Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Vodka Absolut Guidelines v1.3 PDF
Vodka Absolut Guidelines v1.3 PDF
3 / December, 2013
Table of contents
2
Introduction
Absolut is “Swedish vodka, onödigt bra in product and design”, and the brand idea
is transformation. So, fundamentally, our design is Swedish, and “onödigt bra”. Our look is artistic,
bold and stylish – and transformative.
For urban creative millennials this is highly relevant even today, as they demand authenticity
and transparency, and as creatives expect a high level of design creativity from their brands.
– Art is at the heart of our visual DNA. From Andy Warhol – The iconic bottle shape. Pure and geometric, the – The pursuit of perfection, which as visual DNA is the circle
and up until today, our commitment to the arts and artists, proportion between neck and shoulders is what makes form, the round dot that represents the meaning of the word
and the creative energy of putting art in the party, is the bottle unique. This is such an innovative shape, yet Absolut. This means the perfect and complete – yet also the
visible in our designs. simple and universal, that it is timeless. Even though at infinite and always striving towards perfection.
the time of its launch, it was considered too different and
– Swedish clear glass, to showcase the clarity and quality strange – as is everything truly new. This is the disruptive
of our vodka. gene in our design DNA, one we honor primarily with
our innovation designs.
3
Executive summary
Primary assets
ABSOLUT HeadlinE
Absolut Bold
Absolut Medium
Absolut Regular
Secondary assets
Backdrop images Secondary color palette Materials Bottle outline Branded pattern
4
Executive summary
Consistent and correct use of the Absolut Masterbrand Identity in all its design elements is crucial
when building a strong global brand that is legally protectable. Using the design elements incorrectly,
distorting them or creating new ones severely damages the legal protection of the Absolut brand.
On this page are the key rules that must be followed.
5
Executive summary
Writing rules
1. 2. 3.
Always write Absolut with capital A and lower case bsolut. Always name initiatives with Absolut as the branding /sender. Never end a sentence written in the font Absolut Headline
Never include the word Absolut in the name. with Absolut or a product name such as (Absolut Elyx).
Do Never put a full stop in a sentence written in the font
SUMMIT + Do
absolut vodka
– Drink /cocktail names
WITH LOVE FROM ABSOLUT.
ABSOLUT COSMOPOLITAN
Exception: ONE SOURCE ÅHUS.
– Subcopy for ATL/BTL – Subcopy for ATL / BTL
Absolut can be written in all caps if the whole sentence ABSOLUT can be written in all caps if the whole sentence
6
Executive summary
Writing rules
4. 5. 6.
Never put Absolut in headline with a full stop/dot, instead Always write text /copy in white, black or grey. Never any Always write text with American English, not British English.
of using the logo. other colors not even blue.
Do
Flavor
Do (use logo file) Do
Don’t Flavour
One source åhus
ABSOLUT. One source åhus
Don’t
7
Executive summary
Writing rules
7.
Respect the integrity of the brand name. Never do word plays
or put an apostrophe on Absolut.
Do
8
PRIMARY ASSETS Logo / Primary colors / Brand fonts
These are the three primary assets in the Master Brand Identity, the following pages explain how to use them.
9
LOGO
Our logo is a carefully crafted wordmark, with the additional element of a dot. The dot comes from the core design
DNA of Absolut, and adds integrity that elevates the wordmark into a unique logo. Our logo is the global, primary branding
device for the Absolut brand, the anchor for the rest of the brand identity and for our engaging brand communication.
Our logo is not the existing Absolut one-line wordmark in our headline font with a full stop, but a unique and new logo
with a bespoke dot. For legal protection reasons, it should never be altered.
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Primary assets /Logo
Executions – logo
ABSOLUT COSMOPOLITAN
12
Primary assets /Logo
The primary logo is white. Use the white logo on full bleed The secondary logo is blue. Use the blue logo on white The black logo is used for product extensions on white
images, colored backgrounds and all non-white materials. backgrounds. background, or when an asset includes a significant amount
Also used for product extensions when branding non-white of blue color or blue graphic decor, to avoid that the logo
backgrounds. blends into the motif.
