Print Color Guidance

The official colors of the University of Arkansas represent our heritage and natural environment, conveying the nostalgia and beauty tied to the campus and the surrounding Ozarks.

Razorback Red and Apple Blossom are the university’s dominant colors, but Silverleaf and other shades of gray and black, as well as Cardinal Red, a nod to our past, provide additional options for creativity.

Primary Colors

 

Razorback Red

  • RGB:
    • 161 | 0 | 47
  • CMYK:
    • 24 | 100 | 78 | 17
 

Apple Blossom

  • RGB:
    • 255 | 255 | 255
  • CMYK:
    • 0 | 0 | 0 | 0

Secondary Colors

 

Cardinal Red

  • RGB:
    • 210 | 30 | 40
  • CMYK:
    • 0 | 100 | 90 | 5
 

Black

  • RGB:
    • 0 | 0 | 0
  • CMYK:
    • 0 | 0 | 0 | 100
 

Silverleaf

  • RGB:
    • 199 | 200 | 201
  • CMYK:
    • 21 | 13 | 8 | 0

Accent Colors

Accent colors may be used in moderation, where needed, to build upon our core identity. The colors you choose will tell a story through your printed or digital publications. Be thoughtful in your selections, as consistent color usage creates cohesion, reinforces our brand’s personality, improves recall and differentiation, and supports emotional connections.

 

Springwater

  • RGB:
    • 62 | 148 | 170
  • CMYK:
    • 80 | 27 | 21 | 3
 

Pine

  • RGB:
    • 60 | 110 | 60
  • CMYK:
    • 80 | 55 | 90 | 3
 

Golden Oak

  • RGB:
    • 219 | 182 | 37
  • CMYK:
    • 0 | 17 | 83 | 14
 

Hickory

  • RGB:
    • 157 | 34 | 53
  • CMYK:
    • 37 | 49 | 72 | 14
 

Spoofers

  • RGB:
    • 70 | 70 | 72
  • CMYK:
    • 71 | 53 | 55 | 53

A Guide for Printing

Official communications should include either at least 70% primary colors or at least 90% of a combination of primary and secondary colors. This allows for variations that include heavy amounts of secondary colors that allow our primary colors to standout.

Accent colors provide additional creative flexibility but should not exceed 10% of a design.

Other ratios should be avoided as they don’t effectively differentiate the University of Arkansas brand and may inadvertently create the impression the materials are associated with other institutions.

Ratios

70% Primary
20% Secondary
10% Accent
70% Primary
20% Secondary
10% Accent
90% Primary & Secondary
10% Accent
70% Primary
20% Secondary
10% Accent

Prohibited Colors

Certain colors must be avoided for all uses in order to uphold the integrity of our brand and ensure readability across all applications. The following colors are not allowed for the sake of brand consistency, legibility, and accessibility.

  • High-Contrast Conflicts: Colors that create visual discord or discomfort—such as neon shades or overly saturated hues not part of the approved palette—must not be used.
  • Prohibited Colors: Orange, Teal, Purple, Pink, Alternative Reds, Lighter and darker versions of cardinal red
  • Review Process: Ensure every new design is cross-checked against this document and approved by University Relations.

Examples of Using Colors Poorly

Designers are encouraged to consult this guide regularly, and any deviations should undergo a formal review to ensure compliance with our visual identity standards.

When designing for print, you must create colors using either PMS or CMYK numbers. Do not use RGB or HEX numbers, they will not convert correctly for print purposes.