skillsoft corporate style guide...

© 2016 Skillsoft Ireland Limited

Corporate Style Guide

2/16/2016

Skillsoft Corporate Style Guide | 2

Contents

For everyone 1) About this guide .................................................................................................................... 3 2) Who we are ........................................................................................................................... 3 3) Logo usage ........................................................................................................................... 4 4) Design overview .................................................................................................................... 9 5) Color palette ........................................................................................................................ 12 6) Typography ......................................................................................................................... 14 7) Print Styles .......................................................................................................................... 17 8) Illustration, icons and imagery ............................................................................................ 23 9) Co-branding guidelines ....................................................................................................... 25


1) About this guide Our corporate identity expresses who we are as an organization. It reflects how we see ourselves and it influences how others perceive us. When we express ourselves with consistency and care, we help people recognize who we are and what we stand for. This guide provides you with the basic components of our corporate identity. We expect you to follow these guidelines carefully to maintain the Skillsoft identity. If you produce material that deviates from the guidelines, you may be required to recreate it to comply with our brand standards.

If you have any questions or need additional information, visit http://branding.skillsoft.com or email [email protected].

2) Who we are Skillsoft is a pioneer in the field of learning with a long history of innovation. Skillsoft provides cloud-based learning solutions for our customers worldwide, who range from global enterprises, government and education customers to mid-sized and small businesses.

Our courses, books and videos have been developed by industry-leading learning experts to ensure that they build talent and develop a more knowledgeable, productive and valuable workforce. Our customer support teams draw on a wealth of in-house experience, flexible delivery platforms and a comprehensive learning e-library to develop both packaged and custom learning programs tailored to our customers’ needs.

We currently serve over 6,000 customers and more than 19,000,000 learners around the world and provide continuing, hands-on support to assist them in maximizing their ongoing success.

We improve the performance of organizations by improving the performance of their people.


3) Logo usage

3.1. Logo color palette The colors below should be used when making use of the Skillsoft logo. Hex and RGB formulas should be used for all on-screen applications (PowerPoint, Web). Spot and CMYK (4-color-process) formulas should be used on all print-related documentation.

Color Hex RGB Spot CMYK

Red #c8102e R200 G16 B46 186 PC C2 M100 Y85 6

Black #1e1e1e R30 G30 B30 Pro. Black PC C0 M0 Y0 K100


3.2. Clear space To ensure our logo stands out clearly, it must always be framed with an area of unobstructed space. For print application this space must be at least twice the height of the font as highlighted in the diagram as x. For electronic application this space must be at least the height of the font as highlighted in the diagram as x.

3.2.1. Print application

3.2.2. Web application

3.3. Logo appearing with product or publication names When used with the logo, the font for names of Skillsoft products or publications should align with the top of the crossbar of the “t” in the logo.


3.4. Acceptable use There are two approved logo versions; a full-color logo and a reversed logo. The preferred version is the full-color logo: use this version in every instance possible. If the full color logo does not read well on a background and the background color cannot be changed, use a one-color reverse application with the logo in white.


3.5. Unacceptable use Our logo is our most recognizable visual asset. Careful, correct use helps ensure that our brand is presented consistently. Do not alter the logo in any way—only use approved artwork files.

Below are examples of improper logo use and mistakes to avoid:

1. Do not separate the red swoosh from the logo in any instance. 2. Do not crop, cut or split to appear on two lines. 3. Do not reproduce in unauthorized colors. 4. Do not add slogans, taglines, division or region names, or any other text. 5. Do not change the proportions. 6. Do not remove the registration mark.


3.6. Retired logos The following logos have been retired: Do not use them in the creation of any new materials. Remove them from your presentations and communications.

Note that we will not retro-edit products, platforms or technical documentation.


4) Design overview The approved design makes use of five colors and a simplified design as shown in the examples below. In some cases, collateral may be translated into other languages. Send requests to [email protected].

