This resource page contains information on our graphic resources and templates only available to the internal USM community of staff and faculty, as well as information as to how to make graphic requests.
Google Slides template
Built directly into Google Slides, this comprehensive slide deck template has all you need to build your own presentation in Google Slides. Copy and paste designed slide templates and icons (there are fully-designed slides in here for your use as well – from the strategic vision to our taglines). Or you can copy and paste into PowerPoint slides if that is your preferred presentation tool.
Overview Flyer template
We know that it can be challenging to begin projects with a blank canvas, particularly when you want to support strong brand integrity. To support our colleagues across USM, the Marketing team created a suite of templates that you can design in using our brand standards within the easy-to-use design tool Adobe Express.
The Overview Flyer template offers mix-and-match layouts, so you can choose what works best for your content. You can use these to produce printable, one or two-sided PDFs.
If you plan to email your PDFs, please ensure you take the additional step of making them digitally accessible.
How to start using Adobe Express
Don’t have Adobe Express downloaded on your computer yet? You will need this tool to work on the flyer templates above. It is free for all employees of the University of Maine system.
Business cards and stationery orders
We know that there are common business needs for branded materials, including stationery. To best serve colleagues across the University, we have partnered with Franklin Printing to offer an ordering platform. Using this system, you are able to directly order approved items, including those that require personalization for you or your department, and charge to your budget codes.
The following templates are available:
- Business Cards
- Letterhead
- Notepads
- Notecards
- Envelopes
Custom graphic design requests
Our primary design focus is on representing the USM brand in ways that strengthen brand awareness and recognition. While we encourage the use of the USM logo and departmental lock-ups as the dominant graphics representing University initiatives, there are times when custom graphics may be more fitting.
Custom graphics are never intended to replace our University marks, but may be used as a supplemental graphic. If you feel that you have an initiative that would be best served by a custom graphic, please fill out our Marketing Request Form with as much detail as possible.
After evaluating your request, we will confirm whether our team is able to assist and, if so, the expected turnaround time based on our current commitments. We reserve the right to deny requests should we not have capacity. We may also book a follow-up meeting with you should we need more details.
Accessibility standards for design
When designing materials — whether for a digital presentation or a print piece — keep accessibility in mind.
- Do not rely solely on color to convey meaning and maintain sufficient color contrast between text and background to ensure readability for users with low vision or color blindness.
- Avoid placing text over busy images or patterned backgrounds.
- Use clear, legible fonts and ensure text is large enough to read comfortably in both print and on screen.
- Use bold or italics sparingly to highlight important points, nor should you overuse multiple font styles and sizes.
- Use headings and a consistent layout structure to help users navigate content more easily.
- Ensure that charts and graphs include labels or patterns in addition to color to distinguish data.
- Avoid flashing or animated content that may cause distraction or trigger vestibular or seizure-related conditions.
- Refer to our writing standards for additional guidance on creating accessible content.
Need help?
If you need assistance selecting logos, downloading files, or have questions about branding, please submit a Marketing Request. We’re here to help!