Pitt’s new look has brighter palette and cleaner logos

It’s a new year and there’s a new look for the University of Pittsburgh. You may have noticed some of the new marks and colors on several of the University’s websites, including pitt.edu.

The Office of University Communications began implementing a new color palette and logo, known as the shield, across campuses late this summer. The updates are based on input from more than 4,000 students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends and fans and the work of a University committee on marks and colors.

Additionally, the updates to the marks and colors addressed key aspects of University’s visual identity that were problematic in digital design

The University’s primary color palette now is the royal blue and Pitt gold used by Pitt Athletics, “but also incorporates navy and a more tonal gold,” Kate Ledger, assistant vice chancellor for marketing, said in @Pitt. The gold hues are more ADA accessible, because Vegas gold had contrast issues that created legibility problems, according to Chris Jones, senior interactive art director.

The Pitt seal was simplified so it can be reduced for use digitally but still reflects key aspects of the official University seal.

The formal University seal is not going away — it is reserved for diplomas, chancellor’s materials and other high-end academic settings. It has, though, been refreshed in Pitt Royal and University Gold to align with the new color palette.

For more details on the changes to the color palette and logo, go to @Pitt or the marketing page on the Office of University Communications website.