13
Primary assets /Logo
Regular Regular /For sizes 6 mm in height and up Regular /Clear space “A”
Small Small / For sizes 2.5 mm* to 6 mm in height Small / Clear space “.” (the dot in the wordmark)
2.5 mm
14
Primary assets /Logo
For portrait formats, scale the logo to 1 /4 the width of the For landscape formats, scale the logo to 1 /5 the width of the For portrait formats, 1.5 times the height of the ”A” from the
format. For unusually large or small formats, see next page. format. For unusually large or small formats, see next page. bottom. For landscape formats, minimum 1 times the height
of the ”A” from the bottom. For exceptionally large or small
formats, see next page.
Portrait Format
1A
1.5 A
Landscape format
1A
1A
15
Primary assets /Logo
Centered logo Logo size – unusually large formats Logo size – exceptionally small formats
Center the logo on the “O” in Absolut Minimum 1 A width /height Minimum 1 X width /height
For applications where the logo is the main/only message on For unusually small formats the logo should be centered
unusually large formats, it should be centered horizontally horizontally and vertically with a minimum of 1 X ( X = the dot )
and vertically with a minimum of 1 A clear space from the top, clear space from the top, bottom and sides.
bottom and sides.
1A 1X
1X The dot = X
1A
1A
1X 1X
1A 1A
16
Primary assets /Logo
17
Primary assets /Logo
Master brand grid – portrait format Master brand grid – landscape format
Absolut Headline vs. logo and sub-headlines Absolut Headline vs. logo and sub-headlines
Headline Headline
Absolut Headline should Absolut Headline should
never be smaller than 1.25 never be smaller than 1.25
times the logo. For a shorter times the logo. For a shorter
headline, the differences headline, the differences
can be larger. The logo and can be larger. The logo and
Regular
headline should never be headline should never be
Regular the same size. HEADLINE the same size.
HeADLINE
HEADLINE
Regular /Medium
Regular
Sub-headline
The primary sub-headline,
Regular Sub-headline
The primary sub-headline,
centered above or below centered above or below
Absolut Headline is Absolut Absolut Headline is Absolut
Regular. If needed, for better Regular. If needed, for better
visibility, the Absolut Medium visibility, the Absolut Medium
can also be used. The also can be used. The
sub-headline should never sub-headline should never
exceed 1 /3 of the Absolut exceed 1 /3 of the Absolut
Headline height. Headline height.
For ATL grids see “Transform today campaign guidelines”. Back to table of contents
18
Primary assets /Logo
19
Primary assets /Logo
Lock-up logo
The lock-up logo is only used when using the concept of transformation, otherwise
use logo (without tagline). Never use lock-up logo to brand POS materials.
1. Primary lock-up logo 2. Secondary lock-up logo 3. Secondary lock-up logo product extensions
White Blue (on white) Black (on white)
The primary lock-up logo is white. Use the white lock-up logo The secondary lock-up logo is blue. Use the blue lock-up The black lock-up logo is used for product extensions on
on full bleed images, colored backgrounds and all non-white logo on white backgrounds. white background, or when an asset includes a significant
materials. Also used for product extensions when branding amount of blue color or blue graphic decor, to avoid that
non-white backgrounds. the logo blends into the motif.
20
Primary assets /Logo
Lock-up logo
The minimum size is measured by the height of the wordmark, Always keep the clear space free from disturbing elements.
Absolut. The letter ”A” in Absolut is to be used as point of The letter ”A” in Absolut is used.
reference for all measurements of minimum logo size.
