Colors

Color is a strong element in our brand identity. Cardinal Red and white are the official colors of Ball State University. These two colors unite every unit from academic areas to athletics to the Ball State University Foundation to recruitment. Cardinal Red signals the rich timelessness of our institution as well as the vibrant, high-energy of campus. 

Consistent use of these colors will help the university build strong connections and affiliation especially with external audiences. Use the standards outlined here to ensure accuracy in reproduction.

Primary Colors

Cardinal Red should carry the color theme within the communication medium it is employed. To ensure constancy and vibrancy, Cardinal Red should never be screened (tinted). 

In the rare case where standardized color swatches are the only choice and can’t color match our specific red, such as novelty vendors, make every attempt to find the closest pure red (no burgundy, rust, orange, or pink tones). If a standard pure red is unavailable, consider white.

Secondary Colors

These colors give some options based on communication goals, audience, and medium of the project. Secondary colors are intended to assist as visual organizational elements such as tasteful callout informational features and sidebar boxes and add interest to branded designs. 

Secondary colors may be screened to offer even more options. (Cardinal Red is never screened.) Secondary colors must never replace or overwhelm Cardinal Red and should only serve to add to the design look of the piece.