Johns Hopkins Merchandise represents more than just university gear; it’s a statement of pride, achievement, and connection to a world-renowned institution. At johnchen.net, we understand the significance of aligning your brand with excellence, and that’s why we’re diving deep into the world of Johns Hopkins branded items. Discover the best promotional products, design guidelines, and licensing processes to ensure your merchandise embodies the prestigious Johns Hopkins University brand. Explore these branded items to elevate your brand and inspire others.
Table of Contents
- Ready-to-Order Options
- Custom Ordering & Licensing Process
- Merchandise Design Guidelines
- Pro Tip: Established in 1876
- Representing Johns Hopkins University & Medicine
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Ready to Elevate Your Brand?
1. Ready-to-Order Options
Are you looking for Johns Hopkins merchandise without the hassle of custom orders? There are several resources available for purchasing branded items on demand. These options provide convenient access to a variety of products, ensuring you can quickly obtain the merchandise you need while adhering to Johns Hopkins brand guidelines.
For units interested in setting up an online “pop-up” collection of merchandise to fulfill internal or external orders, it’s essential to email [email protected] before engaging a vendor. This step ensures that all merchandise aligns with university standards and receives the necessary approvals.
2. Custom Ordering & Licensing Process
Want to create custom Johns Hopkins merchandise? The custom ordering and licensing process ensures that all branded merchandise meets the university’s high standards. By following the outlined steps, you can ensure timely product delivery and compliance with brand guidelines.
It’s best practice to place your order at least four weeks in advance of your desired in-hand date, allowing ample time for licensing review, production, and shipping. Tight schedules may necessitate expedited production and shipping from select vendors, but remember that the licensing review process cannot be rushed. Allocate one week for the submission, review, and approval stages.
All products bearing the Johns Hopkins name or being paid for with university funds must undergo automatic licensing review with University Communications. Orders that do not comply with visual guidelines will face delays for brand remediation.
2.1. Steps
2.1.1. Choose Your Product
What type of merchandise would most resonate with your audience? When selecting Johns Hopkins merchandise, consider the interests and preferences of your target audience. Apparel, such as t-shirts and hats, is consistently popular, particularly when branded simply as “Hopkins” rather than for a specific unit or event. Sustainable options are also a great choice, avoiding items that may end up unused.
It’s important to note that certain products, such as medical or medical-adjacent items like lip balm and hand sanitizer, are prohibited from being branded with the Johns Hopkins name or logos. Consumables may be permitted on a case-by-case basis. For a comprehensive list of prohibited items, refer to the official Johns Hopkins brand guidelines.
2.1.2. Select a Licensed Vendor
Why is it essential to select a licensed vendor for Johns Hopkins merchandise? If you plan to include a Johns Hopkins trademark (logos, names, etc.) in your design or use university funds for the merchandise, you must use a licensed vendor for production.
Vendors are licensed through the Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC) and must be members of the Fair Labor Association. They are also required to submit merchandise designs to an official licensing review portal for approval. Note that being a CLC licensed vendor differs from being a registered vendor within the Johns Hopkins procurement system.
You can find a comprehensive list of manufacturers and vendors currently licensed to produce merchandise using the official Johns Hopkins University logos via CLC’s Licensee Search. This search will provide you with both local and national approved vendors.
2.1.3. Create Your Artwork
What are the key considerations when creating artwork for custom Johns Hopkins merchandise? Adhering to brand guidelines is paramount when designing custom Johns Hopkins merchandise. These guidelines dictate the proper use of the university logo and name, ensuring consistency and brand integrity.
If you have any doubts or require additional guidance, submit your artwork to [email protected] for review. Remember that a simple “Johns Hopkins University” item is often well-received and aligns with the university’s branding standards.
2.1.4. Submit Final Artwork to the Vendor
What is the process for submitting final artwork to a licensed vendor? According to the contract with Hopkins’ licensed vendors, the vendor must independently submit your artwork to the University Communications licensing review portal for approval. University Communications cannot expedite the vendor’s submission of artwork for review.
Once University Communications receives the artwork from the vendor, it typically undergoes review within 1-2 business days. However, in some cases, additional stakeholders may need to review the artwork, or changes may be necessary, which can extend the review time.
2.1.5. Receive Approval
What happens after submitting artwork for review, and how will you receive approval? The JHU licensing team will assess your artwork for compliance with brand guidelines. If your artwork meets the standards, the vendor will receive a notification to proceed with production.
In the event of a brand flag, your order will not be approved, and you will receive an email detailing the issues and how to resolve them. Common issues include incorrect logo usage or color inconsistencies.
3. Merchandise Design Guidelines
How can you ensure your merchandise aligns with Johns Hopkins University’s brand identity? When creating custom Johns Hopkins merchandise, adhering to the university’s design guidelines is crucial. These guidelines cover various aspects, including colors, logos, and custom artwork, ensuring that all merchandise reflects the university’s prestigious brand identity.