21
Primary assets /Logo
Executions – ATL
For ATL grids see “Transform today campaign guidelines”. Back to table of contents
22
Primary assets /Logo
Executions – BTL
For BTL grids see “Transform today campaign guidelines”. Back to table of contents
23
Primary assets /Logo
Don’ts
No blue logo on full bleed images No black logo on white backgrounds No effects on logo
Never use a black logo on images or against a colored
background.
24
BRAND COLORS
We drive recognition through brand colors that are premium, bold and classically Swedish.
We use Absolut blue as the brand accent color together with white, black and greys to create the core
of the distinct Absolut color world.
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26
Primary assets /Primary colors
27
Primary assets /Primary colors
Absolut Blue White, Black and Greys How to print the Absolut Blue
Accent color
To make the Absolut Blue stand out we have a selection of To ensure that the Absolut Blue always has the best possible
Absolut Blue is vibrant and recognizable as Absolut. It is a base colors consisting of white, black and greys. print quality physical color samples and a guideline has been
tangible and emotional link to our art heritage. As an accent developed, “Absolut vodka Nova Blue Guidelines”, request it
color it should be used sparingly, approximately 25 –30 %. from your local brand development contact.
ac
k/
l
Light Grey
* For further information see “Absolut vodka Nova Blue Guidelines”. Back to table of contents
28
Primary assets /Primary colors
Don’ts
No overuse of Absolut Blue No blue typography No other blue nuances than Absolut Blue
29
brand fonts
Our custom-made family of brand fonts are ownable and unique. These fonts ensure clarity, readability and stand-out.
Used correctly, we get our messages across in an impactful and premium way.
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Primary assets /Brand fonts
ON BACKDROP
IMAGES
Consectetur adipiscing elit proin ultricies ut Maecenas nec tellus euismod ipsum scelerisqu
augue in hendrerit. Fusce quis condimentum porttitor. Sed orci tortor posue re at interdum in
eros. Nulla in cursus enim. Duis placerat tortor eros, faucibus at neque. Etiam sit amet sagittis
nunc, euismod feugiat eros consequat. Donec risus curabitur vestibulum.
aliquam dolor quis dapibus.
Phasellus fermentum non urna quis hendrerit
Vitae sit et auctor phasellus volutpat lorem proin tortor sem semper eu leo et cursus.
ipsum laoreet
NAME / MONTH ligula
DAY YEAR interdum. Phasellus blandi Euismod massa. Suspendisse mauris eleifend
erat non euismod. Nunc convallis purus igula nec mollis quis, suscipit sed lorem.
37 aliquam scelerisqu porttitor,
Morbi id scelerisque magna class aptent taciti
Praesent sed lorem eget fringilla vestibulum sociosqu ad litora torquent per sit amit conubia
volutpat sem sit erat molestie sagittis. Fusce nostra, per inceptos himenaeos. Nulla purus elit,
sit amet justo mattis. accumsan et sodales sit tempor id felis.
MBI PPT
13
Sub-headline / Sub-title
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Primary assets /Brand fonts
Headlines
Absolut Headline
abcdefg
Our signature Absolut Headline font was created specifically
for big headlines and displays. This includes ads, posters,
brochures and presentation covers.
ABCDEFG abcdefg
font sufficient for inserts and following pages.
Sub-headlines
Absolut Regular / Medium Absolut Bold
ABCDEFG abcdefg
or below the headline in Absolut Regular. Medium can be
used as sub-headline for certain backgrounds and sizes if
needed for better visibility and legibility.
Absolut Medium
Body copy
ABCDEFG abcdefg
Absolut Regular
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Primary assets /Brand fonts
Headline Headline
Absolut Headline Absolut Bold
Sub-headline Sub-headline
Primarily Absolut Regular.
