Graphic Elements

Bringing a new dimension to our Catalyst

SAIT’s Catalyst symbol is forged from five S-shaped connectors, representing the people and relationships that define who we are. Inspired by this distinctive form, our new graphic elements — Catalyst currents and overlays — bring that same spirit to life across our visuals.

These graphic elements are designed to infuse our visuals with energy, motion, and bold personality. Used thoughtfully, they add vibrancy and depth to our layouts while supporting clear communication and consistent brand expression.

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Currents Overlays Text highlights Icons and illlustrations

Currents

Catalyst currents, otherwise known simply as currents, add a new dimension to our visuals. These wispy elements are a bold expression of our brand’s energy and forward momentum, helping to convey motion and confidence. They enhance our visuals by adding passion and depth.

Whether layered with imagery or standing on their own, they bring a sense of purpose and positivity to any composition.

Currents are available in a range of brand colours, including red, blue, and purple. These elements can be cropped and scaled to create visually engaging backgrounds that adapt to various design needs.

Red Catalyst current
Red current
Purple Catalyst current
Purple current
Blue Catalyst current
Blue current

Using our Currents

Catalyst currents can adapt to a variety of uses. By zooming in, you can achieve different colour gradients and textures.

Red current magnified at 2x zoom
2x zoom
Red current magnified at 3x zoom
3x zoom
Red current magnified at 4x zoom
4x zoom
Red current magnified at 5x zoom
And even closer!

By cropping and rotating the Currents, you can create a wide variety of on-brand background options — ranging from bold, prominent strokes to more subtle textures.

A blue and purple gradient current texture

Red and blue Catalyst current textures

Purple and red Catalyst current textures

Request a copy of the Currents

Overlays

In addition to the Catalyst current backgrounds, a collection of overlays can be used to bring vibrancy, energy, boldness and ownership to a layout. When used over photography, they can help simplify complex visuals and can create quiet space for text readability. We have a library of overlays, all available in our signature brand colours.

A group of friends taking a selfie on SAIT campus, with a red and purple overlay in the right corner.

Overlays are anchored to any edge of the page and placed over images or a white background. They can be enlarged and rotated as needed, always keeping their proportions.

Blue gradient overlay

Purple to light blue gradient overlay

Dark purple to red gradient overlay

Dark red to bright red gradient overlay

Request a copy of the overlays

Principles - Currents and overlays

Through the use of Currents and overlays, we want to elevate our colours and bring a new dimension to our brand. Please use the principles below to ensure that you are using these graphic elements correctly, and of course, when in doubt, just ask the experts!

Email [email protected] to find answers to your questions.

Use case of Catalyst currents as a background.
DO: Use the Catalyst Currents as a background. Currents come in three colours, blue, red and purple and they incorporate several brand colours.
Use case of incorrectly coloured Catalyst currents.
DON’T: Change the colour of the Catalyst Currents.
Proper use case of an overlay
DO: Use an overlay to add brand colour, energy and movement to an image.
Improper use case of creating gradients
DON’T: Create gradients of your own.
Group of three students engaged in conversation outdoors, with the SAIT logo in the top right corner.
DO: Use an overlay anchored from an edge.
A smiling young man in a green shirt stands against a reflective glass building, with the words "BOLD FUTURES" prominently displayed.
DON’T: Use an overlay in the middle of an image.
A vibrant illustration of three young adults engaged in a collaborative discussion, emphasizing creativity and personality development, with the text "TURNING PASSION INTO PERSONALITY." prominently displayed.
DO: Use an overlay to enhance the legibility of your text or logo.
Young man smiling in front of a modern glass building, accompanied by the text "CUTTING-EDGE IS OUR CURRICULUM."
DON’T: Place an overlay on top of a person’s face or a key area of interest.
Graphic featuring bold text that reads "Cutting-Edge Is Our Curriculum" along with a brief description of courses designed for tomorrow. A "Learn more" button is also included.
DO: Use the overlays over a white background to add movement and excitement.
Graphic featuring bold text that emphasizes "Cutting-Edge is Our Curriculum" with a colorful gradient background, promoting courses designed for future learning.
DON’T: Place an overlay under text. Ensure that there is proper contrast and the text is readable.
A promotional image featuring three individuals engaged in conversation outdoors, with the SAIT logo displayed prominently.
DON’T: Use more than two overlays.
Two young women standing by a railing in a brightly lit environment, smiling and enjoying each other's company.
DON’T: Change the colour of the overlay.
Three students engaged in a collaborative study session at a table, discussing notes and working on assignments. The image features a blurred logo in the corner.
DON’T: Alter the overlay or current.
Two students casually smiling and leaning on a railing in a modern educational setting, with the text "CUTTING-EDGE IS OUR CURRICULUM." prominently displayed.
DON’T: Use two different colours of overlays.

Text highlights

Add energy and clarity to your designs with the text highlight graphic treatment. Perfect for grabbing attention, this simple yet bold element enhances the readability of headlines while bringing a distinctive SAIT flair to your piece.

Use the text highlight element exclusively with Titillium Web, black weight font. Whether you're layering it with overlays, pairing it with currents, or letting it stand alone, the key is balance — choose colour combinations that complement each other and maintain strong visual harmony.

To keep things consistent across all materials, be sure to follow the usage guidelines.

Gif that shows the spacing of text highlights around text.
DO: Overlap the highlights with consistency in space as visualized above.
Example of highlighting the entire headline.
DO: Highlight the entire headline.
Graphic elemnt example of highlighting only one word in a headline
DON’T: Highlight only one word in a headline.
Example of using a text highlight to make headlines legible over a busy image.
DO: Use a text highlight to make headlines legible over a busy image.
Text highlight example of having a breka in the highlighted text.
DON’T: Have a space between highlights that go over multiple lines.
Text highlight examples of complimentary highlight and background colour combinations
DO: Select text and highlight colours that are legible and complementary to the background.
Text highlight example of not meeting accessibility guidelines with colour
DON’T: Select text or highlight colours that do not meet accessibility guidelines.
Text highlight example showing incorrect font usage.
DON’T: Use any other font than Titillium Web, black weight on a text highlight.
Text highlight example of incorrect highlight placement.
DON’T: Use a text highlight in anything other than a headline.

Icons and illustrations

Utility icons

Utility icons are all about function. Clean, practical, and purpose-driven, they’re designed to communicate quickly and clearly — even at the smallest sizes. Keeping them simple and minimal helps maintain clarity and ensures they remain easily recognizable no matter the scale.

Stripping away unnecessary details improves legibility, supports consistency, and enhances usability. Select line icons over fill icons and make sure they are all consistent in weight and look across your material.

Download streamline icons

SAIT's approved icons and illustrations in branded colours.

Illustrations

To maintain a strong, authentic SAIT brand, avoid using illustrations in any branded materials. They often lack the consistency and distinctiveness needed to represent our identity effectively.

SAIT’s visual identity is grounded in authenticity. Use photography that features real people and real moments to tell stories, convey ideas, and spark emotion. If photography isn’t an option, rely on clean typography and brand elements like currents, overlays, or text highlights to create visual interest. These simple, recognizable graphics are uniquely SAIT — and they speak louder than stock illustrations ever could.

Example of an illustration that you would not align with SAIT branding, using an artistic style.

Questions?

Send us an email: [email protected]. 

Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.

SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.

We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.

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