Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Dedicated to those who enjoy the feeling of holding a book , of smelling it and f lipping
through its pages. To those who f ind it more important to experience a book and the
process of f inding the perfect book through a sea of shelves. To the readers who delve
into the world of the book so completely that the real world stops to exist. And f inally,
to those who know that no good book is ever complete without a warm and delicious
cup of cof fee or tea and a perfect snack .
2012 Company Brand Guidelines
I remember the first time I realized I was in love with books. I was
in my fathers store, a much smaller Barnes & Noble than the
ones we see today. I had a plate of cookie crumbs and an
almost finished mug of hot chocolate to my right, but it had
been a while since I paid the leftovers any attention. I was
on the last sentence. When it was over, I remember turning
back to page one and starting again.
Books are a powerful tool. They are different worlds, new
ideas, laughter, and alltogether an experience. In todays
society, we are losing the sense of experiencing the tangible
and real. At Barnes & Noble, we aim to ignite that part of
humanity that will always thirst for this.
Our brand embodies this idea. We appreciate your respect
and collaboration to maintain our identity in a consistent and
precise manner to truly captures Barnes & Noble.
Leonardo Riggio
CEO, Barnes & Noble
1.0 Company Overview
1.0
The Preface
Company Overview
2012 1.0
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
1.0 T he Company
2012 1.1
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
Company History
Barnes & Noble originated in 1873 when Mr. Charles Barnes T he old logo was an update
f rom the f irst logo, the simple
opened a book-printing business in Wheaton, Illinois. The wordmark that the founder
first true bookstore was established by Charles son William himself typed up in 1978 . It
Barnes and his partner G. Clifford Noble the year of 1917 was simple, not f ussy, and
embodied the idea of having
in New York City; hence the name. a casual , book-f irst space.
In the early 1960s, Leonard Riggio was a student at NYU. He
worked as the clerk in the university bookstore. Convinced
he could do better on his own, he opened a competing store
called the Student Book Exchange. After only a few years
in the business, it became known as one of New Yorks finest
bookstores, greatly due to its wide selection. This aspect
of the bookstore would carry on into present day Barnes &
Noble stores.
In the 1970s, Riggio acquired the then declining Barnes and
Noble trade name and bookstore. Quickly, he transformed
it into the worlds largest bookstore. This was the beginning
of the modern Barnes and Noble.
even though e-books are becoming such an
important part of our business, at barnes
& noble we will always focus on the idea of
offering an experience with books aswell
as a place where those books can be shared,
enjoyed, and loved.
1.0 Company Overview
2012 1.2
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
1.3
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
4
1.0 Company Overview
Even in the age of technology where people are much more 1 Amazon
2 Books-a-million
likely to tap away at their phones than enjoy the scenery 3 Hastings Home
right in front of them, bookstores remain loved and important Entertainment
part of the community. With a strong base of readers that 4 G oogle Nexus
are here to stay, providing books remains a strong business.
What separates us from our competitors is the basis of our
new identity: at Barnes & Noble, youre not just getting a
book. Youre walking into a space, experiencing it with every
one of your senses, and discovering things you probably
hadnt even expected. So While the other guys sell books
with a monitor in between them and you, we invite you
in to share the book and your time with us.
2012 1.4
2 .0 T he New Barnes & Noble
2.0
2012 2.0
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
primary logo
Say hello to the new Barnes & Noble! Fun, friendly, and full T his is the pr imar y version of
the logo. It should be used in
of possibilities, the new logo speaks to the fact that while all cases possible, unless shape
we may be keeping up with the times, were not risking our or length create an issue.
values and standards. With a light, airiness to its letters
and color, the logo invites our readers to spend their time
and experiences with us. Its our welcoming doormat.
The shining star of the logo is the ampersand. It completely
embodies the core value of the identity, the idea that we
are more than just books: books and... The notion of possi-
bilities not only captures the unique selling position but
also two of the key features of the store: the large selection
of books and the large environment.
The new Barnes & Noble logo isnt really
new. We prefer to think of it as the identity
that has been hiding with there all along,
a realization of everything Barnes & Noble
has always embodied.
2 .0 T he New Barnes & Noble
2012 2 .1
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
2 .0 T he New Barnes & Noble
secondary logos
Just as the logo itself suggests the idea of possibilities, our 1 Vertical Composition
This version of the mark
brand offers possibilities. While the primary logo should should be used sparingly
be used whenever possible, we understand that senarios will and only when something
arise that can compromise the legibility of the logo or that longer/shorter is needed.
2 Independant Ampersand
are just not compatible with it. This version of the logo
should only be used when
We offer these two versions of the logo as secondary marks.
one of the other marks
They are to be strivtly used only when the primary logo is are present on the branded
ill-fitted to the situation. The vertical composition (1) is const- piece. It can also be used
as a graphic element.
ructed to fit in narrower branding materials. The ampersan
(2) is made to be used in small spaces, unless it is being used
as a graphic element (covered in Section 3).