Website

PowerPoint Slide

Brochure


Data Sheet

Case Study

White Paper

Stationery Suite


Event Handout

Print Ad

Eblast Landing Page


5) Color palette Use these color formulas for the Skillsoft corporate-marketing produced brochures, collateral, trade show materials and promotional items.

5.1. Print color palette The colors that comprise the visual palette for Skillsoft print collateral were chosen to enhance readability in the print medium. Use these colors for all print-related applications.

Color Pantone CMYK Use Red 186 PC C2 M100 Y85 K6 accents, icons, logo Blue 299 PC C86 M8 Y0 K0 accents, titles, links Yellow 123 PC C0 M19 Y89 K0 accents, icons Green 375 PC C46 M0 Y90 K0 accents, icons, call outs Light Gray Cool Gray 1 PC C4 M2 Y4 K8 background, icons Light Gray Cool Gray 3 PC C8 M5 Y7 K16 accents, icons Med Gray Cool Gray 5 PC C13 M9 Y10 K27 accents, icons Med Gray Cool Gray 7 PC C20 M14 Y12 K40 text Dark Gray Cool Gray 9 PC C30 M22 Y17 K57 background, accents, icons


5.2. Web color palette The colors that comprise the visual palette for Skillsoft web and digital work were chosen to enhance the overall user experience. Use these colors for all digital-related applications. Please make sure to use the RGB or hex values and NOT the PMS colors when creating any digital media (Ex., web banners, PPT, websites, videos, etc).

Color Hex RGB Use

Red #c8102e R200 G16 B46 logo, accents, icons Blue #00a3e0 R0 G163 B224 accents, titles, links Yellow #ffc72c R255 G199 B44 accents, icons Green #97d700 R151 G215 B0 accents, icons Light Gray #d9d9d6 R217 G217 B214 background, icons Light Gray #c8c9c7 R200 G201 B199 accents, icons Med Gray #b1b3b3 R177 G179 B179 accents, icons Med Gray #97999b R151 G153 B155 text Dark Gray #75787b R117 G120 B123 accents, icons


6) Typography

6.1. Print fonts To help provide a consistent, unified look in the Skillsoft brand’s use of typography, use the ITC Lubalin Graph and Helvetica Neue Lt typefaces on all print communications for Skillsoft products and services. The balanced quality of ITC Lubalin Graph’s slab serif characters supports the approachable, engaging attitude of the Skillsoft brand.

The recommended weights of ITC Lubalin Graph are Book and Demi. Use Book for large headlines, lists, or call-outs, while Demi is more suitable for smaller subheads or calls to action.

Use the Helvetica Neue Lt typeface for all main content areas and large bodies of copy. There are several weights to choose from including Light, Italic, Medium and Bold.

This font should be used for all web banners and Flash design.


6.2. Print font standards The following print font standards should be adhered to across all corporate marketing-produced collateral:

• All headlines (case studies, data sheets) should be 23 pt and leading should be 28; exception is white papers: 25/27 (with no subtitle).

• All headline subs (subhead immediately following the front cover head) should be ITC Lubalin 17 pt and leading at 20.

• All body copy subheads should be ITC Lubalin 12 pt and leading should be 16. • All body copy should be Helvetica Neue Lt Std 10pt and leading should be 14. • All bullets should be blue, Helvetica Neue Lt Std 10pt and leading should be 14; one

exception is the 2/3 of brochures. • Two lines of body copy space shall make up the “padding” before the bottom of a page

such as before the CTA area on the back cover of case studies. • The only time you should see bolded grey is for each item in a bulleted list, for example. • For quote callouts, use 11/16 for leading. • All collateral should have a code on the BC like this: BRCS021914. The system is as

follows: o First two letters are respective to type of collateral o Next two are a name shortcut o Last 6 are numbers for month, day and year.


6.3. Web fonts To help provide a consistent, unified look in the Skillsoft brand’s use of typography, use the Rokkitt and Arial typefaces on all digital communications for Skillsoft products and services. The hearty quality of Rokkitt’s slab serif characters supports the approachable, engaging attitude of the Skillsoft brand.

