Colors

The colors we choose and how we combine those colors with other visual elements create a unique and compelling expression of the WSU brand. Students, staff, alumni, faculty, and other WSU audiences recognize crimson and gray immediately, but supplementary colors allow groups within the WSU family to build their own unique identity. Consistent use of these colors will contribute to the cohesive and harmonious look of the Washington State University brand identity across all relevant media.

Core colorsSecondary colorsAccent colorsGuidance

Core colors

Crimson, gray, and white are the foundation of the WSU color palette. They serve as the brand’s primary colors for print, electronic, and environmental applications. 

  • PMS — 201 C
  • RGB — 166 15 45
  • CMYK — 0 100 63 31
  • HEX — #A60F2D

Crimson

  • PMS — 7540 C
  • RGB — 77 77 77
  • CMYK — 34 24 24 64
  • Black — 77%
  • HEX — #4D4D4D

Gray

Secondary colors

More grays. Brighter crimson. More options. These secondary colors can be used to add a different tone to a design while remaining true to the university’s official crimson and gray brand identity. However, these colors should not be used as part of the WSU logo.

  • PMS — 186 C
  • RGB — 202 18 55
  • CMYK — 14 100 82 4
  • HEX — #CA1237

Red

  • PMS — Neutral Black
  • RGB — 0 0 0
  • CMYK — 0 0 0 100
  • HEX — #000000

Black

  • RGB — 255 255 255
  • CMYK — 0 0 0 0
  • HEX — #FFFFFF

White

  • HEX — #1F1F1F

Black 80%

  • HEX — #4D4D4D

Black 70%

  • HEX — #808080

Black 60%

  • HEX — #A6A6A6

Black 50%

  • HEX — #CCCCCC

Black 40%

  • HEX — #EBEBEB

Black 30%

Accent colors

While WSU’s official crimson and gray should be the go-to colors for most needs, there are times when variety adds value. To broaden the university’s color palette and expand opportunities for impactful design, accent colors are available for use. For those instances where a greater range of color is called for, WSU has carefully curated a supplemental palette of accent colors. Used strategically and sparingly, they can add visual interest, distinguish elements in a sequence, or differentiate parts of a whole.

  • PMS — 165 C
  • RGB — 225 103 39
  • CMYK — 0 68 96 0
  • HEX — #FF6727

Autumn

  • PMS — 3945 C
  • RGB — 243 231 0
  • CMYK — 2 0 98 0
  • HEX — #F3E700

Goldfinch

  • PMS — 2290 C
  • RGB — 170 220 36
  • CMYK — 34 0 95 0
  • HEX — #AADC24

Vineyard

  • PMS — 2985 C
  • RGB — 91 195 245
  • CMYK — 58 0 0 0
  • HEX — #5BC3F5

Pacific Sky

  • PMS — 648 C
  • RGB — 0 45 97
  • CMYK — 100 69 0 56
  • HEX — #002D61

Midnight

Use an accent color in limited ways to support specific communication objectives.

Do not use an accent color in a dominant way, implying that it is an official university color.

Do not pair an accent color with crimson in a way that implies it has equal or secondary status as a university color.

Using ratios

As you tackle special branding needs, please adhere to the ratios listed below. The palette should be 70% crimson and/or gray, 20% a secondary color, and 10% or less devoted to the accent color palette.

70% Primary Crimson
20% Red
10% Accent
70% Primary Gray
20% Primary Crimson
10% Accent
70% Primary Crimson
20% Secondary Gray
10% Accent

Guidance

Do

Do use crimson and gray from our primary palette.

Do

Do apply the palette in accordance with the correct percentages.

Do

Do use variations of gray that fit the use and intent of the piece and maximize legibility.

Don’t

Do NOT use accent colors as primary or secondary colors.

Don’t

Do NOT use colors that are associated with other regional universities.

Don’t

Do NOT screen back crimson or use it as a gradient with gray.