Mankato

Official Websites

• https://greatermankato.com/visit-mankato
• https://www.mankatomn.gov
• http://www.ci.mankato.mn.us

Brand Guidelines

2012

Brand Summary

Mission

• To maintain brand consistency in all communications used to represent Mankato as a destination, amplifying its message and increasing interest in the city for visitors and residents [^1].

Core Values

• community
• vibrancy
• artistic expression
• bike-friendliness
• cultural enrichment
• partnership
• consistency

Target Audience

• Visitors seeking a compelling destination, residents proud of their city, and partners involved in tourism, lifestyle, and cultural activities [^2].

Personality Traits

• energetic
• artistic
• friendly
• inviting
• modern
• playful

Visual Identity Overview

• The brand uses a vibrant color palette, playful and artistic logo featuring a stylized bike rider, casual handwritten typography, and professional, vivid imagery. Visual communications emphasize movement, activity, and a modern, inviting style [^3].

Categories

Brand Voice

• The purpose of this Brand Style Guide is to maintain brand consistency in all communications used to represent Mankato as a destination. It is crucial that we speak with one clear voice so that our message is amplified to reach our audience. Although it is impossible to address all conceivable interpretations of the Mankato Brand, this guide conveys key elements and style attributes for the most common expressions of the brand.

Brand Imagery

• Photographic imagery must be professional and simple in composition. When possible, images should be composed or cropped to accommodate overlaying, reversed text.
• Images should capture the distinctive essence of the city of Mankato. They should be vivid in color and represent positive energetic experiences.
• Some images should include individuals engaging in bike-related activities, winter sports, trail exploration, theater and live entertainment.
• Symbolic visual references to professional football should be used to avoid potential professional team license infringement.

Color Palette

• The brand color palette consists of 6 colors: Midnight Blue, Sky Blue, Sweet Pink, Solar Orange, Apple Green and Ivy Green. The colors are derived from the Pantone Matching System.
• Each color may be reproduced as 4 screen tints. When printing using 4 color process, the CMYK formulas must be maintained. When digitally reproduced or displayed electronically, the RGB formulas must be maintained. In web media, the Hex formulas (or web safe RGB) will ensure accurate representation. In Black and White applications, each color can be represented as a screen percentage of black as defined in greyscale.
• Midnight Blue: Tints: 50% 30% 20% 100%; CMYK: C=100 M=55 Y=0 K=55; RGB: R=0 G=55 B=103; HEX: #003767; Greyscale: 100%
• Sky Blue: Tints: 50% 30% 20% 100%; CMYK: C=68 M=34 Y=0 K=0; RGB: R=80 G=145 B=205; HEX: #5091CD; Greyscale: 40.46%
• Sweet Pink: Tints: 50% 30% 20% 100%; CMYK: C=11 M=100 Y=0 K=0; RGB: R=214 G=12 B=140; HEX: #DC0C8C; Greyscale: 62.3%
• Solar Orange: Specification: PANTONE 137 C; Tints: 50% 30% 20% 100%; CMYK: C=0 M=35 Y=90 K=0; RGB: R=251 G=176 B=52; HEX: #FBB034; Greyscale: 30.55%
• Apple Green: Specification: PANTONE 376 C; Tints: 50% 30% 20% 100%; CMYK: C=50 M=0 Y=100 K=0; RGB: R=141 G=198 B=63; HEX: #8DC63F; Greyscale: 26%
• Ivy Green: Tints: 50% 30% 20% 100%; CMYK: C=85 M=0 Y=100 K=55; RGB: R=0 G=98 B=39; HEX: #006227; Greyscale: 91.5%
• The full color version of the Mankato Brandmark may be used against dark backgrounds, restricted to Midnight Blue or Black. In either condition, the wordmark shall be changed from Midnight Blue to white. All other colors remain unchanged.
• For single color applications it is recommended that Midnight Blue or Black be used.
• In single color applications, the brandmarks may be reproduced as various percentages of Midnight Blue. 1. 100% or solid. 2. 60% screen tint. 3. 30% screen tint.
• In black and white applications such as newsprint, the brandmarks may be reproduced as various percentages of Black. 4. 100% or solid. 5. 70% screen tint. 6. 40% screen tint.
• Whenever possible, both single color versions of the Brand mark must be used over a white or an off-white background.
• Two color versions of the brandmark may be used in rare cases. In either example, Midnight Blue is the dominant base color.
• Option A: Midnight Blue, Apple Green. Option B: Midnight Blue, Sky Blue.
• Whenever possible, both two color versions of the Brand mark must be used over a white or an off-white background.
• When used in reverse over a colored background, the Brandmark shall be applied as opaque white with screen tints. 1. White over Black 2. White over Midnight Blue 3. White over Sky Blue 4. White over Apple Green 5. White over Solar Orange 6. White over Sweet Pink
• Under no circumstances shall users of Mankato Brandmark rearrange or make any alterations to its parts. The color arrangement of the Brandmark shall never be rearranged or changed in any way. This includes adding halos, outlines, gradient blends or drop shadows. No element of the Brandmark shall be removed. Single color versions of the Brandmark shall not deviate from those specified on page 8. The Brandmark must never be placed against a textured background other than a low contrast photo image or a white/off-white texture. The Brandmark shall never be used against a photo image background that has competing, high contrast visual elements that invade the clear space. The Brandmark shall never be used as a third party identity. The full Brandmark shall never be used as a watermark. The 6 color Brandmark must never be placed against a colored background other than white or off-white. When the Brand mark is used with isolated imagery, it must never be obstructed or obscured. Never use the Brandmark in a sentence. Never rotate the Brandmark or use it in a fixed, vertical format.
• In rare cases such as a specific ad campaign or logo apparel, the wordmark may be reproduced in multiple colors from the color palette. We recommended that this version not be used pervasively. It should only be used in rare occasions.

