Graphics and illustrations
Proper use of graphics and diagrams can make your communication clearer, more interesting and easier to grasp. Here’s how to use shapes and elements from our visual toolbox.
Profiling graphic elements
The graphic elements derived from the logotype's emblem – the olive branch, the fire, and the crowns – should always bleed off at least one side and must not be cropped too severely. The crowns are used sparingly and only when Stockholm University communicates as an authority.
Colours and cropping
The graphic elements are used in university-wide materials and can be used by all units within the university's organisation.
The graphic elements should be cropped according to the images below. The background plate and the graphic element should have the same colour but different shades. For example, if the background plate is University Blue 100%, the graphic element should be University Blue 80%.
- 80% decoration on 100% base colour or 100% decoration on 80% base colour.
- The illustration must always bleed off and should be cropped like the examples below.
Restrictions
- It is not allowed to place text or other objects on top of the profiling graphic elements.
- It is not allowed to use only small details of the elements.
- It is not allowed to use the graphic elements solely as a coloured outline.
- The crowns are used alone only when Stockholm University acts as an authority.
- The crowns should be used sparingly to avoid confusion with other entities.
- Students are not allowed to use the graphic elements.
Infographics
Diagrams and graphs are used to efficiently, clearly and visually present complex or extensive data. They are especially suitable for illustrating trends or relationships between data.
Avoid repeating data in the text as it nullifies the original purpose of a graph.
Guidelines
- Use SU's colour palette. The colour University Blue must always be included.
- Use a Sans serif font in consistent proportions. Primarily use TheSans, alternatively Calibri.
- Maintain a logical and simple flow.
- Keep the text clean, concise, and readable.
- Use "white" space to increase ease of understanding.
- Always cite sources.
Diagrams and graphs should not be used:
- For small amounts of data that can be described in a sentence.
- If the data does not show any significant trend or if comparison data is missing.
Icons
Icons are symbols or characters that represent an object or concept through an illustration. Icons can highlight important information and make your text more dynamic.
Stockholm University uses the FontAwesome icon library.
You can download the icons you need from the icon library.
Examples:
Illustrations
Profiling illustration
Since 2020, the university has a profiling illustration that can be used in communication materials describing Stockholm University on a general level, such as annual reports, strategies, promotional products, etc.
The illustration has a simple graphic expression and is based on the university's graphic profile. It illustrates Stockholm University as a leading research university located in the capital, a broad university with depth and excellence where people work with ideas that change the world.
The illustration is vectorised and available in various formats: square, widescreen, portrait, and landscape.
Contact visuellidentitet@su.se if you are interested in using the illustration.
Stockholms universitets profilerande illustration. Illustratör: Elsa Wikander.
Scientific illustrations
If you wish to produce scientific illustrations, contact our contracted supplier for illustrations.
Contact details can be found under the heading Communication and PR in the Contract catalogue.