Department Sub-Brand Treatments

Beyond the Department Lock-up:
Department Sub-brands

A department lock-up may be only the first in a number of lock-ups needed to effectively brand an entire department. Each department sub-brand may warrant its own lock-up. Sub-brands include, but are not limited to: 

• Divisions
• Offices
• Programs
• Projects
• Facilities
• Centers
• Consumer-Facing Brands

There are several lock-up options* a department sub-brand may choose from, including:

• State C and Emblem lock-up
• C-only lock-up
• State Seal lock-up
• Acronym lock-up
• Paired Brand lock-up

*These lock-up options are described in more detail below.

C & Emblem Logo/Lock-ups

This is the recommended lock-up type for most department sub-brands. The C and Emblem are used along with the Colorado logotype and a text treatment that includes the name of the department and the name of the sub-brand. Below are two possible ways to display this content.

C & Emblem Logo/Lock-up (Emphasis on the Department)

C & Emblem Logo/Lock-up (Emphasis on the Sub-brand)

Alternate Options for Sub-brand Lock-ups

Alternate lock-up options are available when the above scenarios don't meet the needs of a department sub-brand. More detail on using each of these alternatives can be found later in this section.

Department Sub-brands Text Treatments

Every lock-up, with the exception of the Acronym option, allows for up to two pieces of content in the text treatment beneath the Colorado logotype. These two lines are described as the "primary line of content" and the "secondary line of content." Either of these lines can be used for the department name or the department sub-brand name. If more emphasis should be placed on the sub-brand, then the sub-brand name should be placed in the primary line. If more emphasis should be placed on the department name, then the department name should be placed in the primary line.

C & Emblem Logo/Lock-up

All department sub-brands are eligible for their own C and Emblem lock-up. Each C and Emblem sub-brand lock-up allows for primary and secondary content lines as needed. The content displayed on these lines is usually the department name and sub-brand name. The order of the content is left to the discretion of the department. 

C-only Logo/Lock-up

A C-only lock-up is also available for any department sub-brand. It is often used for programs that are loosely associated with the department in which they are housed or for programs that span multiple departments. The C-only lock-up may be used in any case where it is not appropriate or desired to include a department Emblem. Each C-only lock-up allows for primary and secondary content lines as needed. The content displayed on these lines is usually the department name and sub-brand name. The order of the content is left to the discretion of the department.

State Seal Lock-up

A State Seal lock-up may be used when a department or department sub-brand conducts serious, official state business. Primary and secondary content lines are available for this type of lock-up. The content displayed on these lines is usually the department name and sub-brand name. The order of the content is left to the discretion of the department.

Acronym Logo/Lock-up

An Acronym lock-up is available for department sub-brands that are more widely recognized by their acronym than their full name. These are usually programs. An Acronym lock-up may use a C and Emblem, C-only or a State Seal structure. The acronym part of the text treatment should not exceed six characters. Only one additional line of text is available when utilizing an Acronym lock-up. The additional line of text may be used for the department name or the full name of the acronym.

Multiple-Department Treatments

When including brands for two or more departments in a co-branded program, avoid using multiple complete logos together or an arrangement of agency emblems. This treatment can appear busy and repetitive. Instead, it is recommended to use the C (or Seal if a more official look is warranted) in conjunction with a listing of departments (examples at left) or a modified lock-up of the C, COLORADO logotype and agencies' logotypes (example below), if space allows. Use alphabetical order when possible. In reports or longer communications from co-branded programs, it is ok to use a department's full brand lock-up near copy specifically about only that department's role in the program, when not adjacent to another department's brand. Web and social media sites for co-branded projects may include images of department emblems and links to partner sites.