The Idaho Vandals are the intercollegiate athletic teams of the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho. The athletic identity centers on the “I-Vandal” mark, a block letter “I” with the word “Vandals” across it, which the university’s Trademark and Licensing office lists among its official logos alongside the Vandal script mark and the Joe Vandal mascot.[1]
Design and History
The University of Idaho’s visual identity has evolved through several distinct eras. From 1971 to 2006, the university’s official logo was the “starburst,” also called “the daisy” or “the snowflake.” Creative director Leo Ames hired Kern Devin, Jr. of Seattle to create the mark, which alternated “U”s and “I”s in a circle. The design was retired in 2006 when a new marketing campaign launched, though it later returned as a retro design on merchandise.[2]
For the athletic program specifically, archival records document a 1978 Vandals logo featuring two face profiles, with drafts and sketches held in the Leo Ames Papers at the University of Idaho Library. Ames served as creative director and head of publications at U of I from 1967 to 1994.[3] A related archival item, “Athletics Vandal logo, 1978-1990,” also credits Ames with logo designs from that period.[4]
In October 2011, the university unveiled a new secondary logo: a gold stylized “V” with a black outline and a banner reading “THROW THE ‘V.'” The campaign urged fans to make a hand signal resembling a peace sign to support Vandal athletics.[5] University officials confirmed the new “V” did not replace the existing “I” logo, which remained the primary mark.[6] The campaign was later described by the student newspaper as having “flamed out shortly there afterward.”[7]
A university-wide brand refresh was introduced in February 2018, updating logos, templates and guidelines across the institution.[8] The current University of Idaho logomark combines the “University of Idaho” wordmark with the “I” symbol. The “I” may be used alone only with special permission, and the wordmark must never appear without the “I.”[9]
Meaning and Symbolism
The university’s official colors are Pride Gold, Silver, Black and White. Pride Gold is specified as Pantone 3514 C with RGB values 241-179-0 (#F1B300), and Silver is specified as RGB 128-128-128 (#808080).[9] The university seal is restricted to use by the Office of the President and the Board of Trustees.[9]
For the 1971 starburst logo, Ames explained that the alternating “U”s and “I”s symbolized the various disciplines united to form the university, while the star shape in the center marked the university as Idaho’s oldest higher education institution.[2]
Typography and Design
The university’s brand guidelines specify that the logomark includes both the “University of Idaho” wordmark and the “I” symbol. Clear space requirements are defined by the height of the lowercase “v” in the wordmark. The guidelines prohibit altering, moving, removing, distorting or recoloring logo elements, and the wordmark must never be typed out manually.[9]
In 2015, the Idaho soccer program introduced a secondary shield logo featuring the traditional I-Vandal mark in the upper left, the year 1998 (the program’s inaugural season) along the right, and three gold stripes leading to a silver soccer ball. Head coach Derek Pittman explained the stripes represented the program’s core values of grit/passion/pride, family, and excellence.[10]
Logo Index is an independent educational archive covering logos, visual identities and graphic design history. All trademarks and brand assets remain the property of their respective owners.
