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Using the Logo

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Lock-ups
Use of the Sunburst
Positioning the Flush Left or Centered Lock-up
Headlines
Typefaces and Typography
Using the Logo With Color

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Lock-ups

All advertisements must carry the relevant Museum, Organization or Institution Lock-up, in either the Standard Flush Left Version or the Standard Centered Version.

View and download logos (Lock-ups).

When refering to the Institution as a whole, use a "Smithsonian Institution" or "Smithsonian" Lock-up.

The Lock-up should be in a clear space of its own as defined by the Exclusion Zone.

In advertisements, for space reasons, long, two-line Lock-ups may use the three-line version.

For advertisements, as long as the Lock-up includes the word "Smithsonian," it is not necessary to include the words "Smithsonian Institution" as part of the address.

The preferred type size of the lettering in the Lock-up is 18 pt or greater, and it should not usually be smaller than 12 pt unless space restrictions are extreme. If the Lock-ups are used in an easily readable size and integrated into the design of the advertisement, there should be no need to repeat the name of the Museum or Organization. Lock-ups should not be used as insignificant "sign offs."

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Use of the Sunburst

The Sunburst may not be separated from the type or lettering of a Museum, Organization or Institution Lock-up. Therefore, the Sunburst may not be used on any  materials as a design element. See more on using the Sunburst.

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Lock-up Positions

Standard flush left version

This version can be positioned in any corner of the advertisement. It should not ordinarily be placed in the center of the available space.

When positioned on the left hand side, the layout of the advertisement will be significantly improved if the left hand edge of the word "Smithsonian" forms the margin for the rest of the flush left text.

Addresses are usually best placed directly under the Lock-up, aligned with "Smithsonian" but outside the Exclusion Zone. But if the Lock-up is at the top of the advertisement, the address may be at the bottom.

Standard centered version

This version is for use either at the top or bottom of an advertisement, but centered left to right in the space. Ordinarily it should be combined with centered headlines and text.

Addresses, in a centered format, are usually best placed directly under the Lock-up but outside the Exclusion Zone. But if the Lock-up is at the top of the advertisement, the address may be at the bottom.

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Headlines

Headlines should not be run into the Lock-ups but written as "stand alone" headlines.

Example:

Not:  

But:   

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Typefaces and Typography

The Lock-ups may not be changed, and substitute typefaces may not be used. For more information, see Incorrect Use of the Logo.

For headlines and text, other typefaces may be used, particularly if a sans or slab serif face is required. But when using a classic serif face for text and headings, Minion Regular and Bold in upper and lower case are the preferred faces. For more information, see Typeface.

Care should be taken when using a sans serif face for a headline that the weight is not so strong as to overwhelm the Lock-up. See Typography. Headlines should also be in upper and lower case.

Usually no more than two typeface families should be used in any one advertisement, and this includes the Lock-up typeface, Minion.

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