The recommended weights of Rokkitt are Regular and Bold. Use Regular for lists or call-outs, while Bold is more suitable for headlines or calls to action. Please note, due to the dynamic feature of this font, use ITC Lubalin for all web banners and Flash design.

Use Arial Regular for all main content areas or large bodies of copy. Arial Bold and Italic should be used as needed when working with Word documents and PowerPoint presentations.

To download and use the web font Rokkitt, please follow the guidelines and steps put forth here:http://www.fontsquirrel.com/fonts/rokkitt


7) Print Styles

7.1. Brochure Use the table below as a color reference for text elements. Cover and inside spread are shown. Brochure-specific guidelines are as follows:

• In the 2/3 green panel at bottom, the height of the green should not increase or decrease.

• Copy in the 2/3 panel should be centered vertically. • Bulleted copy in 2/3 panel should emulate the subhead treatment with the serif font; any

explanatory copy should emulate the body copy of sans serif font. • Bulleted copy should be top-flush aligned to subhead at left. • There should be at least two lines of body copy for padding above and below copy in 2/3

panel. • The color yellow should appear either as bullets or checkmarks. • The BC code for all brochures should start with BR. Ex. BRCS021914


Text Element Color Pantone

Main Titles Blue & Dark Gray 299 PC & Cool Gray 9 PC Subtitles Blue 299 PC Body Copy Dark Gray Cool Gray 9 PC Testimonials Blue 299 PC Testimonial Attribution Medium Gray Cool Gray 7 PC Sidebar Subhead Red 186 PC Sidebar Copy Dark Gray Cool Gray 9 PC Product Spotlight White (Reverse-out) -- Call to Action Blue 299 PC


7.2. Data Sheet Use the table below as a color reference for text elements. Cover and back page are shown. Data sheet-specific guidelines are as follows:

• When displaying a screen shot, note that the top screen shot shall be flush top aligned with the vertical line shown at left and likewise, the caption shall be bottom flush aligned to the vertical line.

• Note that there are no bullets in the back cover column; rather, gray lines. • The BC code for all data sheets should start with DS. Ex. DSBS021914

Element Color Pantone

Main Titles Blue 299 PC Subtitles Blue 299 PC Body Copy Dark Gray Cool Gray 9 PC Testimonials Blue 299 PC Testimonial Attribution Medium Gray Cool Gray 7 PC Testimonial Background Light Gray Cool Gray 1 PC at 75% Sidebar Subhead Blue 299 PC Sidebar Copy Dark Gray Cool Gray 9 PC Sidebar Background Light Gray Cool Gray 1 PC at 75% Call to Action Blue 299 PC

The Call to Action across all pieces of collateral should be locked in place and not moved to accommodate copy.

Note: Quotes in a callout do not receive quotation marks..


7.3. Case Study Use the table below as a color reference for text elements. Cover and back page are shown. Case study-specific guidelines are as follows:

• Introduction paragraphs on the company should not appear in the right-hand column. Place them in the body copy.

• Under the right-hand column, Solution area, the tense should be past tense: Company X implemented a blended learning solution.

• Note that blue bullets appear in the front cover column, not gray lines. • Back cover columns should bottom flush align; the left column should not go to full

length and cut the right short. • We will use the LGM graphic on the back cover only when the client is at a stage 3 or

above. • The BC code for all case studies should start with CS. Ex. CSUN021914

v

Element Color Pantone

Main Titles Blue 299 PC Subtitles Blue 299 PC Body Copy Dark Gray Cool Gray 9 PC Testimonials Blue 299 PC Testimonial Attribution Medium Gray Cool Gray 7 PC Testimonial Background Light Gray Cool Gray 1 PC at 75% Chart Copy Dark Gray & White (Reverse-out) Cool Gray 9 PC & White Sidebar Subhead Blue 299 PC Sidebar Copy Dark Gray Cool Gray 9 PC Sidebar Background Light Gray Cool Gray 1 PC at 75% Call to Action Blue 299 PC


7.4. White Paper Use the table below as a color reference for text elements. Cover and last page are shown.

The BC code for all white papers should start with WP. Ex WPIA021914.