2012 2.2
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
A logo is the embodiment of the brand. It is the brand simply 1 Vertical Hangline
2 Hor izontal Hangline
summed up in one tiny, neat little package. Therefore, the 3 Minimun S ize
logo must at all times be perfectly legible and without obstr-
uctions. For this reason, we ask that designers maintain a
minumum area of breathing room around the logo that allows
it to breathe and shine. The Barnes & Noble logo, and all
of its variations, must at all times have the clear space that
is specified on this and the following two pages.
These pages also outline the specific hangline, both vertical
and horizontal, on which all three logo variations sit. This
rule must be maintained as it best suits the design of these
logos. Also, be sure to notice the minimum sizes outlined
in this section. We ask that these sizes be strictly adhered
to and only used when absolutely necessary.
2 .0 T he New Barnes & Noble
.5x
x
2
.5x
.5x .5x
3 3mm
2012 2.3
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
x
x
3 5mm
2 .0 T he New Barnes & Noble
.25x
2
.25x
.25x .25x
3 3mm
2012 2.4
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
Barnes & Noble has three sub brands. The first is the Nook 1 NOOK
Clean , simple, f r iendly
brand, our ever-expanding e-reader. The second brand is 2 B&Ncollege
B&Ncollege, a series of University-only stores that tie back knowledge, f r iendly
to the origins of the store. The final and newest brand is 3 PUBIT!
Approachable, reliable
pubit!, a self-publishing experience for readers.
all of the barnes & noble sub brands relate
to the larger brand, yet they also have
their own unique looks and personalities.
2 .0 T he New Barnes & Noble
2012 2.5
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
2 .0 T he New Barnes & Noble
1
x
x x
3 3mm
In the same way the primary Barnes & Noble brand needs 1 Vertical Hangline
2 Hor izontal Hangline
to shine with plenty of breathing room, its sub brands 3 Minimum S ize
must also have at least the specified clear space at all times.
These brands have specific vertical and horizontal hang-
lines as well. Again, notice that all three of our sub brands
have a minimum size. They should never live at any size
smaller than that stated otherwise they lose their legibility
and imapct, and ultimately the brand is lost.
2012 2.6
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
x 1
x
x x
x
3 3mm
1
x
3 5mm
2012 2.7
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
unaccpetable use
1 Do not at any time angle 2 Do not add any ef fects 3 Do not in any way alter
the logo. It always sits on to the logo, including drop the proportions of the
a 0 degree angle. shadow, gradients, etc. letters or the ampersand.
4 Do not alter the colors of 5 Do not change the type- 6 Do not in any way distort
the logo except when in face or font style of any the logo, e ither by stretch-
accordance to color r ules. part of the logo. ing , squishing , etc.
1 2
3 4
5 6
2012 2.8
3 .0 T he Brand Colors
3.0
painting a picture
The Brand Colors
2012 3.0
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
colors define
a mood and
give a sense
of character
to a brand.
Primary colors
2012 3.1
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
secondary colors
Our secondary colors play up the fun factor. They are each
paired with a shadowed shade. We have our Fiery Red
(PMS 179) and its shadow (PMS 1817), colors that spark cre-
ativity and emotion. Our Crisp Green (PMS 390) and shadow
(PMS 7490) are at once soft and energetic. We also have
our Vibrant Yellow (PMS 103) and shadow (PMS 5565), which
are our sun and fun colors.
We offer two neautrals to the brand, also a pair of light and
shadow colors. This is our Airy Grey (PMS 5455) and its
shadow (PMS 5565). All of our colors speak to the integrity
of the brands fun yet inviting nature.
2012 3.2
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
1
3 .0 T he Brand Colors
We want to make sure that our Barnes & Noble logo can find 1 Full Color
2 S ingle Color
a home on any surface. For this reason, we offer different PMS 632
color genres to designers and users that include single color, 4 G rey Scale
grey scale, and one color. These genres should only be 100% Black
55% Black
utilized when using the full color impairs the logos legibility. 5 One Color Black
color may be crucial , but without proper
legibility, its nothing. Please make sure
that our precious logo is always shining!
2012 3.3
3 .0 T he Brand Colors
2012 3.4
3 .0 T he Brand Colors
Sometimes, the color in the marks may not cooperate with All three logos adhere to the
same single color and black
a given background, be it image or color. In this case, a few and white r ules. As seen in
opetions are available. The first is to use the simple and this example, they also share
always neautral single color version of the logo set in PMS the same reversed out r ule.
632. Of course, this may not always be ideal.
Another option in such a problem as this is to use the simple
black and white version of the logo. This solution may be
put to use when the given background is light in color. Of
course, such an option sould only be a last resort.