Secondarily Absolut
Bold Primarily supported by
Absolut Regular in sub-
Regular/Medium
Medium, for certain headlines. Secondarily
HeADLINE
backgrounds and sizes Absolut Medium for
where the legibility of certain backgrounds
Medium
Consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed non tempor eros, Aenean nec pulvinar velit, nec sagittis libero.
sed varius mi. Sed id eleifend tortor, eget rhoncus Phasellus vel blandit nisi. Nullam congue ipsum
Regular /Medium Absolut Regular is limited. orci. Integer hendrerit nibh ipsum, id varius sem
aliquam quis. Maecenas ut lectus pellentesque,
justo egestas nisl sollicitudin. Donec condiment
um tristique leo et congue. and sizes where the
aliquet arcu non, pulvinar elit. Lorem ipsum dolor
level is required.
5
Body copy
Absolut Regular
For ATL grids see “Transform today campaign guidelines”. Back to table of contents
34
Primary assets /Brand fonts
Usage
Absolut Headline vs. logo and sub-headlines Absolut Headline Absolut Medium
General details General details
Absolut Headline should never be smaller than 1.25 times
the logo. For a shorter headline, the differences can be Text Always upper case, centered Text Upper and lower
larger. The logo and headline should never be the same Kerning -10 /optical Kerning 0 /metric
size. The primary sub-headline, centred above or below Word space 100 % Word space 85 %
the Absolut Headline is Absolut Regular. Secondarily Leadings 0.80 % Leadings 1.60 %
sub-headline is Absolut Medium for certain backgrounds
ABC Abc
and sizes where the Regular legibility is limited. The
sub-headline should never exceed 1 /3 of the Absolut
Headline height.
35
Primary assets /Brand fonts
Don’ts
36
SECONDARY ASSETSBackdrop images / Branded pattern / Secondary color palette / Bottle outline / Materials
These amplify the primary design elements and create a complete brand look. They are the crucial complementary elements
that make the brand come to life in a vibrant and engaging way.
37
BACKDROP IMAGES
We use a selection of images as backdrop images to our logo (and copy) in executions
outside of brand campaigns. These add dynamism and artistry and link the brand to art, vodka clarity,
the color blue and high-energy occasions with millennials.
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39
Secondary assets /Backdrop images
BIG MESSAGES
ON BACKDROP
NAME / MONTH DAY YEAR
IMAGES
MBI PPT
37
Sub-headline / Sub-title
40
Secondary assets /Backdrop images
Backdrop images
41
Secondary assets /Backdrop images
The backdrop images provided by TAC are only to be used in BTL or for internal purposes,
between the 1st of September 2013 and the 1st of September 2015.
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Secondary assets /Backdrop images
43
Secondary assets /Backdrop images
Don’ts
44
SECONDARY
COLOR PALETTE
For an artistic, urban and contemporary look, we always add colors from our secondary
color palette. The total brand colors make the brand stand out and be recognized, as well as emotionally
express the brand – artistic, bold, stylish, and relevant to our target audience. The secondary colors
add emotional warmth and a celebratory air.
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46
Secondary assets /Secondary color palette
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Secondary assets /Secondary color palette
Swedish heritage Pantone 9363 C Pantone 182 C Pantone 9220 C Pantone 557 C Pantone 628 C
Pop art colors Pantone 7656 C Pantone 214 C Pantone 1655 C Pantone 334 C Pantone 7467 C
48
Secondary assets /Secondary color palette
49
Secondary assets /Secondary color palette
Don’ts
No secondary colors replacing the brand No other colors than colors from the No secondary colors on longlife items
colors secondary color palette
The brand colors must always be present. Never use colors that are not listed in “brand colors” or
“secondary color palette”.
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MATERIALS
We use a small range of authentic, artistic and contemporary materials, to deliver a
Swedish /Cosmopolitan look and a feel of creative tension that is emotionally engaging. Our materials
are a combination of our Swedish design heritage with a contemporary twist of raw, pale woods,
concrete and natural leather and international modernism with steel, glass and marble. Our edgy,
contemporary materials set us apart from other spirits brands.
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52
Secondary assets /Materials
Executions – materials
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Secondary assets /Materials
Natural leather links back to our Swedish roots Marble is a classic, yet modern material that
Steel
and feels contemporary. clearly reflects the premium nature of Absolut.
