The Oculus is a key component of the University brand. Its original inspiration is the oculus window at the center of the Doom Room, a signature feature of our iconic Rotunda.
Designed to bring light into the Dome Room library, the Oculus can also be seen as providing illumination to our own pursuits and inspiring future generations of Wahoos. As such, it is perhaps one of the most powerful expressions of the UVA brand on this site.
The following examples demonstrate how you can use the Oculus in your designs.
To use the graphic elements described below, download starter files for the Oculus graphic, texturized Oculus graphic and "WE" pattern.
Oculus as Container
The Oculus can be used as a container for short words and/or symbols. To use the Oculus as a container as shown in figures 1 and 2, download the Oculus starter file.
Figure 1
Figure 1 shows the word “WE” inside of a Oculus container.
Figure 2
Figure 2 shows an ampersand inside of a Oculus container.
Incorrect Use: Oculus as a Container
NOTE: The color of the Oculus may be either Rotunda Orange or Jefferson Blue (or white on a solid color), but the artwork should be used as provided in the “oculus.eps” file and not altered in any other way, as outlined below.
Avoid rearranging, resizing or rotating any elements within the pattern.
Avoid placing long words within the Oculus containers of the pattern.
Avoid outlining the elements within the pattern or make them bolder.
Avoid the use of off-brand colors for any of the elements within the pattern. The color of the Oculus and word should match.
Oculus “WE” Pattern
The Oculus “WE” pattern provides a way to use the Oculus as a background design element. To use the Oculus as a background pattern as shown in figure 2, download the "WE" pattern starter file.
Why "WE?"
We are the people of the University of Virginia. For 200 years we have been united in a shared purpose: to serve the public good.
Figure 1
Figure 1 shows a detail of the “WE” pattern. The “WE” pattern was created using a series of Oculus shapes as typographic containers for the word “WE.”
Figure 2
Figure 2 shows the “WE” pattern as a background element, adding depth and texture to the white space.
Incorrect Use: Oculus “WE” Pattern
NOTE: The color of the “WE” pattern may be either Rotunda Orange or Jefferson Blue (or white on a solid color), but the artwork should be used as provided in the “We_Pattern.eps” file and not altered in any other way, as outlined below.
Avoid rearranging, resizing or rotating any elements within the “WE” pattern.
Avoid placing different words within the Oculus containers of the “WE” pattern.
Avoid outlining the elements within the “WE” pattern or making them bolder.
Avoid the use off-brand colors for any of the elements within the “WE” pattern. The color of the Oculus and word should match.
Oculus as Background
The Oculus can also be used on its own without the use of text to signify radiant energy and outward motion.
Figure 1
Figure 1 shows the Oculus as a background element to add depth and texture to the white space of the page.
Figure 2
Figure 2 shows the Oculus used as a background element to add emphasis to call-out numbers and text.
Figure 3
Figure 3 shows the Oculus framing an image.
Figure 4
Figure 4 shows the Oculus as an element behind text to add visual interest and texture.
Texturized Oculus
The texturized Oculus offers a more organic, hand-drawn visual while still signifying radiant energy and outward motion. To use the texturized Oculus as shown in figure 1, download the texturized Oculus graphic starter file.
Figure 1
Figure 1 shows the texturized Oculus as a background element to anchor the foreground image.
Incorrect Use: Texturized Oculus
NOTE: The color of the texturized Oculus may be changed to one of the primary brand colors, but the artwork should be used as provided in the “oculus_texture.eps” file and not altered in any other way, as outlined below.
Avoid rearranging, resizing or rotating any elements
Avoid placing different words within the texturized Oculus
Avoid outlining the elements within the texturized Oculus or make them bolder
Avoid the use off-brand colors for any of the elements within the texturized Oculus