When the background is not a light color but infact dark or
even black itself, the logo should be set in the brands white
color, PMS 5455. Not only will this allow the logo to have
full visibility, but it will also keep the contrast from being too
stong, therefore reinforcing Barnes & Nobles new brands
lighter and more friendly feeling. Again, this is a final resort.
2012 3.5
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
The three sub brands of Barnes & Noble are NOOK, our
e-book reader; B&Ncollege, the exclusive university stores;
and, our latest addition, pubit!, an online self-publication
application. Each of these brands, though unique and stand-
alone, must maintain a sense of unity amongst themselves
and with the primary brand. Therefore, they utilize the same
colors present in the main logo.
The sub brands mix and match the colors within their marks,
yet they do utilize a primary color. The brand orange PMS
179 M is the main color for NOOK. B&Ncolleges main brand
color is the brand navy PMS 7547. The brand lime green
PMS 390 is pubit!s primary color.
Just as with the primary mark, the color specifications must
at all times be respected to maintain brand integrity within
each of the separate brands and the system as a whole.
1 2 3 4
5 6 3
3 2
2012 3.6
Sub brands and backgrounds
3 .0 T he Brand Colors
2012 3.7
4.0 The Supporting Elements
4.0
2012 4.0
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
4.0 The Supporting Elements
the tagline
A tagline is important to a brand in that it embodies the core T he tagline also marr ies with
the ampersand , speaking to
principles of the brand within but a few words. The Barnes the brand idea of possibilities.
& Noble tagline is More Than Just Books, speaking towards
the comapnys and stores home away from home idea.
while our competitors may offer some of
the same products and savings as we do,
one thing that is unique to barnes & noble
is the environment, which encourages
customers to stay and explore anything
from our cafe to our events.
2012 4 .1
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
.5x
x
.75x
.5x 1 .5x
tagline clearspace
1 T he tagline rests r ight
below the ampersand
2 T he ampersand has the
same line space as the
words Barnes and Noble
4.0 The Supporting Elements
x 2
x
2012 4.2
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
typography
The Barnes & Noble brand utilizes three typefaces. The first 1 9 point size
230 points tracking
is Barnes & Noble Heading, a bolder typeface that is used 12 point leading
for headings in print work, on posters, billboards, and also 2 9 point size
on web applications. This typeface is always used in all caps. 230 point tracking
12 point leading
The second Barnes & Noble typeface is Barnes & Noble 3 9 point size
230 point leading
Regular, a thinner version of the header. This typeface is
12 point tracking
used for larger bodies of type, such as in this paragraph. It
can be used in larger scale and all caps, as well as small and
in upper and lower case.
The final Barnes & Noble typeface is the Barnes & Noble
Serif, an italic romantic typeface that softens the brand and
creates a sense of class. This typeface is used for captions,
like the one on this page. It is also used for smaller bodies of
type that are usually inferior in heirarchy.
None of these typefaces are part of the logo, which in fact
uses a custom made typeface that does not appear any-
where else in the brand. This maintains the logos integrity.
All of these typefaces combine to enhance the Barnes &
Noble brand image of friendliness, fun, and a sense of home.
They should be combined carefully to maintain this concept.
4.0 The Supporting Elements
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abc d efghijklmnopqrstuvw x y z
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2012 4.3
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
4.0 The Supporting Elements
photography
The photographic style of Barnes & Noble mirrors the sense 1 Cropped shot that makes
the viewer feel like he
of airiness and welcoming that the brand embodies. A oe she is in the picture.
brighter atmosphere should be used, with minimal contrast. 2 Br ight photo with higher
The photography should range from reading, music, food, exposure but with lower
contrast to create a sense
and all other activities offered in the store. of air iness and space.
3 Showcase food , cof fee,
Angles and shots in the brand photography should engage
and other aspects of
viewers and make them feel as if they were inside of the the brand. Products and
photograph. Be sure to be careful and not make the photos backdrops should feel
natural: wood , stuccos.
too dynamic so that they lose the sense of calm.
viewers should engage with barnes & noble
through the photography, essentially as
if they were in the photograph themselves.
2012 4.4
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
the icons
The Barnes & Noble brand utilizes a series of airy and fun Like ever ything else Barnes &
Noble, our icons re inforce the
icons to add character. The icons are utilized on posters, notion that there are more than
web pages, packaging, and products. The icons can be used just books at our stores.
in full color or tone on tone. A single icon or small group
of icons can be used, or they can create a pattern.
Whenever there are multiple icons being used, be absolutely
sure to include a variety. This means that there should be
a balance between the types of icons used. There are book
related icons, food, shopping, music, kids, and digital icons.
The icons include whimsies, the swirly icons that speak
to the magic of books and reading.
The whimsy icons, or curly ones, remind our
customers that reading is a magical thing.
that same magic radiates at barnes & noble.
