Graphic Design Services

Graphic design is a service provided by the Office of Marketing and Communications. Creative, strategic, and dynamic graphic design results in a better representation of the university as a whole. It also ensures university publications adhere to established branding standards.

You may also download ULM Identity Standards from ULM’s Policy Database at ulm.edu/policy ULM Identity Standards provides a comprehensive overview of how ULM is represented in print and other media, why the standards are in place, and the proper way to utilize the standards.

The Office of Marketing and Communications is committed to working with all ULM departments to support their design-related missions and goals. Graphic design services are provided at no charge to any campus department.

ULM Publications

The Office of Marketing and Communications should be consulted prior to release of any ULM publications. A ULM publication is any printed piece that represents the university.

This includes informational publications, recruitment-oriented, athletic-based, and those targeted to any prospective student, their parents/guardians, alumni and/or supporters. Excluded are academic works created as part of a faculty member's course curriculum or research and student publications.

When in doubt about whether a piece is considered a ULM publication, please contact the Office of Marketing and Communications at 318-342-5440 or visit us in the University Library in LIB 205.

You may also download ULM Identity Standards from ULM’s Policy Database at ulm.edu/policy

ULM Identity Standards provides a comprehensive overview of how ULM is represented in print and other media, why the standards are in place, and the proper way to utilize the standards.

Requesting Design Services

To request Graphic Design services or to have your design reviewed, you will need to log in to the ticketing system found at ulm.edu/opiservices using your email (before the @) and your password.

There, you must complete and submit a ticket.

If your project is complex or you have questions, please contact omc@ulm.edu to schedule an appointment. Otherwise, you can proceed with the ticketing process.

Timely Requests

Due to the time required to conceptualize, create and produce any piece, as well as a fluctuating workload, please allow:

• NEW PROJECT: 4 Week minimum (20 working days); If extensive work/time is required you will be notified.
• UPDATING A PREVIOUS PROJECT: 2 Week; 10 working days
• PROJECT REVIEW-ONLY: 1 Week; 5 working days.

If you are unable to meet this deadline, you will need to use a third-party design service at the department's expense and with the approval of applicable vice president. 

Third-Party Publications

Whether you consult with OMC first, design your publication on your own, or use a third-party design firm, prior to printing and/or mailing, all ULM units must submit a sample of their design to OMC for review and approval. 

Submit publications as a PDF and/or printed proof to omc@ulm.edu. 

Design Approval

The Office of Marketing and Communications will respond to your request within one week, (5 working days) of receiving the request. The correspondence/design will be approved or returned with edits to be made. The piece cannot be printed/posted online/distributed until it is approved by the Office of Marketing and Communications. 

If your publication is printed and/or mailed without prior authorization from the Office of Marketing and Communications and the applicable vice president, the university is not responsible for the payment of services to any designer, printer, or mailing services vendors.

Other Publication Tips 

The design process can take several weeks, based on the design. A project for a view book or magazine may span several months, from inception to delivery. A good rule-of-thumb is to plan all deadlines backwards from the date you want your publication in the hands of its targeted audience.

Mailing Considerations

With a delivery deadline set, consider the time it may take to mail the piece. When using ULMs Bulk Mail Permit, the cost is significantly less, but the mailing time can be up to 3 weeks and requires a minimum of 200 pieces. Time must be considered to address the pieces, and depending on the complexity of the printing, your publication may be at the printer and/or mailing house for a week or more.