Text Element Color Pantone

Main Titles Blue 299 PC Subtitles Blue 299 PC Body Copy Dark Gray Cool Gray 9 PC Chart Copy Dark Gray & White (Reverse-out) Cool Gray 9 PC & White Call to Action Blue 299 PC

Red callouts should be contained to 11 pt.

On all back covers, there should be at least two lines of leading between the last line of copy and the CTA.


7.5. Stationery suite Use the table below as a color reference for text elements. Letterhead, business card and no. 9 envelope are shown.

Letterhead Color Pantone

URL White (Reverse-out) -- Address & Info Dark Gray Cool Gray 9 PC

Business Card

Name & Title Blue, Dark Gray PMS 299, Cool Gray 9 Address & Info Dark Gray Cool Gray 9 PC

Envelope

Address & Info Dark Gray Cool Gray 9 PC URL White (Reverse-out) --


8) Illustration, icons and imagery From print to web, icons are a simple way to create brand consistency on a small—or large—scale, and can be used to illustrate a small headline, call to action, or combined to create a more important, detailed message or page title.

The examples below combine icons with stylized type treatments. All icons are comprised of solid colors from the palette. Use color gradations sparingly and only when necessary.

Type combined with Illustration as seen on the homepage of the website.

Type combined with Illustration as seen on the sublevel pages of the website.

Calls to action combine the use of Icon and type. This convention should be used for both print and web mediums.

CMYK Version

RGB Version

The “footer” color bar should display on all final pages (or footers) of documents. Please note that there are CMYK and RGB versions that should be used as applicable.


When using headshots of speakers or authors, follow these guidelines:

• File size is 147x149 pixels • The actual picture is 127x129 pixels • White #ffffff border is 8 pixels • Framed with the background color #d9d9d6 at 2 pixels


9) Co-branding guidelines While the Skillsoft brand has one main logo, there are instances in which we may co-brand our products and services and invite our customers and channel partners to display their logo alongside ours. These guidelines also apply to when branding a piece with both the Skillsoft logo and the SumTotal logo.

In each instance, both logos should be positioned in such a way that they are both equally proportionate to one another and presented in such a way that neither is more prominent than the other. The Clear_Space and minimum size guidelines defined earlier in the guide should be followed as well.

Skillsoft Corporate Marketing will make cover letter templates available for channel partners for co-branding purposes. These cover letters can then be inserted into collateral PDFs before sending to customers.

Find these templates and the job aid on how to use them on the Channel Partner site: https://partners.skillsoft.com/marketing/Branding/Pages/Co-Branding-Collateral.aspx

If you need the original InDesign files, please contact Gwenn Lazar at [email protected] to request them.

These files will be released on a case-by-case basis.

Please see the end of this section for copy to use to describe Skillsoft as a company.


15.1 Collateral When designing a co-branded collateral piece, (brochure, case study, data sheet or white paper), always use the design templates that Skillsoft provides and as shown below. The only objects that will need to be changed or be added are the co-branding company’s logo and contact information. Follow the guidelines below for proper placement of each of these elements.

• Skillsoft logo should always appear to the left of the co-branding company’s logo. (Do NOT use the Skillsoft Authorized Partner logo). The co-branding company’s logo should not be larger in height than the Skillsoft logo. Based on the design of the co-branding logo, the size may still need to be altered so the logo does not appear to be visually larger than the Skillsoft logo. Both logos need to appear visually equal in size. These guidelines apply to the logo placement on both the front and back page of the document. Never leave off the Skillsoft logo completely or place the co-branding logo first (on the left).

• The space between the edge of the logo and the rule is equal to 1½ X on both sides, where X=the height of the ‘o’ in the Skillsoft logo (see rules for Clear_Space). The rule between the two logos is Cool Gray 7 at .5 pt wide stroke. The height of the line should extend slightly beyond the top and the bottom of the Skillsoft logo. Do NOT make the rule a different color or leave it off completely.

