Visual Assets

Visual assets help faculty, staff and campus partners represent Montclair consistently across websites, presentations, print materials, social media, signage, videos and other University communications.

University Communications and Marketing provides approved brand resources, image guidance and visual identity standards to help campus partners create materials that are clear, professional and aligned with Montclair’s brand. Using approved visual assets helps strengthen recognition of the University and ensures that Montclair is represented accurately across internal and external channels.

What Visual Assets Include

Visual assets include the approved design elements, images and brand materials used to represent Montclair.

These may include:

  • University logos and marks
  • The University Seal
  • Red Hawk marks and related athletics guidance
  • Brand colors
  • Typography guidance
  • Photography
  • Approved image libraries
  • DIY templates
  • Presentation materials
  • Zoom backgrounds
  • Icons, graphics or other approved design elements

For official logo files, visit Logos and Seals.

Using Visual Assets Correctly

All visual materials created for Montclair should follow University brand standards. These standards help ensure that communications from colleges, schools, departments, offices and programs feel connected to the larger University identity.

Montclair’s brand guidance asks campus community members to follow the University’s visual and editorial standards in order to convey a clear, compelling and consistent image of the University. UCM is responsible for stewarding the Montclair brand and provides guidance on logos, colors, fonts and photography. When creating materials, please use approved assets and avoid altering official marks, graphics or templates in ways that weaken or confuse the brand.

Photography

Photography is one of the most important ways Montclair shows the energy, humanity and impact of the University.

When selecting images for Inside Montclair and other campus-wide communications, choose images that feel authentic, current and appropriate for the audience. Strong Montclair photography should help people understand our students, faculty, campus, learning environments, research, events and community.

As listed on our Photography and Video page, our SmugMug Gallery is our official resource for dynamic images that support the University brand and message in print and digital media. Use University images from this approved photo library whenever possible. Any photos used on University websites, social media or other digital channels must be owned by the University or used in accordance with copyright requirements. 

It is recommended that you do not use any fully AI-generated images.

For more guidance, visit Photography Best Practices.

Colors and Typography

Montclair’s colors and typography are core parts of the University’s visual identity. They help create a consistent look across communications and make materials easier to recognize as part of the Montclair brand.

Use approved color and type guidance when creating:

  • Flyers
  • Posters
  • Presentations
  • Web graphics
  • Social media graphics
  • Reports
  • Event materials
  • Digital signage
  • Marketing materials

When using templates or working with vendors, make sure the final materials follow Montclair’s visual identity standards.

Templates and Self-Service Materials

Self-service tools help campus partners create common materials while staying aligned with the University brand.

Approved templates may be useful for:

  • Presentations
  • Flyers
  • Digital graphics
  • Letterhead
  • Event materials
  • Grant announcements
  • Routine internal communications
  • Department-level materials

For available templates and tools, visit Self-Service Tools.

Accessibility and Digital Use

Visual assets should be prepared with accessibility and usability in mind, especially when used on websites, emails, presentations and social media.

When using visual assets digitally:

  • Provide meaningful alt text for images on websites.
  • Avoid placing important information only inside an image.
  • Make sure text in graphics is large enough to read.
  • Use sufficient contrast between text and background.
  • Size images appropriately before uploading them to the web.
  • Use file formats that match the intended channel.
  • Avoid decorative graphics that make information harder to understand.

For more information, visit Digital Accessibility and Image and Video Formats.

Before You Use or Share a Visual Asset

Before adding a visual asset to a University communication, consider:

  • Is this an approved University asset?
  • Is the image or graphic current and accurate?
  • Do we have permission to use it?
  • Is the asset appropriate for the audience and channel?
  • Does it follow Montclair’s brand standards?
  • Does it need alt text or other accessibility support?
  • Is the file sized and formatted correctly?
  • Would a branded template or approved photo library be a better option?

When in doubt, use approved UCM photos from SmugMug [LINK] or ask for brand guidance from UCM before publishing or distributing the material.

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