Creative Standards

To ensure brand consistency, staff members not within the Public Information (PI) department are restricted to using pre-approved templates and assets.

• Standard Usage: Non-PI staff must utilize the official designs, logos, and templates available in the NKY Health DIY Toolkit.

• Custom Designs: If a project requires a design not found in the toolkit, staff must submit a draft or proposal to the PI department for formal approval before any use or distribution.

Consistency is key, especially when we pay for it. The PI department must have a seat at the table for any externally produced creative work.

• Pre-Contract Involvement: Before any contract is signed with a consultant, graphic designer, or marketing firm for public-facing materials, the PI department must be consulted.

• Scope Alignment: PI will review the scope of work to ensure the firm’s deliverables align with NKY Health’s brand standards and technical requirements.

To prevent “hour zero” revisions—which waste time, money, and morale—the following protocol is mandatory for all campaigns with a budget exceeding $2,500.

• The 30-Day Design Summit: A design meeting must be held at least 30 days prior to the campaign launch.

• Mandatory Attendance: This meeting requires the presence of all decision-makers (Department Heads, Program Managers, etc.) and the PI team.

• Final Approval Commitment: Decisions regarding the creative direction, messaging, and visual identity are to be finalized during this meeting.

Note: Significant creative changes requested after this summit by decision-makers who were absent or silent may result in the postponement of the campaign launch.

To ensure we are getting the best rates and maintaining a unified voice, PI acts as the central hub for all media buying.

• Centralized Purchasing: All advertising—including print, digital, radio, and social media—must be coordinated through the PI department.

• Direct Contact Prohibited: Staff members are prohibited from contacting advertisers or media outlets directly to negotiate or place ads.

Failure to follow these protocols often leads to brand dilution and unnecessary last-minute expenses. Adherence ensures that NKY Health remains a professional and trusted source of information for the community.

5/29/2026

• Updated link to Employee Photos and NKY Health shield