4.0 The Supporting Elements
2012 4.5
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
be sure to use
these pieces
wisely so that
they do not
appear bulky.
2
These rules should not overpower the design.
2
4.0 The Supporting Elements
supporting elements
To fully create the Barnes & Noble identity, the brand uses 1 T hese wraparounds are
like open books with
these simple graphics that support the principles already bold statements. T hey
established by the logo, color, typography, and photography. are made of the light
The first two elements can be used together, although color and it s respective
shadow.
the rule can live on its own accompanied with typography. 2 Rules are used to recall
The third element should never be used with the other a more traditional senes
two. If designing multiple pages or spreads, these and the of books and reading.
3 Our whimsy lines recall
following graphics should be balanced throughout. the air iness factor of
the brand with a punch
of color and f un!
2012 4.6
5.0 T he Applications
5.0
2012 5.0
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
business system
1 L etterhead
5.1
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
business system
1 Business Cards
2 Envelope
5.0 T he Applications
2012 5.1
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
5.0 T he Applications
corporate environment
1 Corporate Headquarters
Exter ior
2012 5.2
5.0 T he Applications
corporate environment
1 Headquarters Reception
2012 5.2
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
5.0 T he Applications
corporate environment
1 Central Of f ices
2 President s Of f ice
Reception
2012 5.2
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
website
T he website embodies the idea
of exper iencing Barnes &
Noble by making the user feel
like he or she is in the store.
5.0 T he Applications
2012 5.3
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
5.0 T he Applications
website
On the homepage, users can
browse a virtual bookshelf that
mirrors the exper ience of be ing
in a real store.
2012 5.3
5.0 T he Applications
website
T he website aims to not only
sell books, but encourage
readers to come into the store.
2012 5.3
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
A FIRE WITH
THAT BOOK?
More than just book s.
advertisement
1 Billboard
5.0 T he Applications
b&n.com
2012 5.4
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
advertisement
Bus Shelter Posters
5.0 T he Applications
2012 5.4
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
advertisement
Bus Shelter Posters
5.4
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
store environment
T he store is air y, inviting , and
a place that feels like home.
5.0 T he Applications
2012 5.5
5.0 T he Applications
industry
1 Reusable Shopping Bag
2 In Store Basket
2012 5.6
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
industry
1 Employee Nametag
2 Employee Unifor m
5.0 T he Applications
2012 5.6
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
5.0 T he Applications
industry
In Store S ignage
2012 5.6
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
industry
In Store S ignage
5.0 T he Applications
Dallas
Oliver.
Entertaining Globally.
Book reading and signing.
January 25 . 2-3 .
2012 5.6
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
$100 co m
e an
d ex
pl or
to : e ou
r
$25
w o rl
d
co m e a n d
ex p lo re o
u r w o rl d
to :
to:
industry
G if t Cards
5.0 T he Applications
b&n.com
2012 5.6
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
August 2013
ISSUE 5
industry
Barnes & Noble New Deals
and Products Catalog
5.0 T he Applications
1 2
8
ISSUE 5
PRODUC TS
2012 5.6
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
INDUSTRY
Cafe Mugs
5.0 T he Applications
2012 5.6
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
Enjoy.
5.0 T he Applications
INDUSTRY
To G o Cup
2012 5.6
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
INDUSTRY
Cafe Plates
5.0 T he Applications
Yum.
2012 5.6
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
5.0 T he Applications
industry
1 Barnes & Noble
Collection Spine
2 Barnes & Noble
Collection Front
2012 5.6
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
industry
1 Online Shipment
Package
5.0 T he Applications
S h i p t o:
Ana maria zamaro de pistone
3298 beverly drive
hilly, CO 25610
2012 5.6
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
5.0 T he Applications
products
1 Personal Handbag
2 Handbag Inter ior
2012 5.7
5.0 T he Applications
products
1 Custom Barnes & Noble
Reading Glasses
2012 5.7
1.0 T he Company
products
Backpack
2012 5.7
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
1.0 T he Company
ill take a
side of
fun with
my book.
products
Promotional T-shirt
2012 5.7
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
.
pe
ca
es
products
Bookmark
1.0 T he Company
2012 5.7
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
products
1 Nook Tablet Slipcover
2 Notebook
1.0 T he Company
2012 5.7
1.0 T he Company
products
Nook Tablet Front and Back
W ith Homescreen
2012 5.7
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
1.0 T he Company
products
Barnes & Noble Librar y App
2012 5.7
Bar nes and Noble Brand G uide
GENRE
BOOKS B I B LE & B I B LE
ST U DIES
GRAPHI C NO V ELS
DVDS HISTORY
MY SETTINGS
LOGOUT
products
Barnes & Noble Librar y App
1.0 T he Company
2012 5.7
Good friends, good books, and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.
Mark Twain
thank you!