Sacramento State
The "destination campus" for the West, a place of leadership,
great teaching, opportunity and pride.
Sacramento State (Sac. State) was founded in 1947, and is one of the oldest and most diverse campuses in California. Sacramento State focuses on delivering an education experience that is both affordable and impactful for students. Sacramento State wanted to keep this message but update their image with a new logo and brand package.
What We Did
Market Research & Analysis
Brand Strategy
Identity & Design Development
Brand Guidelines
Environmental Design
Production Sourcing
The Challenge
Sacramento State wanted to establish itself as a "destination campus" for the West, a place of leadership, great teaching, opportunity and pride. With a new logo system they hoped to achieve a consistency throughout all print and web products, and further raise its visibility and support for its programs.
The Approach
The first element you’ll notice is the torch or “S” contained within the shield. The curves of the flame combined above the solid stance of the torch handle is the defining feature of the Sacramento State logo system. It is inspired by the quality of learning, diversity, unity, strength and leadership that a torch has long symbolized. Other elements of the logo include a shield (government representation), an arch (reminiscent of the Guy West Bridge) and curved waves (to represent a river and geographical locations).
The Athletic Logo
The brand was able to expand to separate departments while maintaining a consistent image. OCG developed logos for both Associated Students and Alumni that apply the same color ways and fonts, while utilizing the flame and torch in a slightly varied way. We also developed a new athletic logo to compliment Sac. State’s new logo. The new athletic marks - anchored by the monogram “S” logo with a stinger - gives the program a progressive look that helps position the brand in the 21st century while adopting components that bring the look in line with the University’s marks.
