NC State University brand guidelines
NC State University's brand guidelines center on the Think and Do platform, offering comprehensive editorial guidance, downloads, and an interactive icon library.
NC State University brand homepage introducing the Think and Do brand identity with navigational cards and quick resource shortcuts.
Downloads page displaying logo packages grouped by aspect ratio, color palette swatch previews, and presentation templates.
About the Brand overview page detailing why branding matters, brand architecture, and support resources.
Searchable and filterable icon library displaying over 120 icons with category buttons and an outline or fill toggle.
Voice and Tone documentation detailing five brand personality traits paired with dos and don'ts.
Mantra usage guidelines outlining typographical and grammatical rules for NC State's Think and Do phrase.
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I really appreciate how NC State grounds its brand in clear, practical rules without losing warmth. Everything revolves around the Think and Do mantra, and the portal takes writing rules just as seriously as visual elements. I love seeing specific instructions like never swapping out the word and for an ampersand in the mantra, right alongside five distinct personality traits with what to do and what to avoid. The searchable library with over a hundred icons and instant toggle between fill and outline styles is wonderfully handy for university teams producing everyday materials.
At a glance
- Sections
- About the Brand · Designing for NC State · Writing for NC State · Downloads
- Downloads
- ZIP, PNG, EPS, POTX, PDF
- Tone
- Bold, action-oriented, and structured around university identity, editorial precision, and practical creative toolkits.
What I noticed
- The website provides a searchable and filterable icon library containing 126 icons with a toggle between Fill and Outline styles.12
- The Downloads section organizes university brick logos by aspect ratios such as 4x1, 2x2, and 2x1, offering print CMYK zip files and screen RGB zip files.34567
- Guidance for the 'Think and Do' mantra strictly prohibits substituting the word 'and' with an ampersand or plus symbol and requires capitalizing both verbs.8
- The Voice and Tone guidelines break institutional communication into five core personality traits: Inventive, Driven, Collaborative, Supportive, and Confident.9
Numbers refer to the screenshots above.
What I could not see
- The full list of typography rules and specific web font downloads could not be inspected directly from the captured screens.
- Internal access requirements or licensing details for full photo libraries and Google Slides templates were not visible.
Ideas to borrow
Quick answers
Where can I download NC State logos?
Logo packages for print (CMYK) and screen (RGB) are available in ZIP archives or individual PNG and EPS formats across multiple aspect ratios on the Downloads page.1213141567
Does NC State offer presentation templates?
Yes, presentation templates are available for download as PowerPoint files (.potx) alongside links to Google Slides templates in the Downloads section.1617
Can I replace 'and' with an ampersand in 'Think and Do'?
No, guidelines specify that you must never alter the words, replace 'and' with an ampersand or plus symbol, and you must capitalize both verbs.8
Reviewed on 26 September 2026. Request a correction · I built this