• If the co-branding company’s contact information will appear instead of Skillsoft’s contact, it should only appear in the blue copy on the back page of the document in the call to action area. It should not appear anywhere else

• If room allows, at the end of the copy, you can add a paragraph describing your company. Treat the headline and body copy in the same style as the rest in the document. Subhead=ITC Lubalin 12pt type, 16 pt leading. Body Copy=Helvetica Neue Light 10 pt type, 14 pt leading.

• Do NOT change the colors, layout, or fonts that are in the template for each piece.

Cover Logo Area

Call to action

Back logo area


15.2 Emails When designing a co-branded email please use the design templates that Skillsoft provides, and as shown below, if there is not a set email template for the co-branding company. When using the templates below, please try to stay as close to this layout as possible. The only object that will need to be added to either the Skillsoft template or the co-branding’s, is the company’s logo. Follow the guidelines below for proper placement of the elements.

• Skillsoft logo should always appear to the left of the co-branding company’s logo. (Do NOT use the Skillsoft Authorized Partner logo.) The co-branding company’s logo should not be larger in height than the Skillsoft logo. Based on the design of the co-branding logo, the size may need to still be altered so the logo does not appear to be visual larger than the Skillsoft logo. Both logos need to appear visually equal in size. Never leave off the Skillsoft logo completely or place the co-branding logo first (on the left).

• The space between the edge of the logo and the rule is equal to 1½ X on both sides, where X=the height of the ‘o’ in the Skillsoft logo (see page 5). The rule between the two logos is #6f6f6f at 1 px wide. The height of the line should extend slightly beyond the top and the bottom of the Skillsoft logo. Do NOT make the rule a different color or leave off completely.

• Do NOT change the layout of the email, only edit the copy to fit if needs. (Minor layout tweaks to accommodate additional copy are ok).

a

Non-Responsive Email

Responsive Email Design

Logo Area Logo Area


15.3 Web Banners When you are designing a co-branded web-banner always use the design templates as guidelines that Skillsoft provides and as shown below. Since web banners can come in a variety of sizes, follow the guidelines below to make sure the final banner looks as close as possible to the ones shown below.

• Skillsoft logo should always appear to the left of the co-branding company’s logo. (Do NOT use the Skillsoft Authorized Partner logo.) The co-branding company’s logo should not be larger in height than the Skillsoft logo. Based on the design of the co-branding logo, the size may need to still be altered so the logo does not appear to be visual larger than the Skillsoft logo. Both logos need to appear visually equal in size. Never leave off the Skillsoft logo completely or place the co-branding logo first (on the left). The logos should appear either on the right side of a horizontal banner or the bottom of a square or vertical banner. Do NOT place them on the left side or on top of the banner.

• The space between the edge of the logo and the rule is equal to 1½ X on both sides, where X=the height of the ‘o’ in the Skillsoft logo (see rules for Clear_Space). The rule between the two logos is #6f6f6f at 1 px wide. The height of the line should extend slightly beyond the top and the bottom of the Skillsoft logo. Do NOT, make the rule a different color or leave off completely. If the web banner is too small to accommodate the 1½ X spacing on both sides, the space may be reduce to 1X on web banners ONLY. Make sure that the Skillsoft logo is still never smaller than 60px wide (see rules for Clear_Space).

• All copy should be ITC Lubalin and a combination of #6f6f6f type and another color from the color pallete. The colored type should be ITC Lubalin Demi and the #6f6f6f type should be ITC Lubalin Book. A combination of all uppercase and lowercase type in the headlines as shown below is allowed. Do NOT use any other fonts than the ones listed.

• The ‘call-to-action’ button should be #31a3d3 with rounded corners and ITC Lubalin white type. Do NOT make it any other color.

• There should always be a 2px #6f6f6f border around the edge of the banner. • If room allows, use an icon from the image library available at:

https://partners.skillsoft.com/marketing/Pages/Image-Library-Home.aspx (The Skillsoft image library is hosted on the Skillsoft Partner Community site and access is permissions-based. Consult the Skillsoft account team for access credentials).

