Graphic Design

We have a small team of creative consultants who handle graphic design projects for specific overarching university initiatives. If you’re unsure whether your project falls within this scope, please contact Glenna Underhill or Jackie Kornacker  for guidance.

Our graphic designers are responsible for creating all Vanderbilt University-branded wordmarks. These should not be designed independently. If you need a wordmark lock-up, visit vu.edu/creativeinquiry and select "Vanderbilt branded wordmark" from the dropdown menu.

Additionally, our team is happy to review artwork and content for projects you design yourself. To request a review, visit vu.edu/creativeinquiry and select "Art approval" from the dropdown menu.

Best practices for getting your materials together

Whether you are working with this team, or with a freelancer, it is important for you to know your goal for the project and how you plan to measure success. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth process:

1. Define the Project Scope

• Clearly outline what you need the designer to create (e.g., flyers, logos, social media graphics).
• Specify the purpose of the project and the target audience.
• Create a detailed brief that includes:
  • Specific deliverables (e.g., sizes, file formats)
  • Design preferences (e.g., tone, style, inspiration)
  • Deadlines and milestones
  • Contact information for questions and person(s) who will approve

2. Gather Necessary Materials

• Collect all assets the designer will need, such as:
  • Logos (in vector format if possible)
  • Text in a Word document (this can be in draft format, but we need this to do the layout
  • Images or graphics that you want us to use specifically (high-resolution)
  • Previous examples for examples of things that you like for reference

3. Identify who needs to proof and approve the project

• Identify who should be a reviewer on the proof. Note proofing works best if there is a single source who works with a group to compile feedback from all parties into one cohesive response to avoid confusion or conflicting edits.

 

Freelance Designers

We have a list of freelance designers that we can share with you if you are looking for a resource. Please reach out to   Glenna Underhill  or  Jackie Kornacker  for a recommendation based on your specific needs. 

You will collaborate with the freelancer of your choice to obtain a quote and set up a purchase order for billing. To keep costs down, it’s important to provide clear and detailed instructions (follow the same steps that are outlined above). Share a text document with the exact wording you’d like for your brand materials, social graphics, ads, etc. A Word document outlining the text, sizes, and specifications for each piece is highly recommended. Additionally, gather and coordinate feedback from all stakeholders into a single response. The more organized your approach, the more efficiently the process will run.

Vendors and Printers

Print

When working with a printer you will need to provide specifications to get an estimate.

Vanderbilt Printing Services is our on-site print provider. You can request quotes or place orders for items such as flyers, posters, brochures, holiday cards, business cards, envelopes, letterhead, notepads, engraved nametags, signs, banners, yard signs, A-frame signs, and stickers using their online order form. Completed materials can be picked up at one of their two locations. No purchase order (PO) is required; you can place orders using a COA instead. 

If you need a printer for large print runs, booklets, items with special folds, non-digital printing, etc. feel free to use the list of printers we use below. Many of these printers can also handle mailing services. To set up a PO, you’ll need to request a quote from the printer. They can recommend paper options, but to provide an accurate quote, they’ll need details such as the size, estimated quantity, due date, and delivery instructions.

Merchandise

When ordering merchandise, you should use one of Vanderbilt's approved suppliers. They have been authorized to use the Vanderbilt logos. 

If you want to use a vendor who is not on the list, reach out to Danielle Mellen the Brand Engagement Office for approval. 

You will need to complete a Merchandise Order Request for any merchandise you order.