Style Guide
Style Guide
The PitchMI style closely aligns with MSU Research Foundation standards. For questions or discrepancies, please refer to the Brand Studio for guidance.
Core Narrative
“PitchMI is one of the nation’s largest founder-focused startup competitions, designed to identify and invest in Michigan’s most promising startups through a competitive, statewide selection process.”
Messaging Pillars
The PitchMI messaging pillars provide a clear framework for communicating the program’s purpose, impact, and value to different audiences. Together, they ensure consistency across all communications while allowing messages to be tailored to founders, partners, policymakers, and the broader innovation ecosystem.
Championship Framing
“The PitchMI Championship is the final investment decision point in a multi-region competition that has already filtered hundreds of startups to the strongest founders statewide.”
Logo
Approved PitchMI logo files are provided for program-level, Championship, and regional use across digital and print materials.
Each logo pack includes EPS, JPEG, and PNG formats in CMYK, RGB, Black (K), and White (W) variants. For editorial and approved partner use only. Do not alter colors or proportions. Contact marketing@msufoundation.org with any questions.
Colors
The PitchMI color palette is designed to support clear visual hierarchy and consistent brand application across digital and print materials.
Logo Colors
The PitchMI logo features two core colors: Black and PitchMI Blue. When needed, the logo may also appear in a single brand-consistent color—Black or PitchMI Blue on light backgrounds, or White on dark backgrounds.
Accent Colors
A supporting palette of Orange, Yellow, Blue, and Green is used to reinforce the PitchMI brand. These accent colors distinguish individual regional pitch events and may be combined into a gradient line or border for the PitchMI Championship and other program-level branding.
Typography
PitchMI typography establishes a consistent, readable system across digital and print materials.
Visual Identity
The PitchMI visual identity establishes a cohesive system that reflects both regional differentiation and the program’s statewide scope.
Visual Identity Examples
PitchMI Blue is used as the primary background color for the Championship and other program-level branding, and may include a low-opacity (16%) white State of Michigan watermark.
A four-color gradient bar or border, using the regional accent colors, may also be used as a supporting design element for Championship and program-level materials.
The following examples illustrate how these visual elements may be applied.
