1. Do I have to use CLA’s templates?

No! These templates are available in the event you want one, but you are not required to use them. If you do make your own fliers, they must comply with UAF’s branding guidelines, which can be found here. The templates we offer make sure that those requirements are already fulfilled.

2. Which file format should I use?

The folders in the Drive are broken down first by use (event, book launch, thesis defense, etc). When you open the use folder, you will see folders for “Full Page - 8.5x11” or “Digital - 16x9”. (More options will be available in the future). Use the templates in the Full page if you intend to print. Use templates in the digital folder if you are creating digital signs.

Templates are available in each folder in PDF, Powerpoint and Google Slides. PDF and Powerpoint can be downloaded and edited in Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Powerpoint, respectively. For the Google Slide version, make a copy and move it to a folder in your Drive. This is very important so we don’t lose the original and so the templates folder doesn’t fill up with things that are not actually templates. 

Which file format you choose is completely up to you and your comfort level with these programs. In the future we will likely be adding Photoshop templates as well as more Canva templates.

If you need help or there is another file format you think others would benefit from being available, please let us know!

3. I want to use a template, but I want to use a different photo/font /color, etc…

The template is simply meant to provide a starting point, so please feel free to customize it as you see fit. Photos can, and should, be replaced with photos related to your event or with photos that make sense for what you are marketing. Colors should still fall within UAF’s color palette and fonts should be from the UAF font families. Additional UAF artwork created specifically for our branding is also available for download if you would like to change the graphics or add more.

4. Can I only use the flyers in the Events folder for events, the flyers in the Book Launch folder for book launches, etc?

No. While the flyers in each folder were designed with those particular things in mind, if you feel a template from a different folder suits your purpose better, please use it. All of the flyers are customizable. The folders are merely there to help make finding  flyers geared towards a specific thing easier.

5. Will more templates become  available?

Yes! Over time, we will be creating more templates to provide everyone with more options. If you have an idea for a specific template you think might be helpful to have available here, please email Sarah Manriquez (samanriquez@alaska.edu) or Kat Reichert (ksreichert@alaska.edu) and let us know what you’ve got!

6. Our department/club/etc is working on a project and we are looking for a large poster that doesn’t really fit with any of these templates. Can CLA help with that?

Absolutely. Send your ideas our way: Sarah Manriquez (samanriquez@alaska.edu) or Kat Reichert (ksreichert@alaska.edu). Important information to include would be title, date(s), time(s), location, poster size, a brief description of the project and what kind of poster you are envisioning. If you have specific photos you would like to use, or draw some inspiration from, send those along as well. A Google folder with examples of event posters will be available soon.

7. Where can I find more information or examples?

University Relations lays out thorough, comprehensive guidelines around designing with UAF branding. You can find anything you would like to know here. They also put out a  brand guideline book that is easy to use and simplifies a lot of the information on the website. You can access that here.

As time goes on, we will be working on building example folders for inspiration on how other departments in CLA have customized the templates for their events. 

As always, if you find yourself needing help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Sarah Manriquez (samanriquez@alaska.edu) or Kat Reichert (ksreichert@alaska.edu).

***

Before you start redesigning your template, check out our Tips for Effective Signage to help you get the most attention from your flier!

1. Do I have to use photos?

While it’s not 100% necessary to use photos, it is a good idea to. People respond more positively to flyers that are colorful and eye-catching. Photos make your flyers more likely to attract viewers which can therefore lead to more participation in your event!

2. Where can I find UAF photos for my flyer?

If you or someone in your department does not have a photo that is usable, UAF maintains a collection of high quality, high resolution photos that can be used for print. The database is larger than what is shown on the website, so if you don’t see something you are looking for, you can email the photo manager for help. Turnaround time can be about a week, so plan ahead!

More information can be found here.

The gallery is here.

** UAF photos are protected by copyright and may not be used without permission. When using any photos, please be sure to credit the photographer with their name and month & date that the photo was taken. There is a spot for this in the fine print of all of the templates. **

3. I can’t find a UAF photo that works for my flyer/I’m in a rush and need a photo quickly.

Look for stock photos that are available for public use. Canva has a large selection of stock photos for use that can be downloaded. It is free to sign up, and you can skip the hassle of setting up login information by just hitting the “Continue with gmail” button. Another site to check out for free stock photos is Upsplash. Be sure to credit the site you took the photo from. If a photographer’s name is available, use that in your credit. If not, say “Image courtesy of Canva” (or Uplsplash, etc).

