Design System

Imagery

Images should reflect MnDOT’s goals, values, and mission.

We use a system to create brand images that mix real photos and illustrations. These images should feel real, have meaning, and help tell a story. All photos must show safe work practices—workers should wear the right safety gear and follow safety rules.

Types of Images

People at Work

Photos of MnDOT employees doing their jobs.

Show real employees doing real work, like getting trucks ready for winter or working on roads. The photos should feel natural and show MnDOT’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Construction

Pictures showing the building process—before, during, and after. This includes new streets and creative building methods.

Focus more on the environment and the work being done, not just the people. Use natural light and capture real moments of building and maintaining roads.

Illustrations

Drawings that show ideas or solutions, like safety features that wouldn’t normally appear in one place.

Use drawings when photos aren’t available or when you want to show an idea. Keep the style modern and clear.

Photography

MnDOT has a photo library and a staff photographer who can help with new ideas and photo shoots.

When using more than one photo, choose different types of images and angles to make things more interesting.

If you need to use stock photos, send them to GraphicsTeam.DOT@state.mn.us for approval before buying.

Photo Guidelines

Do:

• Use real-life photos that show the work being done or highlight transportation features.
• Make sure everyone in the photo is following safety rules (like wearing hard hats and reflective vests).
• Use photos that show Minnesota’s roads and transportation system. Avoid using photos from other states or countries unless they clearly show what Minnesota could look like in the future.

Don’t:

• Use photos that look too similar, like ones taken from the same angle. (It’s okay to use before-and-after photos from the same spot to show changes.)
• Use photos that don’t help tell a bigger story when placed together.

When possible, include where the photo was taken.