Typography

• The font used in both the Mankato and Visit Mankato wordmarks is a customized derivative of several calligraphic styles. 1. The tagline is derived from Annifont Italic. It has been altered from its original design to suit the needs of the Brandmark.
• 2. When creating headlines, sub-heads, captions or body text on printed collateral and signage, the Formata font family shall be used. 3. When Formata is not available on a computer that is used for general communication, Tahoma may be used as a substitute. When creating HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) in web environments, the Tahoma font family shall be used exclusively. This is considered a “web-safe” font. 4. Messages on Vehicular Guide Signs should use Wayfinding Sans Condensed Bold.

Logo Usage

• The Mankato Brandmark (logo) is the graphic nucleus from which all marketing communications revolve. With consistent exposure through consistent visual communications, Mankato’s brand equity will increase.
• There are several components of the Mankato Brandmark: 1. The Mankato wordmark. Its color is Midnight Blue, Pantone 540. 2. The Brand Symbol represents a stylized bike rider. It suggests movement and artistic expression. 3. The path or horizontal stroke. Its color is Sky Blue, Pantone 2925. 4. The rider or swash. Its color is Sky Blue, Pantone 2925. 5. The rear wheel or small ring. Its color is Solar Orange, Pantone 137. 6. The chainset or dot. Its color is Sweet Pink, Pantone 233. 7. The front wheel or large ring. Its color is Apple Green, Pantone 376. 8. The overlap. Its color is Ivy Green, Pantone 7483.
• A minimum clear space on all sides of the Brandmark is measured by the height of the letter “a” from the Mankato wordmark.
• The distance defined by the height of the letter “a” represents the minimum clearspace required between the outer most elements of the Brandmark and the definable outer edge of a field or the nearest edge of another graphic or visual element.
• The clearspace must be maintained at all times. These areas must never be invaded by other graphics, borders or photographic elements.
• In rare cases, low contrast patterns, photographic elements or watermarks may appear behind the Brandmark but it is recommended that all versions of the Brand mark remain isolated.
• The brand color palette consists of 6 colors: Midnight Blue, Sky Blue, Sweet Pink, Solar Orange, Apple Green and Ivy Green. The colors are derived from the Pantone Matching System.
• Each color may be reproduced as 4 screen tints. When printing using 4 color process, the CMYK formulas must be maintained. When digitally reproduced or displayed electronically, the RGB formulas must be maintained. In web media, the Hex formulas (or web safe RGB) will ensure accurate representation. In Black and White applications, each color can be represented as a screen percentage of black as defined in greyscale.
• The full color version of the Mankato Brandmark may be used against dark backgrounds, restricted to Midnight Blue or Black. In either condition, the wordmark shall be changed from Midnight Blue to white. All other colors remain unchanged.
• For single color applications it is recommended that Midnight Blue or Black be used.
• In single color applications, the brandmarks may be reproduced as various percentages of Midnight Blue. 1. 100% or solid. 2. 60% screen tint. 3. 30% screen tint.
• In black and white applications such as newsprint, the brandmarks may be reproduced as various percentages of Black. 4. 100% or solid. 5. 70% screen tint. 6. 40% screen tint.
• Whenever possible, both single color versions of the Brand mark must be used over a white or an off-white background.
• Two color versions of the brandmark may be used in rare cases. In either example, Midnight Blue is the dominant base color.
• Whenever possible, both two color versions of the Brand mark must be used over a white or an off-white background.
• When used in reverse over a colored background, the Brandmark shall be applied as opaque white with screen tints. 1. White over Black 2. White over Midnight Blue 3. White over Sky Blue 4. White over Apple Green 5. White over Solar Orange 6. White over Sweet Pink
• The minimum size of the Mankato Brandmark with the tagline should be no less than 5/8" from the left edge of the “M” to the right curved edge of the “o”. The minimum size of the Mankato Brandmark without the tagline should be no less than 9/16" from the left edge of the “M” to the right curved edge of the “o”.
• The minimum size of the Mankato wordmark should be no less than 9/16" from the left edge of the “M” to the right curved edge of the “o”. The minimum size of the Visit Mankato Brandmark with the tagline should be no less than 5/8" from the left edge of the “M” to the right curved edge of the “o”. The minimum size of the Visit Mankato Brandmark without the tagline should be no less than 9/16" from the left edge of the “M” to the right curved edge of the “o”. The minimum size of the Visit Mankato wordmark should be no less than 3/8" from the left edge of the “M” to the right curved edge of the “o”.
• Under no circumstances shall users of Mankato Brandmark rearrange or make any alterations to its parts. The color arrangement of the Brandmark shall never be rearranged or changed in any way. This includes adding halos, outlines, gradient blends or drop shadows. No element of the Brandmark shall be removed. Single color versions of the Brandmark shall not deviate from those specified on page 8. The Brandmark must never be placed against a textured background other than a low contrast photo image or a white/off-white texture. The Brandmark shall never be used against a photo image background that has competing, high contrast visual elements that invade the clear space. The Brandmark shall never be used as a third party identity. The full Brandmark shall never be used as a watermark. The 6 color Brandmark must never be placed against a colored background other than white or off-white. When the Brand mark is used with isolated imagery, it must never be obstructed or obscured. Never use the Brandmark in a sentence. Never rotate the Brandmark or use it in a fixed, vertical format.