If all else fails, a photo featuring the Alaskan landscape is always a good option. UAF has plenty of Alaskana photos available for use.

4. There’s a spot for a headshot on the template I want to use. Do I have to use a photo of myself?

You don’t have to, but again, it’s something that people looking at a flyer typically respond positively to. They want to see your face! That said, if you really don’t want to, a secondary photo could go well here instead.

For those who would like their event featured on the CLA website, we typically ask for a headshot for the newsroom page we put together for you.

5. What are the graphics I see on some of the templates?

UAF has additional artwork for use that was created specifically for the University’s branding. Using these design elements are a great way to add more visual interest to your flyer. While you can mix and match, or stick to one design element, avoid using too many on one page or it can begin to look crowded.

Additional artwork can be downloaded here. Use .jpg for print flyers and .png for digital. You are welcome to keep the graphics as-are on your template or update them when a different color or design would be a better match.

1. What typefaces can I use?

UAF’s typefaces include Merriweather, Barlow, Factoria, Dharma Gothic E and Turbinado Pro. These are not always available depending on what program you are using (Google Slides versus Adobe, etc). University Relations offers alternates, as well as licensing information and tips on how to best use the typefaces, here

2. I don’t have some of these typefaces.

If these typefaces are not available on your computer, you may have to download and install them. Here is where you can find them:

• Barlow is an open-source font and is available for free from Google Fonts.

• Merriweather is an open-source font and is available for free from Google Fonts. 

• Factoria is available within Adobe Fonts through a Creative Cloud subscription or for purchase from www.fortfoundry.com. If you cannot obtain a license  for Factoria, or for use on the web, Zilla Slab is available  as an alternative from Google Fonts.

• Dharma Gothic E is available within Adobe Fonts through a Creative Cloud subscription or for purchase from www.dharmatype.com. If you cannot obtain a license for Dharma Gothic E, Saira Condensed is available as an alternative from Google Fonts.

• Turbinado Pro is available within Adobe Fonts through a Creative Cloud subscription or for purchase from Fonts.com.

You can find more information on UAF’s branding-compliant typography here, as well as examples of how to best use it.

1. Do I have to use CLA’s templates?

No! These templates are available in the event you want one, but you are not required to use them. If you do make your own fliers, they must comply with UAF’s branding guidelines, which can be found here. The templates we offer make sure that those requirements are already fulfilled.

2. Which file format should I use?

The folders in the Drive are broken down first by use (event, book launch, thesis defense, etc). When you open the use folder, you will see folders for “Full Page - 8.5x11” or “Digital - 16x9”. (More options will be available in the future). Use the templates in the Full page if you intend to print. Use templates in the digital folder if you are creating digital signs.

Templates are available in each folder in PDF, Powerpoint and Google Slides. PDF and Powerpoint can be downloaded and edited in Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Powerpoint, respectively. For the Google Slide version, make a copy and move it to a folder in your Drive. This is very important so we don’t lose the original and so the templates folder doesn’t fill up with things that are not actually templates. 

Which file format you choose is completely up to you and your comfort level with these programs. In the future we will likely be adding Photoshop templates as well as more Canva templates.

If you need help or there is another file format you think others would benefit from being available, please let us know!

3. I want to use a template, but I want to use a different photo/font /color, etc…

The template is simply meant to provide a starting point, so please feel free to customize it as you see fit. Photos can, and should, be replaced with photos related to your event or with photos that make sense for what you are marketing. Colors should still fall within UAF’s color palette and fonts should be from the UAF font families. Additional UAF artwork created specifically for our branding is also available for download if you would like to change the graphics or add more.

4. Can I only use the flyers in the Events folder for events, the flyers in the Book Launch folder for book launches, etc?

No. While the flyers in each folder were designed with those particular things in mind, if you feel a template from a different folder suits your purpose better, please use it. All of the flyers are customizable. The folders are merely there to help make finding  flyers geared towards a specific thing easier.

5. Will more templates become  available?

Yes! Over time, we will be creating more templates to provide everyone with more options. If you have an idea for a specific template you think might be helpful to have available here, please email Sarah Manriquez (samanriquez@alaska.edu) or Kat Reichert (ksreichert@alaska.edu) and let us know what you’ve got!

6. Our department/club/etc is working on a project and we are looking for a large poster that doesn’t really fit with any of these templates. Can CLA help with that?

