When to use him
Pokey is for moments when the Department talks to the public, directly and in a friendly register:
- Public awareness campaigns
- Explainers, guides and how-tos
- Welcome and onboarding screens
- Empty states, waiting and error pages
- Merchandise and giveaways
- Events and public appearances
He does not replace the seal or the identifier. Anything Pokey appears on still carries the Department’s identifier, in its own clear space.
Two forms
- 3D model. For motion, screens and anything that turns. Render him from the source model; see Meet Pokey.
- Illustration. For scenes and stories: flat color, a thin black line, the brand palette. See Illustrating Pokey.
Don’t mix the two in one picture.
Backgrounds
On his own, as a cutout, Pokey stands on Department Black or Manila, flat, the same grounds as the seal. His hoodie and beanie read best on Manila; on black, put a lighter tint behind him so his silhouette holds.
In illustration he is usually in a full scene instead. Draw the scene in the same style as Pokey.
Guidelines
Keep him in uniform: beanie, glasses, hoodie, shirt and tie, vest, ID badge. Add to it when the story needs it.
Take any of it off, or put another organization's marks on him.
Use the 3D model or the illustration style, as shown in this guide.
Draw him in any other style, stretch him, or crop him at the neck.
Let the words carry the information. Pokey introduces it; he doesn't replace it.
Put him in a chart, a map or official correspondence. Those stay unemotional.
Draft: these guidelines are proposed and still need sign-off from the Office of Public Awareness.