Style & Tone

Layout, typography, photography, and editorial content work together to communicate the style and tone of New York University's visual identity and reflect the core values of the University.  Below are examples and contact information for questions.

Special Note: To produce the most effective communications and have the greatest impact, it's recommended that a department hire a professional graphic designer to create their materials.

Layouts
In general, the following recommendations should be considered when designing print and online communications. The design of NYU communications reflect on the reputation of the University.

• Simple Layouts
  Complex layouts are harder to read, scan, and analyze. Layouts that are clutter free are more professional and allow the reader to understand quickly the key benefits and call to action of the communications.
• Information Heirarchy
  Using composition, scale, typography, and images, you can design layouts that help the reader navigate the page from most important to least important information.
• Use of white space
  Too often we cover every inch of a page with text. This results in publications that are intimidating and difficult to read. White space is essential to readability. It makes the various elements stand out.
• NYU visual identity
  The use of the NYU Logo and the color violet speak volumes about your communication. It gives visual clues to the reader as to whom the communication is coming from, how important it is, and how much attention they should give it. Please have a look at the do and don't section for recommended usage.

Images

Our digital archive of photographic images includes high-resolution versions for print and low-resolution versions for websites. The library is currently online at www.picturebank.nyu.edu. For questions concerning photos, please contact Jane Burke at the Photo Bureau.

Typography
Gotham is the primary font used in the logo and all secondary-level logtypes. It can be used in conjunction with other fonts, but should be the primary font for units within the central administration of NYU. As a machine font default, Arial is recommended for letters and HTML docs.

The Gotham type font family can be purchased directly from the type foundry, Hoefler & Frere-Jones, online at www.typography.com. At this time the University does not have an institutional license.

The following attributes contributed to the selection of Gotham as NYU's primary font:

        In and of the City: Vernacular sans serif designed in Greenwich Village

        Influence: Architectural and commercial signage in New York City

        Modern: Type style strikes a modern and forthright tone

        Clear/Optimistic: Suggests the energy and exuberance of NYU and NYC

        Versatile: A range of weights and styles for a variety of messages

Editorial Style

For information on capitalization, punctuation, and abbreviation, please see The Chicago Manual of Style, the University's standard reference. For spelling, word division, and helpful usage notes, refer to Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary.

In addition, we are glad to answer your specific questions at urpa.stylguide@nyu.edu.