Using Illustrations at BYU-Idaho
Illustrations help BYU-Idaho communicate ideas with clarity and visual interest. Choose artwork that feels uplifting, clean, scholarly, and dignified while respecting copyright, permissions, and university standards.
Usage Guidelines
Use and create illustrations within the BYU-Idaho brand identity.
Use Brand Colors as Your Foundation
Build illustrations around BYU-Idaho’s brand colors. Use additional colors purposefully when the subject or message requires them.
Confirm Usage Rights
Use artwork that is properly licensed, paid for when required, and implemented within the license terms.
Do Not Change Official Logos
Never redraw or recolor a BYU-Idaho logo to match an illustration.
Consider Custom Creative Work
When possible, use original university artwork instead of stock illustrations. Contact your Strategic Communications Coordinator when custom artwork would better support your message.
Choose Positive Visual Subjects
Choose illustrations that feel uplifting, clean, and appropriate for the message. Serious subjects may call for a more somber visual approach, but avoid imagery that is unnecessarily dark, distorted, or grotesque.
Get Permission Before Illustrating Real People
Do not create recognizable illustrations, silhouettes, or caricatures of public figures, General Authorities, BYU-Idaho Presidency members, faculty, or employees without permission.
Yes. Use AI as a creative partner to brainstorm, explore, and refine ideas rather than as a substitute for the creative process. Creators are responsible for the final work and for ensuring it follows all BYU-Idaho brand, copyright, and illustration guidelines.
Yes, when appropriate. Make sure the artwork supports the BYU-Idaho brand and that it is properly licensed for the intended use. Consider custom university artwork when it would better support your message.
Get permission before creating a recognizable illustration, silhouette, or caricature of a public figure, General Authority, BYU-Idaho Presidency member, faculty member, or employee.
Some Church-related imagery requires permission before it can be used in university communications. Contact University Communications before using illustrations that feature living General Authorities, temples as the primary subject, or artwork from Church media resources.
Yes. Custom illustrations can support a campaign, event, or message, but they should follow BYU-Idaho’s illustration and brand guidelines and should not function as a replacement for an approved university or department logo.