University Marks
The Johns Hopkins University brand includes various supporting marks, each with its own use cases and guidance. These marks uniquely articulate our brand and are limited in circulation to preserve their intended purpose.
Academic Seal
Adopted by the board of trustees on December 7, 1885, the academic seal represents the university’s dedication to the advancement of knowledge in service to the community and the world. The design originates from the collaborative work of Baltimore historian Clayton C. Hall, Esq. and Stephen Tucker, Esq., the Somerset Herald at the College of Arms in London.
The seal may only be used with permission from University Communications. It can never be altered or varied. Contact brand@jh.edu for permission and files.
Full-Color Seal
The full-color seal of Johns Hopkins University is reserved for official documents—including diplomas, presidential and trustee minutes, and other legal, academic, or official university documentation—or the highest awards and certificates.
Single-Color Seal
The single-color seal may be used for formal occasions and products, including items for Commencement; specific gift items in brass, silver, or pewter; appropriate clothing (blazers, not t-shirts); stationery; and university chairs.
The truth will set you free
The University Archives preserves the original handwritten minutes of the board of trustees going back to 1870. The minutes for December 7, 1885, include a description of the various elements of the seal, reading in part: “The escutcheon shall be represented as suspended from an oak branch; below shall be the motto, Veritas vos Liberabit.”
—James Stimpert, Senior Reference Archivist, Sheridan Libraries in a Letter to the Editor in Johns Hopkins Magazine, Summer 2018
Joint University & Medicine Mark
While the primary University logo represents the whole enterprise, a joint University and Medicine logo also exists within the Johns Hopkins University brand architecture. This mark is reserved for limited use when a singular mark is required to articulate both entities to external audiences. Use is strictly limited to preserve the integrity of our primary Johns Hopkins University logo and the Johns Hopkins Medicine logo. As such, this mark is not available for download and all use cases must be shared with University Communications for review.
For information about Johns Hopkins Medicine identity guidelines, please refer to brand.hopkinsmedicine.org.
The joint mark is used for:
Products
IT products that support both University and Medicine staff can include the joint mark with approval from University Communications.
Programming
Campaigns and events that serve both university and medicine audiences can include the joint lock-up only with approval from University Communications.
NOT Places
For staff welcome signage at locations that support both University and Medicine offices, use an official location lock-up.
NOT People
The joint mark is not permitted to represent specific units or departments and should not be used for email signatures, stationery, or merchandise.
FAQs
Should I use the Johns Hopkins University logo or the Johns Hopkins Medicine logo?
My unit supports both University and Medicine, can we use the joint mark for our unit lock-up?
I am planning an event with stakeholders from both University and Medicine, can I use the joint mark on giveaways?
Spirit Marks
Our spirit marks were created to evoke a sense of energy and Blue Jay pride. They’re ideally suited to represent Hopkins Athletics but are available for use across the enterprise to support brand affinity. Spirit marks may not replace the primary logo on any communication, and they may not be altered.
Split Block H
The Split Block H can be considered for use as a spirit mark to represent affinity among our alumni and current student audiences. It may not be altered or locked with any logos or text. The color division of the H should never change direction, nor should the proportion or the font change.
Blue Jay
The official blue jay graphic can be used as a spirit mark provided it is not the shielded blue jay, which is reserved for Athletics. Cropping this mark is encouraged.
Note: Custom blue jay illustrations and iconography are not allowed without permission from University Communications.
Mascot
Johns Hopkins’ mascot, Jay (they/them), is a great characterization of Blue Jay pride. Photos and videos of Jay can be used on promotional materials, particularly those pertaining to undergraduate students. Jay imagery is not suitable for use on apparel.
Note: The mascot costume was updated in 2019. Images of the old mascot should be avoided.
Baby Jay
The Baby Jay graphic was created specifically for use on youth merchandise and collateral specific to youth and family programming. Alternative uses must be approved by University Communications.