Logo and Seal
Wake Forest University Logo
The Wake Forest University logo is the most visible and recognizable element of our identity. Our logo includes a contemporary version of the Wake Forest shield, the icon that appears in the University seal and as a wrought-iron architectural detail throughout the campus. Below the shield is a typographical treatment of our name that reflects our strength and stature. Within the shield, arching treelike branches suggest growth, collaboration and outreach. The lines converge at the center of the shield to form a subtle, stylized “W.” The division of the shield into two halves alludes to the duality of our University’s mission: We serve both an academic and moral cause, we are as devoted to humanity as we are to the pursuit of knowledge, and we develop the conscience along with the mind.
There are two versions of our logo. The vertical version has the shield above the text, and the horizontal one places the shield beside the text. Either version is acceptable. Choose the version that fits the space the best. The vertical version works best when it can be centered and floated in a generous margin of space, such as on the cover of a formal communication. The horizontal logo works well in tight horizontal spaces, such as in online banners and other applications with limited depth.
In general, the vertical version is more traditional in style; the horizontal version is more contemporary.
The Wake Forest University signature and the interlocking “W” shield are registered trademarks of Wake Forest University.
For permission to use the marks on merchandise and apparel, email licensing@wfu.edu
The Shield
As a recognizable symbol of the University, the shield may be used alone without the “Wake Forest University” type. However, it should be supported by the full logo whenever possible. On multi-page pieces, for example, the full logo should be used on the back. In more limited spaces (e.g., single-page flyers), Wake Forest University should be referenced in the text. For items such as stickers, flash drives and other materials with a limited imprint area, the shield alone will suffice. The shield should never be used as a pattern or in combination with another symbol to create a new logo. If you have questions about whether your application is acceptable, please contact University Marketing and Communications at identity@wfu.edu.
School Logos
Each school within the University has its own logo lockup in both a vertical and horizontal version. In these logos, the school name falls below a thin line underneath the Wake Forest logo.
For the School of Medicine logo, contact Creative Communications at Wake Forest Baptist Health.
Do not attempt to re-create a logo.
Department Descriptors
The Wake Forest University logo may include a department descriptor if the department is a University-wide or administrative department or if the department spans undergraduate and graduate schools. School logos may also include a department descriptor. Logos with department descriptors must be approved and provided by Creative Services (Reynolda Campus) or Creative Communications (Bowman Gray Campus). Adding a department descriptor independently is not permitted, nor is designing your own departmental logo.
Download a Reynolda Campus logo with department descriptor.
Area of Isolation
The legibility and distinction of our University logo is very important. To ensure that the logo is highly visible, always separate it from its surroundings. The area of isolation, or clear space, surrounding the logo should equal the height of the “W” in “Wake Forest.” Do not allow any other graphic element to penetrate this area of isolation.
Minimum Size
There is a minimum size for reproducing the Wake Forest University logo. This ensures that our logo remains legible in every usage. Never reproduce the logo smaller than the minimum size. These minimum sizes apply to all University logos, both for print and online usage.
Logo Color Versions
The logos shown are the permissible color versions of the Wake Forest University logo. Whenever possible, use a version of the logo which includes both of our primary colors, Wake Forest Gold and black. This includes the full-color version on a white or neutral background (see the Neutral Palette section), the Wake Forest Gold version on black or the black version on Wake Forest Gold.
When printing restrictions do not permit use of both primary colors, use the black one-color logo on a white or neutral background or the white logo reversed out of black. On black backgrounds, it is preferable to reverse out the Wake Forest Gold logo. If two colors are not available, the logo may be reversed out in white. Any time the logo is reproduced in one color, the left side of the shield should be solid.
Full-Color Logo Usage
The full-color logo should only be used on a background light enough to provide contrast.
One-Color Logo Usage
In any situation where the full-color logo is not possible, use the one-color logo in gold, black or white, whichever provides sufficient contrast.
Incorrect Logo Usage
The examples shown represent incorrect usage of the Wake Forest University logo.
A | Do not use part of the logo, such as “Wake Forest” without “University.”
B | Do not angle or rotate the logo.
C | Do not use the logo as a pattern.
D | Do not stretch, distort or alter the logo in any way.
E | Do not use a different typeface in the logo.
F | Do not use the Wake Forest University logotype without the symbol.
G | Do not use centered type with the horizontal logo.
H | Do not substitute “University” in the logo with any name or descriptor.
Single-line horizontal logo
Primarily designed to be a web header, the single-line horizontal logo may be used for applications where there is insufficient vertical space.
Special Applications
Certain applications may require a specialized version of the logo – embroidery, for example. Please contact University Marketing and Communications at identity@wfu.edu for assistance in these cases.
Co-Branding
When using the Wake Forest University logo with another logo, such as for a co-sponsored event, observe the area of isolation for the Wake Forest logo, and center a .25″ rule between the two logos. The logos may appear side by side or stacked, depending on space restrictions. Use only the horizontal version of the Wake Forest logo.
Athletics Logo
Wake Forest University Athletics logos may be used for communications related to athletic events. Both the bold block WF and the Demon Deacon are official athletics logos. These logos are for use only with materials related to athletic events. For all other communications, use the Wake Forest logo. For graphic standards and information about the Wake Forest Athletics logos, visit this page.
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center is a separate entity from Wake Forest University and uses a separate logo. Do not use the Wake Forest University logo for any communication prepared for the Medical Center. For graphic standards and information about the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, contact Bowman Gray Campus Creative Communications.
Wake Forest University Seal
The Wake Forest University seal, designed in 1908 by William Louis Poteat and his predecessor, Charles E. Taylor, represents the rich heritage and history of our University. Inscribed with the words Pro Humanitate, it is a classic icon symbolizing our University’s vision to serve mankind through the pursuit of knowledge. The seal is to be used only for official documents and occasions. It must not be used as a casual logo or identity, a design element in recruitment materials or a decorative element. Ideally, the seal should be reproduced in Wake Forest Gold, either on an approved neutral background color or on black. The seal may also be embossed, foil-stamped or used as a watermark. If necessary, the black version of the seal may be used on an approved Neutral Palette color.
Uses for the seal include:
- Official legal documents
- Transcripts
- Convocation and Commencement documents
- Honor society documents
- The official catalog
- Diplomas
- Board of Trustee resolutions
- Presidential communications
- University stationery watermark
The seal illustrations shown here are watermarked as examples only and are not intended or authorized for any use.
To request prepared digital art of the Wake Forest University seal, please contact us.