Crafting a modern mark with timeless meaning.
South Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities

Industry
Higher Education
Goals
- Modernize logo
- Increase appointments
- Create a cohesive visual identity
Challenge
SCICU’s logo was steeped in history, but after years of service, it was due for an update. We sought to create a unified, credible brand that could stand confidently alongside state institutions across both digital and print platforms — one that reflected SCICU’s reputation and mission as the collective voice for 20 private colleges and universities.
- Previous logo’s text wasn’t readable at small sizes
- Original design didn’t reflect SCICU’s modern advocacy role
- Limited symbolic meaning beyond graduation imagery
Solution
To modernize SCICU’s brand, we partnered with their team to design a flexible logo system with full, abbreviated, and icon-only versions. New symbols like the crescent, mountains, water, and torch added depth and meaning, while a complete visual style guide established clear standards for long-term consistency.
- Developed multiple logo versions
- Integrated symbolic elements representing advocacy, service, and community
- Created a scalable logo system that maintains clarity across all sizes and platforms
Results
SCICU’s redesigned logo is scalable, flexible, and works seamlessly across every medium. By leaning into timeless symbols that resonate with their mission, it’s a truer representation of SCICU’s values, reinforcing the organization’s credibility as a modern advocate for 20 of South Carolina’s independent colleges and universities.