Please do not create any new variations of the light ray graphics.
Architectural Inspired Patterns
Like our architectural inspired frames, our patterns allow us to bring part of the look of campus into our designs in a unique way.
This pattern was inspired by the
interior ceiling of Old Library.
Carved along the upper arch
of one of the campus' many
arches is this scale pattern.
Many of the windows of the gothic
style buildings on campus feature
this or a similar diamond pattern.
Can we make more patterns?
Please do not create any new variations of the architectural patterns without permission from the Office of Communications & Marketing.
Architecture, woodwork, windows, carvings all hold inspiration for more patterns. We are primarily inspired by geometric forms, as those elements work best for repeating patterns.
Suggest new patterns inspired by our college campus at communications@brynmawr.edu
Plumb Line Motif
A common compositional style used throughout our design system is that of the plumb line. We use this centered compositional design in a way that brings boldness as well as connection as we literally connect elements or thoughts together as one.
This is a centered composition that most often connects lines of copy, by using a vertical line. This compositional motif is also inspired by book publishing and layouts of title pages. It creates an elegant visual because of the breathing room it allows from the top to bottom of the page. It also gives a clear visual line for the viewer to follow, allowing for accessibility in reading the content.
It is optional, but encouraged when appropriate, to use one of our publisher’s marks at the bottom as the ‘weight’ for our plumb line.
Usage Examples