Strong, resistant and raw, steel is a material
that can be used to create tactile sensations.
It can be colored in our brand colors, and its
Acrylic
texture can be either raw and rugged, or soft
Modern and lightweight, acrylic is a highly and smooth.
versatile material. It is available in different
colors and thicknesses and can be opaque
or transparent.
54
Secondary assets /Materials
For very exclusive applications when stand out of logo is not important the following branding
techniques can be used.
Debossing is an effect that is generally achieved by applying Embossing is a technique used to create raised surfaces in Etching is a technique for creating art on the surface of glass,
pressure to so-called “male and female” dies made of copper paper and other materials. steel and other hard materials.
or brass. The result is a beautiful tactile surface. Another
effective technique is blind embossing without ink.
55
Secondary assets /Materials
Don’ts
Not all artificial, synthetic materials No dark wood No overuse of blue materials
No overuse of blue Never use dark wood, always use light-colored woods such Use Absolut Blue as an accent color, never fill more than
as birch, maple or plywood. The same goes for leather, ours 25–30 % of a material, surface or environment with Absolut
is nude, never dark. Blue.
56
BOTTLE OUTLINE
Our iconic bottle outline is consistent, recognizable and treated as an icon. We only use
the bottle outline three-dimensionally in on- and off-trade environments. It always has a second layer
of meaning or content, is shown standing up and is based on the 750 ml shape.
57
58
Secondary assets /Bottle outline
3D outline in environment
59
Secondary assets /Bottle outline
Bottle outline
Our most recognized and loved visual asset. In order for our bottle outline to remain iconic
and thereby retain its value, we use it only three-dimensionally in environments. The bottle should be seen
to be filled – with color, light or an attractive view through it. We use one bottle outline at a time,
not as a repeating pattern, as it then loses recognition and icon status. We think about our iconic bottle
outline as something we pay homage to. We play creatively within it, e.g. the bottle outline is fixed
and constant, but the consumer experience of walking or seeing through it should be unexpected and carry
creative meaning. Then the bottle outline can become the entry-point to a transformative experience.
60
Secondary assets /Bottle outline
Don’ts
61
BRANDED PATTERN
We own surfaces and stand out in cluttered environments with our celebrity wall branded pattern.
62
63
Secondary assets /Branded pattern
Celebrity wall
64
Secondary assets /Branded pattern
Branded pattern
White
CMYK 0 / 0 / 0 / 0
RGB 255 / 255 / 255
65
Secondary assets /Branded pattern
66
Secondary assets /Branded pattern
Don’ts
No pattern at an angle and /or with different No usage of pattern as decorative element or No frame
colored logos creative content Always use the pattern full bleed.
67
ABSOLUT VODKA
This chapter describes how to activate Absolut Vodka within the Master Brand Identity Guidelines.
68
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Product design guidelines /Absolut Vodka
Executions – Off-trade
These executions show how to brand a number of key units below the line in off-trade. The Absolut Vodka
product three line logo is used only to brand the bottle, the shipper case and gift packs. The Absolut logo is
used to brand everything else, on this page; secondary floor display, pallet wrap and shelf strips.The case
card is branded with the lock-up logo, in line with guidelines for Transform Today.
Secondary floor display/Case Pallet wrap/Shipper case Shelf strip Gift pack
card
70
Product design guidelines /Absolut Vodka
Executions – On-trade
These executions show how to brand a number of key units below the line in on-trade/events.
The Absolut logo is used to brand glassware, invitations, cocktail menus and event posters. Drink names
are the only exception where including Absolut in the name is allowed, see page 6 for writing rules.
Absolut Vodka
invites you to celebrate the night.
