Branded Merchandise
NMSU branded items are a great way to show pride in the university and build Aggie spirit.
One way to show Aggie pride and build community is through merchandise. Used consistently and effectively, these marks convey the tradition, national respect, and credibility that our institution has earned since 1888. Let the NMSU logo and all related marks work for you. You can apply the NMSU marks below for official use on merchandise.
Contact Marketing and Communications at mktgserv@nmsu.edu if you have questions or need assistance related to:
- Reviewing proposed designs for NMSU-branded merchandise
- Permission to use an NMSU mark
- Obtaining high-resolution files of the NMSU logo, seal, and athletics marks
- Logo file formats
- Branded merchandise guidelines
- Licensing information (licensees only)
- Appropriate placement of the ® or TM symbols (licensees only)
NMSU Logo and Logo Setup
Usage
- The NMSU logo is the University’s primary mark and should be considered first when creating new merchandise.
- When pairing the NMSU logo with the full name New Mexico State University, your department name or the NMSU tagline, you must use NMSU’s official logo setups. The logo setups are available in horizontal and vertical configurations.
- The use of the NMSU tagline is not required.
- Do not allow zippers or buttons to interfere with the NMSU logo or full New Mexico State University name.
- Any design that resembles an official or unofficial mark of the University will not be allowed.
- Shirts, uniforms or any branded items for staff meant to be worn or used in official university business must use the NMSU institutional mark.
The trademark symbol (TM) is required for merchandise orders.
- Download the official logo mark with the TM symbol.
- You can also request a logo setup with the TM symbol.
If you include the tagline, the registered trademark symbol ® is required for merchandise orders.
- Download a logo setup with the official logo mark and tagline with the appropriate TM and ® symbols.
Use the official NMSU colors: Aggie Crimson (PMS 208) and White.
While the NMSU logo may appear on top of any color for branded merchandise, we recommend using the core palette whenever possible.
Most of the NMSU marks can be displayed as full color or one-color. When choosing the proper NMSU mark to use for an item you’re ordering, it’s important to consider whether you need a full-color or one-color NMSU mark and what the item’s background color is. Learn more about how to select an appropriate mark in Full Color vs. One Color for your merchandise project.
The NMSU institutional mark should not be altered or modified in any way. This includes drop shadows, outlines, stretching, unauthorized colors and patterns, the addition of text and graphics, typeface, modification of the elements within the mark, enclosed within another shape or combined with another mark or design.
Athletics Marks
Usage
- The NMSU logo is the University’s primary mark and should be considered first when creating new merchandise, however, utilizing one of the athletics marks is a great way to build pride and highlight the Aggie spirit.
- Do not allow zippers or buttons to interfere with the athletics marks.
- There should be no reference to alcohol, drugs, or tobacco-related products.
The trademark symbol (TM) is required for merchandise orders.
Third parties and NMSU personnel seeking to use the NMSU Athletics marks or any other protected trademarks for promoting non-educational events or for retail purposes must follow restrictions outlined in a licensing agreement administered by CLC. If you have any questions, please contact NMSU Marketing and Communications at 575-646-3221 or mktgserv@nmsu.edu.
Use the official NMSU colors: Aggie Crimson (PMS 208) and White.
While the athletics marks may appear on top of any color for branded merchandise, we recommend using the core palette whenever possible.
Most of the NMSU marks can be displayed as full color or one-color. When choosing the proper NMSU mark to use for an item you’re ordering, it’s important to consider whether you need a full-color or one-color NMSU mark and what the item’s background color is. Learn more about how to select an appropriate mark in Full Color vs. One Color for your merchandise project.
Athletics marks should not be altered or modified in any way. This includes drop shadows, outlines, stretching, unauthorized colors and patterns, the addition of text and graphics, typeface, modification of the elements within the mark, enclosed within another shape or combined with another mark or design.
- The Zia Mark may NOT be used for commercial use (sale/profit) and you must have approval from NM State Athletics marketing or the administration before using the Zia mark on any merchandise.
- If using the crossed pistols mark, it must accompanied with an identifying logo such as one of the athletics wordmarks.
NMSU Acronym and 1888
Usage
- Acronyms can be a powerful branding tool for universities to use on merchandise because they are short, memorable, and visual. However, the NMSU logo is the University’s primary mark and must be considered first before the acronym when creating new merchandise.
- NMSU was established in 1888. The year of our founding is often used on branded merchandise. However, it is recommended that you do not isolate and stylize “1888” as this can cause it to take on the look of another logo.
- When using the NMSU acronym or 1888, licensees should use the Collegiate Style/Athletic Block (known as the Aggie Alphabet) or Gotham typeface only. NMSU departments and student groups may use other typefaces, but designs should be submitted for review and approval.
- The NMSU acronym should not include periods between the letters.
When spelling the acronym vertically, letters should be rotated as a unit and should not be stacked on top of one another.
Other Protected Marks
Usage
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The NMSU logo is the University’s primary mark and must be considered before using other protected marks when creating new merchandise.
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The NMSU seal may only be used by licensed merchandise vendors and should be used on ceremonial merchandise or awards. Use of the NMSU seal must have approval from the Board of Regents or the President’s office. NMSU departments and student groups may not use the seal on merchandise.
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Use of the “Classic Aggie” is limited to a maximum run of 3,000 items per year that can be used as gifts due to a licensing agreement with Oklahoma State University. If you would like to use the Classic Aggie on merchandise contact MarComm at mktgserv@nmsu.edu before ordering to ensure proper use and run availability for the quantity you need.
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The “Classic Aggie” cannot be used in connection with athletics programs or in student recruitment.
The trademark symbol (TM) is required for Classic Aggie merchandise orders.
Color
- The Classic Aggie must be in Aggie crimson, black and white only.
- The NMSU seal must be reproduced in one color only. The available colors are Aggie Crimson, black, and white.
Scale and spacing
- Carefully consider the manufacturing process when using the Classic Aggie and NMSU Seal, since they do not reproduce well when scaled down to less than 2.5" in diameter.
- Remember that the “New Mexico State University” lettering on the seal itself must be legible.
- Be sure to maintain a minimum of 1'' of clear space between the Classic Aggie or NMSU Seal and any other graphics or text.
The Classic Aggie and NMSU Seal should not be altered or modified in any way. This includes drop shadows, outlines, stretching, unauthorized colors and patterns, the addition of text and graphics, typeface, modification of the elements within the mark, enclosed within another shape or combined with another mark or design. Other restrictions include:
- Do not pair the Classic Aggie or the University Seal with the NMSU logo.
- Do not fill the seal with a background color.
Other Guidance & Considerations for Branded Merchandise
Co-branding
Carefully consider the amount of space between an NMSU logo and the logo of a clothing manufacturing company. The two logos must not be paired or placed closely together.
NMSU Marketing and Communications will consider all requests for co-branded merchandise but reserves the right to approve or deny them on a case-by-case basis.
Student Organizations
Recognized student organizations at NMSU may use the following on branded merchandise:
- University name spelled out – New Mexico State University
- University acronym – NMSU
- A related department’s name (official title only). The design has to clearly distinguish itself from any NMSU official setups
- Any of the following three trademarks: the institutional logo, Aggies wordmark and Pistol Pete face above NM State type
If you have questions regarding these or other policies related to recognized student organizations, contact NMSU Student Involvement and Leadership Programs at studentlife.nmsu.edu.
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