3.1. Colors
Why is color selection important in Johns Hopkins merchandise design? When selecting colors for Johns Hopkins merchandise, prioritize the university’s primary blues or opt for neutral bases like gray, black, or white. These colors align with the established brand identity and maintain a consistent visual representation.
Strategic needs may justify the use of other colors, provided the context is clear in the design. For example, orange can represent Gun Violence Awareness, pink can symbolize Breast Cancer Awareness, and rainbow colors can signify Pride. Print and embroidery colors should also be derived from the university’s primary and secondary palettes.
Exact matches to PMS color values may not always be achievable due to product and print color availability. In such cases, strive for a close match, selecting the “navy” or “blue” default colors. When full-color imprint is an option, adherence to the university’s color palette is mandatory.
Peabody Conservatory Backstage T-shirts
tote bag with outline of Baltimore City and type on top that reads
Orange Gun Violence Awareness shirts
3.2. Logos & Marks
When is it appropriate to use the primary Johns Hopkins University logo on merchandise? In many situations, using the primary Johns Hopkins University logo, patterns, or spirit marks is most appropriate, especially when the merchandise is intended for external audiences or the wider JHU community.
Logos & Shields: Shields, as recognizable symbols of the university and its divisions, can be used as design elements with or without the “Johns Hopkins University” text. Shields must remain intact and may not be altered, though cropping is permitted. This mark follows the same color guidance as the primary logo but can also be used in various opacities. Special care should be taken to ensure the reversed white shield is used appropriately. Avoid locking the shield to your division or unit name, as this effectively creates a new logo.
Patterns: The university’s graphic patterns offer a shared visual identity across Johns Hopkins University. These patterns have a wide variety of subtle merchandise uses, including combination with photographic and other design elements, use as background textures and environmental graphics, and cropping and layering for depth.
Spirit Marks: Created to evoke a sense of energy and Blue Jay pride, spirit marks are ideally suited to represent Hopkins Athletics but can be used across the institution to support brand affinity. Spirit marks may not be altered.
Est. 1876 stickers using patterns in design
Polos with
Pile of circle buttons with the Blue Jay mascot printed on them.
3.3. Embroidery, Debossing & Embossing
What are the minimum size requirements for embroidery on Johns Hopkins merchandise? Specific minimum sizes for embroidery are required to maintain the legibility of the Johns Hopkins University logo. For branding on apparel with smaller imprint areas, screen printing is a more scalable alternative.
- The logo should not be embroidered on areas smaller than 4” x 4”.
- The stand-alone shield mark should not be embroidered on areas smaller than 2” x 2”.
When embossing or debossing the logo or shield, ensure that the result is the correct version of the art. For embossing (a raised design), use the white or “reversed” version of the logo. For debossing (a sunken or recessed design), use the blue version of the logo. The colors themselves won’t make a difference in your final design, as these techniques typically do not require the use of color ink.
Johns Hopkins logo debossed on a notebook
Embroidered shirt sleeve showing how unit lock-up can appear on merchandise.
3.4. Custom Artwork
How can you create unique merchandise graphics while adhering to brand guidelines? For a more custom Johns Hopkins merchandise option, create your own artwork—a unique merchandise graphic. This could be a creative illustration or typographic design that represents your unit’s mission. Note that this graphic is not considered to be a logo, as it should only be used for merchandise and is likely a one-time production for giveaways.
If the design is used the same way across a series of items or appears elsewhere, such as on the web or social media, a new logo has been created, which is not permitted. If you choose to include a unique merchandise graphic in your design, it’s best practice to include the Johns Hopkins University logo, or a divisional equivalent, in a separate or adequately spaced imprint location.
Hoppin
When creating your unique merchandise graphic, follow these guidelines:
- Leverage the Johns Hopkins University color palette and typography in your graphic. Custom or alternative fonts can be considered if called for in the design concept (e.g. hand lettering with an illustration or cross stitch font on a holiday shirt.)
University Communications mug with a unit lock-up on one side and a quote on the other.
- Display the JHU logo, or a divisional/unit equivalent along with the unique graphic. Respect clear space requirements and prioritize secondary imprint locations, if available.
Two students holding up a Foodie Flock t-shirt
- Consider using playful puns, related quotes, or unit taglines to convey your unit’s unique offerings and personality.
Senior Class of 2023 shirt with illustration of blue jays on an ice rink
- Custom Blue Jay illustrations and iconography are allowed with permission from University Communications.
Baltimore Proud t-shirt featuring the shield in place of the U in
- The shield can be used as a design element if it is not locked to your unit or division name.
- If your unit name is included in the graphic, it must be done distinctly from our logo architecture and cannot be locked to the shield in any way.
