Brand and Visual Identity
Photography
It’s important to show, not just tell — and our imagery does just that, encapsulating our Otter Raft spirit from all angles. Photos should feature engaged individuals and/or dynamic movement with a light and natural feel showing that our students, faculty and staff are actively achieving academic and career goals.
Photographic styles
Campus life photo style
The strength of us. To illustrate this concept, we want to show more than one individual in photographs unless there is a very specific purpose (some profiles, stories). This subtly reminds audiences that Cal State Monterey Bay is a very human, intentionally social, interactive community—an energy which needs to be consistently reinforced. Stylistically, shallow depth-of-field is used to allow important context while focusing on the human interaction. Warm lighting and sunshine reinforce the feeling of our welcoming environment.
Academic photo style
The strength of here. We want to communicate our academic advantages in this concept not only through highlighting campus facilities, but also in the uniquely Cal State Monterey Bay coastal environment and surrounding valley. While still focused on the strength of mentorship and working together, images highlight modern spaces and labs as well as off-campus locations. Stylistically, we are still incorporating lots of bright, warm, and natural-look images.
Profile photo style
The strength of you. As important it is to represent strength in numbers, this concept also recognizes the power of the individual. Our educational journey is shaped by the faculty, mentors, and peers around us — but the drive and determination comes from the person. Profiles are placed in relevant settings and are camera aware—acknowledging both the value of the context and the significance of the individual.