Absolutely. Send your ideas our way: Sarah Manriquez (samanriquez@alaska.edu) or Kat Reichert (ksreichert@alaska.edu). Important information to include would be title, date(s), time(s), location, poster size, a brief description of the project and what kind of poster you are envisioning. If you have specific photos you would like to use, or draw some inspiration from, send those along as well. A Google folder with examples of event posters will be available soon.

7. Where can I find more information or examples?

University Relations lays out thorough, comprehensive guidelines around designing with UAF branding. You can find anything you would like to know here. They also put out a  brand guideline book that is easy to use and simplifies a lot of the information on the website. You can access that here.

As time goes on, we will be working on building example folders for inspiration on how other departments in CLA have customized the templates for their events. 

As always, if you find yourself needing help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Sarah Manriquez (samanriquez@alaska.edu) or Kat Reichert (ksreichert@alaska.edu).

***

Before you start redesigning your template, check out our Tips for Effective Signage to help you get the most attention from your flier!

1. Do I have to use photos?

While it’s not 100% necessary to use photos, it is a good idea to. People respond more positively to flyers that are colorful and eye-catching. Photos make your flyers more likely to attract viewers which can therefore lead to more participation in your event!

2. Where can I find UAF photos for my flyer?

If you or someone in your department does not have a photo that is usable, UAF maintains a collection of high quality, high resolution photos that can be used for print. The database is larger than what is shown on the website, so if you don’t see something you are looking for, you can email the photo manager for help. Turnaround time can be about a week, so plan ahead!

More information can be found here.

The gallery is here.

** UAF photos are protected by copyright and may not be used without permission. When using any photos, please be sure to credit the photographer with their name and month & date that the photo was taken. There is a spot for this in the fine print of all of the templates. **

3. I can’t find a UAF photo that works for my flyer/I’m in a rush and need a photo quickly.

Look for stock photos that are available for public use. Canva has a large selection of stock photos for use that can be downloaded. It is free to sign up, and you can skip the hassle of setting up login information by just hitting the “Continue with gmail” button. Another site to check out for free stock photos is Upsplash. Be sure to credit the site you took the photo from. If a photographer’s name is available, use that in your credit. If not, say “Image courtesy of Canva” (or Uplsplash, etc).

If all else fails, a photo featuring the Alaskan landscape is always a good option. UAF has plenty of Alaskana photos available for use.

4. There’s a spot for a headshot on the template I want to use. Do I have to use a photo of myself?

You don’t have to, but again, it’s something that people looking at a flyer typically respond positively to. They want to see your face! That said, if you really don’t want to, a secondary photo could go well here instead.

For those who would like their event featured on the CLA website, we typically ask for a headshot for the newsroom page we put together for you.

5. What are the graphics I see on some of the templates?

UAF has additional artwork for use that was created specifically for the University’s branding. Using these design elements are a great way to add more visual interest to your flyer. While you can mix and match, or stick to one design element, avoid using too many on one page or it can begin to look crowded.

Additional artwork can be downloaded here. Use .jpg for print flyers and .png for digital. You are welcome to keep the graphics as-are on your template or update them when a different color or design would be a better match.

1. What typefaces can I use?

UAF’s typefaces include Merriweather, Barlow, Factoria, Dharma Gothic E and Turbinado Pro. These are not always available depending on what program you are using (Google Slides versus Adobe, etc). University Relations offers alternates, as well as licensing information and tips on how to best use the typefaces, here

2. I don’t have some of these typefaces.

If these typefaces are not available on your computer, you may have to download and install them. Here is where you can find them:

• Barlow is an open-source font and is available for free from Google Fonts.

• Merriweather is an open-source font and is available for free from Google Fonts. 

• Factoria is available within Adobe Fonts through a Creative Cloud subscription or for purchase from www.fortfoundry.com. If you cannot obtain a license  for Factoria, or for use on the web, Zilla Slab is available  as an alternative from Google Fonts.

• Dharma Gothic E is available within Adobe Fonts through a Creative Cloud subscription or for purchase from www.dharmatype.com. If you cannot obtain a license for Dharma Gothic E, Saira Condensed is available as an alternative from Google Fonts.

• Turbinado Pro is available within Adobe Fonts through a Creative Cloud subscription or for purchase from Fonts.com.

You can find more information on UAF’s branding-compliant typography here, as well as examples of how to best use it.