STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY
brand design
brand design
I worked on a visual identity refresh for Stony Brook University, refining and consolidating the existing logo treatments, typography, and color palette into a more cohesive and consistent brand system. The goal was to strengthen the university's established identity while creating clearer guidelines and greater flexibility across a wide range of applications. As part of the refresh, I also developed a new system of graphic elements inspired by prisms and vibrant red gemstones. Built around a flexible set of modular patterns, the system could be adapted into different compositions and layouts while maintaining a distinctive and recognizable connection to the Stony Brook brand.
Logo
I refined the existing logo system by establishing clearer spacing and margin guidelines, using the “B” in Stony Brook as a consistent unit of measurement. I also consolidated the stacked, vertical, and horizontal logo variations to create a simpler, more cohesive system across different applications.
Typography
I streamlined Stony Brook’s typography to create a more focused and contemporary system. After exploring a range of typefaces, Alumni Sans was selected as the primary headline font, paired with Bitter as a secondary typeface to provide contrast, warmth, and flexibility across the brand.
Colors
I refreshed and simplified Stony Brook’s color palette, reducing the number of secondary colors while preserving the established primary palette. With many colors already in use across individual schools and departments, the challenge was creating a more consistent system while maintaining the flexibility needed throughout the university.
Graphic Element
Inspired by the way prisms and gemstones reflect and refract light, I developed a new graphic element to bring depth, movement, and energy to Stony Brook’s visual identity. Angular forms and shifting shades of red create a distinctive visual language that can adapt across different applications while remaining recognizable as part of the Stony Brook brand.
Modular Prism System
I developed a modular collection of prism patterns that could be combined, rearranged, and scaled to create a wide variety of compositions. This approach allows the graphic elements to remain flexible while maintaining a consistent visual identity.
Prism Construct Examples
Alterations & Framing Device
To give the system additional flexibility, a single secondary brand color can be introduced to create contrast and variation while maintaining a cohesive look. The prism elements can also be used to frame photography, bringing imagery into the visual system and creating a stronger connection between the brand and its content.
Digital Examples
Real World Examples