Absolut Seabreeze
night
DRINKS
Absolut Vodka, Cranberry Juice
Grapefruit Juice & Lime
71
Product design guidelines /Absolut Vodka
Executions – ATL
These executions show how to brand above the line communication for Absolut Vodka. The lock-up logo
with the Transform Today line is used to brand all Transform Today communication, except when Transform
Today is used as a headline.
72
Product design guidelines /Absolut Vodka
Details
Write the details of the event
in Absolut Regular or if needed
for sufficient legibility, in
Absolut Medium.
Branding of invitation
Use the white logo on full bleed
images. Follow instructions on
size and placement on page 15.
Link: Always use original art-work from the toolbox and make sure you have the correct version and format. Back to table of contents
73
Product design guidelines /Absolut Vodka
Pantone 286 C
CMYK 100 / 70 / 0 / 5 absolut vodka
RGB 0 / 51 / 160
Used on light backgrounds.
White
Used on dark absolut vodka
backgrounds.
74
Product design guidelines /Absolut Vodka
Don’ts
No branding with product logo. No branding with one line product logos. No Absolut logo to brand gift packs.
Also no usage of a cocktail name as a
branding device.
absolut vodka
75
FlavorS
This chapter describes how to activate Absolut Flavors within the Master Brand Identity Guidelines.
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Product design guidelines / Flavors
Executions – Off-trade
These executions show how to brand a number of key units below the line in off-trade. The Absolut Apeach product three line
logo is used only to brand the product, the shipper case and gift packs. The Absolut logo is used to brand everything else, on this
page, secondary floor display and shelf strips. The case card is branded with the lock-up logo, in line with guidelines for flavor
key visuals. See Absolut_BTL_TOOLKIT_FLAVORS.pdf for further guidelines.
Secondary floor display/Case Pallet wrap/Shipper case Shelf strip Neck hanger Gift pack
card
78
Product design guidelines / Flavors
Executions – On-trade
These executions show how to brand a number of key units below the line in on-trade/events.
The Absolut logo is used to brand glassware, invitations, cocktail menus and event posters. Drink names
are the only exception where including Absolut in the name is allowed, see page 6 for writing rules.
Absolut Apeach
invites you to celebrate the spring.
Absolut Apea
Absolut apeach mango
SPRING
DRINKS
invites you to ch
celebrate the
night. Absolut Apeach, Mango
& Sugar
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Product design guidelines / Flavors
Executions – BTL
These executions show how to brand below the line communication for Flavors. The lock-up logo
with the Transform Today line is used to brand all flavor key visuals.
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Product design guidelines / Flavors
spring drinks
of the logo for the specific
The name of the event is the
format of the envelope.
key message and is set in
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Absolut Headline. See writing
Proin elementum tellus enim ut condimentum vitae.
rules on page 6.
Details
Write the details of the event
in Absolut Regular or if needed
for sufficient legibility, in
Absolut Medium.
Branding of invitation
Use the white logo on full bleed
images. Follow instructions on
size and placement on page 15.
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Product design guidelines / Flavors
Pantone 107 C
CMYK 0 / 0 / 92 / 0 absolut APEACH
RGB 251 /225 /34
Used on light backgrounds.
White
Used on dark absolut CITRON
backgrounds.
Contemporary flavors
Pantone 1625 C
CMYK 0 / 41 / 42 / 0
RGB 0 /51 / 160
Can be used on both light
and dark backgrounds.
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Product design guidelines / Flavors
Only use the product logos for gift packs. Always print from PMS (Pantone) when possible to ensure
the best possible color.
Classic flavors
Contemporary flavors
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Product design guidelines / Flavors
Don’ts
No branding with product logo. No branding with one line product logos. No branding of gift packs with logo, use the
Also no usage of a cocktail name as a three line product logo to brand gift packs.
branding device. Never use decor from bottle outside of the
bottle.
absolut APEACH
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Contact
For information, contact your local Brand Development representative
Source
Global Brand Director Absolut, Mathias Westphal
Global Director Design Strategy Absolut, Anna Kamjou