Strengthening Skidmore’s brand

We partner with offices across campus on high-priority communications and marketing work that supports institutional goals, reaches key audiences, and reflects Skidmore’s standards for quality, consistency, accessibility, and brand alignment.

Creative areas we lead: 

• Brand identity and visual standards
• Graphic design and publication design
• Photography and videography
• Environmental graphics and signage
• Trademark and logo usage
• Branded merchandise review
• Creative vendor guidance and referrals

Work with Creative Services

Before beginning a public-facing design, photography, video, signage, merchandise, or brand-related project, contact OCM. Early consultation helps clarify goals, audiences, timelines, approval needs, and whether OCM can provide direct support, guidance, vendor referrals, or brand review.

Brand governance

OCM governs the use of Skidmore College’s brand and visual assets, including logos, wordmarks, official colors, typography, visual standards, Athletics marks, and approved subbrands such as Creative Thought Matters, the President’s Society, and Admissions programs such as YES Days.

All public-facing uses of the Skidmore brand — including websites, printed materials, merchandise, signage, advertising, presentations, and digital content — require OCM review and approval to ensure consistency, accuracy, accessibility, and alignment with institutional goals.

OCM determines what is and is not permitted under Skidmore’s brand guidelines and may request review, revision, or removal of unapproved or off-brand work.

View our brand guidelines

Photography and videography 

OCM manages institutional photography and video assets for marketing, media, archival, and public use. Coverage is prioritized for Admissions, Advancement, Athletics, the Office of the President, and other strategic initiatives aligned with College priorities.

Requesting coverage

OCM reviews additional requests from across campus based on audience, timing, strategic relevance, and available resources. When OCM is not able to provide coverage directly, we may recommend approved freelance vendors or other options.

Working with outside photographers or videographers

To ensure coordination, protect privacy, maintain quality standards, and avoid duplicate expenses, offices should notify OCM before hiring freelance photographers or videographers for College-related work.

All commercial filming or photography on campus, including work by outside agencies or freelancers, requires advance notice and may require formal permission. All projects must follow Skidmore’s Photography and Videography Policy, including privacy and FERPA compliance requirements.

Review our photo and video policy

Design

OCM provides graphic design for select, high-priority projects that support Skidmore’s strategic goals and reach important internal or external audiences. Examples may include institutional campaigns, major publications, Admissions and Advancement materials, presidential communications, campuswide initiatives, environmental graphics, and other public-facing projects with broad impact.

Because capacity is limited, requests are reviewed based on audience, timing, strategic importance, project scope, and alignment with institutional priorities. OCM may provide design guidance, templates, referrals, or brand review when direct design support is not available.

Please note: 

• All public-facing design work created on behalf of the College, including work by outside agencies or freelancers, is subject to OCM review and may require formal approval.
• Internal-facing design, including student work for internal promotion such as club posters, is generally not subject to review unless College branding, official marks, or institutional messaging are used.