Horizontal Banner Vertical Banner

Square Banner Logo Area

Logo Area Logo Area


15.4 Welch Way The Welch Way leadership development program is the only product within the Skillsoft library of content that has its own unique logo. The red “signature” logo is the predominant logo and should be used in all instances unless there is a readability issue. For other uses, email [email protected].

In addition, the Welch Way product line has its own unique color palette that overrides the Skillsoft palette. We use the Skillsoft templates but the Welch Way colors as such: (The exception being that the body copy is in the Skillsoft Dark Gray 9C. Welch Way documents are the only documents where the Welch Way logo appears alone on the front cover and first on the back.

All other rules for co-branding are the same as the collateral pieces.

• The Welch Way logo should not be larger in height than the Skillsoft logo. Both logos need to appear visually equal in size. These guidelines apply to the logo placement on back page of the document. The only difference between the collateral pieces and Welch Way is that the Welch Way logo appears alone on the front of the document and first on the back.

• The space between the edge of the logo and the rule is equal to 1½ X on both sides, where X=the height of the ‘o’ in the Skillsoft logo (see page 5). The rule between the two logos is Cool Gray 7 at .5 pt wide stroke. The height of the line should extend slightly beyond the top and the bottom of the Skillsoft logo. Do NOT, make the rule a different color or leave off completely.

• The Welch Way contact information will appear instead of Skillsoft’s contact, it should only appear in the Welch Way red color copy on the back page of the document in the call to action area. It should not appear anywhere else


Color Pantone CMYK RGB Hex Bright Red 7427 PC C7 M100 Y67 K31 R150 G23 B46 b50937 Burgundy Red 7421 PC C15 M100 Y39 K69 R94 G23 B45 780032 Taupe XXX PC C0 M0 Y15 K30 R189 G188 B169 bdbca9 Light Gray XXX PC C0 M0 Y0 K5 R243 G243 B244 f3f3f4 Dark Gray XXX PC C0 M0 Y0 K90 R64 G64 B65 404041 White XXX PC C0 M0 Y0 K0 R255 G255 B255 ffffff


15.5 Boilerplate/100-word description

Skillsoft is a pioneer in the field of learning with a long history of innovation. Skillsoft provides cloud based learning solutions for its customers worldwide, ranging from global enterprises, government, and education to mid-sized and small businesses. Skillsoft's customer support teams draw on a wealth of in-house experience, flexible delivery platforms and a comprehensive learning e-library to develop off-the-shelf and custom learning programs tailored to cost-effectively meet customer needs. Skillsoft's courses, books and videos have been developed by industry leading learning experts to ensure that they maximize business skills, performance, and talent development.

Skillsoft currently serves over 6,000 customers and more than 19,000,000 learners around the world. Skillsoft is on the web at www.skillsoft.com.

50-word description:

Skillsoft is a pioneer in the field of learning with a long history of innovation, providing cloud-based learning solutions for customers worldwide, including global enterprises, government, education, and small to mid-sized businesses. Skillsoft provides off-the-shelf and custom content to over 6,000 customers and more than 19,000,000 learners around the world.

25-word description:

A pioneer in the learning field, Skillsoft provides cloud-based learning solutions for customers worldwide, including global enterprises, government, education, and small to mid-sized businesses.

Positioning statement/why Skillsoft?

Skillsoft is a pioneer in the field of learning with a long history of innovation. Skillsoft provides cloud-based learning solutions for our customers worldwide, who range from global enterprises, government and education customers to mid-sized and small businesses.

Our courses, books and videos have been developed by industry-leading learning experts to ensure that they build talent and develop a more knowledgeable, productive and valuable workforce. Our customer support teams draw on a wealth of in-house experience, flexible delivery platforms and a comprehensive learning e-library to develop both packaged and custom learning programs tailored to our customers’ needs.

We currently serve over 6,000 customers and more than 19,000,000 learners around the world and provide continuing, hands-on support to assist them in maximizing their ongoing success.

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