3.5. Vendor-Ready Merchandise Graphics
Where can you find vendor-ready graphics for Johns Hopkins merchandise? Johns Hopkins University provides vendor-ready merchandise graphics that can be directly ordered with a licensed vendor of your choice. These graphics adhere to brand guidelines and are designed for easy customization.
T-shirt mockup with
3.5.1. Baltimore Proud
How can you incorporate the Baltimore Proud theme into your Johns Hopkins merchandise? Download the vendor-ready Baltimore Proud file to place your direct order with a licensed vendor of your choice. The primary logo can be replaced with your respective division logo or unit lock-up if preferred.
3.5.2. Hopkins Block Text
What is the Hopkins Block Text graphic, and how can it be used? Download the vendor-ready Hopkins Block Text art file that uses the university’s brand font Quadon in collegiate style along an arched path for a classic look with broad appeal across all of Hopkins.
3.5.3. Go Hop!
When is it appropriate to use the Go Hop! graphic on merchandise? Download the vendor-ready Go Hop! art file, which works well for spirit-forward giveaways and merchandise.
4. Pro Tip: Established in 1876
Why is it important to include the full institution name when referencing the founding year on merchandise? Johns Hopkins University was founded in 1876, and Johns Hopkins Hospital was founded in 1889. If you include a founding year in your merchandise design, it must be accompanied by the full name of the institution you’re representing, rather than “Hopkins” or “Johns Hopkins,” to avoid any confusion.
5. Representing Johns Hopkins University & Medicine
What is the recommended logo for representing the entire Johns Hopkins enterprise? The primary logo to represent the Johns Hopkins enterprise is the Johns Hopkins University logo. When in doubt, this logo serves to represent the entire community and is the most well-known and trusted symbol of the brand.
When designing merchandise for use across the enterprise, there may be a desire to represent “Hopkins” more generally, encompassing all facets of the institution, from academics to spirit to patient care. In these cases, lean on the universal brand identity elements, including the color blue, spirit marks, and the “Johns Hopkins” name. The joint University & Medicine mark is not permitted on merchandise.
Context and audience are especially important here. This merchandising strategy is most effective for internal staff giveaways (e.g., community volunteer t-shirts), alumni affinity events, and Baltimore partnership giveaways (e.g., Night at Camden Yards), where Johns Hopkins community members from across the University and Health System will be in attendance. There is a familiarity with the Johns Hopkins brand among these audiences, allowing the use of more casual and spirit-oriented marks to represent ourselves within the community.
Volunteers wearing Hopkins t-shirts at a city clean-up event
Hopkins T-shirts provided to volunteers who participated in the Mayor’s Spring Cleanup Day of Service.
Giveaway Orioles hat featuring the Split Block H spirit mark
The giveaway at University Night at Camden Yards featured a hat with the Orioles mascot and the Johns Hopkins Block H spirit mark.
Socks with Baltimore and Hopkins-themed illustrations
A pair of Baltimore-themed socks with custom illustrations and HOPKINS text was created as a custom giveaway.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Q: How early should I place my custom merchandise order?
A: It’s recommended to place your order at least four weeks in advance to allow sufficient time for licensing review, production, and shipping. -
Q: Can I use any vendor to produce Johns Hopkins merchandise?
A: No, you must use a vendor licensed through the Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC) if you are including a Johns Hopkins trademark or using university funds. -
Q: What types of merchandise are prohibited from using the Johns Hopkins name or logos?
A: Medical or medical-adjacent products like lip balm and hand sanitizer are prohibited. Consumables are permitted on a case-by-case basis. -
Q: How long does the licensing review process typically take?
A: Once University Communications receives artwork from a vendor, it typically takes 1-2 business days for review. -
Q: What should I do if my artwork is not approved?
A: You will receive an email detailing the issues and how to resolve them. Common issues include incorrect logo usage or color inconsistencies. -
Q: Can I create my own logo for merchandise?
A: You can create a unique merchandise graphic, but it should not be used as a new logo and must adhere to brand guidelines. -
Q: Where can I find vendor-ready merchandise graphics?
A: Johns Hopkins University provides vendor-ready graphics that can be directly ordered with a licensed vendor. -
Q: Is it acceptable to use “Hopkins” or “Johns Hopkins” with a founding year on merchandise?
A: No, you must use the full name of the institution (Johns Hopkins University or Johns Hopkins Hospital) to avoid confusion. -
Q: Can the joint University & Medicine mark be used on merchandise?
A: No, the joint University & Medicine mark is not permitted on merchandise. -
Q: What is the best logo to use when representing the entire Johns Hopkins enterprise?
A: The primary Johns Hopkins University logo is the most well-known and trusted symbol of the brand.
7. Ready to Elevate Your Brand?
Ready to create Johns Hopkins merchandise that embodies excellence and resonates with your audience? Explore johnchen.net for more insights, resources, and strategies to elevate your brand.
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