Tone And Messaging

• The Mankato brand summarizes Mankato as a compelling destination through the phrase, “Now Playing.” This is an experiential invitation which captures the distinctive essence of the city and spirit of the area from a tourism and lifestyle perspective. The brand encapsulates Mankato’s charm as a bike-friendly, small city with extensive scenic trails and uniquely blends them with its enriching cultural encounters and a vibrant downtown.
• The purpose of this Brand Style Guide is to maintain brand consistency in all communications used to represent Mankato as a destination. It is crucial that we speak with one clear voice so that our message is amplified to reach our audience. Although it is impossible to address all conceivable interpretations of the Mankato Brand, this guide conveys key elements and style attributes for the most common expressions of the brand.

Brand Values

• The Mankato brand summarizes Mankato as a compelling destination through the phrase, “Now Playing.” This is an experiential invitation which captures the distinctive essence of the city and spirit of the area from a tourism and lifestyle perspective. The brand encapsulates Mankato’s charm as a bike-friendly, small city with extensive scenic trails and uniquely blends them with its enriching cultural encounters and a vibrant downtown.
• The brand platform is a unifying umbrella under which we focus and prioritize our communications, product development, investment and partnership outreach, as well as provide a foundation to leverage the marketing efforts of our partners and cross-city partnerships.
• The purpose of this Brand Style Guide is to maintain brand consistency in all communications used to represent Mankato as a destination. It is crucial that we speak with one clear voice so that our message is amplified to reach our audience. Although it is impossible to address all conceivable interpretations of the Mankato Brand, this guide conveys key elements and style attributes for the most common expressions of the brand.
• The tools in this guide will help build Mankato’s brand equity, increasing interest in the city as a desirable destination for visitors and a proud home for its residents.

Visual Style

• The Mankato wordmark. Its color is Midnight Blue, Pantone 540.
• The Brand Symbol represents a stylized bike rider. It suggests movement and artistic expression.
• The path or horizontal stroke. Its color is Sky Blue, Pantone 2925.
• The rider or swash. Its color is Sky Blue, Pantone 2925.
• The rear wheel or small ring. Its color is Solar Orange, Pantone 137.
• The chainset or dot. Its color is Sweet Pink, Pantone 233.
• The front wheel or large ring. Its color is Apple Green, Pantone 376.
• The overlap. Its color is Ivy Green, Pantone 7483.

Layout And Composition

• A minimum clear space on all sides of the Brandmark is measured by the height of the letter “a” from the Mankato wordmark.
• The distance defined by the height of the letter “a” represents the minimum clearspace required between the outer most elements of the Brandmark and the definable outer edge of a field or the nearest edge of another graphic or visual element.
• The clearspace must be maintained at all times. These areas must never be invaded by other graphics, borders or photographic elements.
• In rare cases, low contrast patterns, photographic elements or watermarks may appear behind the Brandmark but it is recommended that all versions of the Brand mark remain isolated.
• The minimum size of the Mankato Brandmark with the tagline should be no less than 5/8" from the left edge of the “M” to the right curved edge of the “o”.
• The minimum size of the Mankato Brandmark without the tagline should be no less than 9/16" from the left edge of the “M” to the right curved edge of the “o”.
• The minimum size of the Mankato wordmark should be no less than 9/16" from the left edge of the “M” to the right curved edge of the “o”.
• The minimum size of the Visit Mankato Brandmark with the tagline should be no less than 5/8" from the left edge of the “M” to the right curved edge of the “o”.
• The minimum size of the Visit Mankato Brandmark without the tagline should be no less than 9/16" from the left edge of the “M” to the right curved edge of the “o”.
• The minimum size of the Visit Mankato wordmark should be no less than 3/8" from the left edge of the “M” to the right curved edge of the “o”.
• Under no circumstances shall users of Mankato Brandmark rearrange or make any alterations to its parts.
• The color arrangement of the Brandmark shall never be rearranged or changed in any way. This includes adding halos, outlines, gradient blends or drop shadows.
• No element of the Brandmark shall be removed.
• Single color versions of the Brandmark shall not deviate from those specified on page 8.
• The Brandmark must never be placed against a textured background other than a low contrast photo image or a white/off-white texture.
• The Brandmark shall never be used against a photo image background that has competing, high contrast visual elements that invade the clear space.
• The Brandmark shall never be used as a third party identity.
• The full Brandmark shall never be used as a watermark.
• The 6 color Brandmark must never be placed against a colored background other than white or off-white.
• When the Brand mark is used with isolated imagery, it must never be obstructed or obscured.
• Never use the Brandmark in a sentence.
• Never rotate the Brandmark or use it in a fixed, vertical format.
• In horizontal pairings, separate the 3rd party logo and the Brandmark with a black vertical rule at a distance from each logo equal to the width of the letter “n” from the Mankato wordmark. The vertical rule’s height is equal to the height of the 3rd party logo (X).
• In vertical pairings, separate the 3rd party logo and the Brandmark with a black vertical rule at a distance from each logo equal to the width of the letter “n” from the Mankato wordmark. The vertical rule’s length is equal to the length of the 3rd party logo (Y).
• The height of a 3rd party logo is equal to the height of the Brandmark (X).
• The length of a 3rd party logo (Y) may exceed the length of the Brandmark as long as its height remains equal to X.

Application Styles

• The following examples demonstrate recommended design styles to consider when developing any branded items that incorporate the Mankato Brand and its graphic properties. It is important that all visual communications maintain consistent characteristics as illustrated in this Style Guide in order to grow and maintain a strong Brand Equity.

Special Treatments

• In rare cases such as a specific ad campaign or logo apparel, the wordmark may be reproduced in multiple colors from the color palette.
• We recommended that this version not be used pervasively. It should only be used in rare occasions.
• The word “Minnesota” may be paired with this wordmark when applied to items that may find their way out of state and seen by people who may not know where Mankato is.
• See application example on page 28.

Watermarks

• Using watermarks is a subtle way to add an understated signature to a visual element. We recommend that this effect be restricted to wordmarks only. Full Brandmarks should never be used as watermarks.
• Option A: SO% white watermark against a watercolor texture.
• Option B: SO% white watermark against a solid colored background.
• The full Brandmark shall never be used as a watermark.

Minimum Sizes

• 1. The minimum size of the Mankato Brandmark with the tagline should be no less than 5/8" from the left edge of the “M” to the right curved edge of the “o”. 2. The minimum size of the Mankato Brandmark without the tagline should be no less than 9/16" from the left edge of the “M” to the right curved edge of the “o”.
• 3. The minimum size of the Mankato wordmark should be no less than 9/16" from the left edge of the “M” to the right curved edge of the “o”. 4. The minimum size of the Visit Mankato Brandmark with the tagline should be no less than 5/8" from the left edge of the “M” to the right curved edge of the “o”. 5. The minimum size of the Visit Mankato Brandmark without the tagline should be no less than 9/16" from the left edge of the “M” to the right curved edge of the “o”. 6. The minimum size of the Visit Mankato wordmark should be no less than 3/8" from the left edge of the “M” to the right curved edge of the “o”.

Print Advertising

• Print Advertising: Small Space
• Print Advertising: Quarter to Half Page
• Print Advertising: Full Page, Leisure Market
• Print Advertising: Full Page, Meeting & Conventions

Wayfinding Signs

• Messages on Vehicular Guide Signs should use Wayfinding Sans Condensed Bold.

Apparel

• In rare cases such as a specific ad campaign or logo apparel, the wordmark may be reproduced in multiple colors from the color palette.
• We recommended that this version not be used pervasively. It should only be used in rare occasions.

Website Home Page

• 29 Website Home Page

Powerpoint Slide Templates

• Title slide
• Alternate Title slide

Additional Properties