DESIGNING THE IDENTITY FOR A COMMUNITY CAFE IN A HISTORICAL HOME IN MILBRIDGE, MAINE.
When I was asked to create the brand identity for a new cafe in a historical Victorian home in Milbridge, Maine, I was ecstatic. I had never designed branding for a cafe before, so this was a unique opportunity that I didn’t hesitate to say yes to!
Sue and Rob’s careers kept them moving. They traveled to all 50 states with their kids and their dogs. Once they arrived in Maine, they immediately fell in love with its rocky coastline and decided to finally settle down in the small but mighty town of Milbridge once they retired. They did not plan to purchase the large Victorian home in the center of Milbridge, but when it came on the market, they felt they had to. They were drawn to the beauty of the building and its potential. So they decided to open a cafe. Their goal was to design a place that fosters community and friendships—a place where everyone feels welcome and at home.
I wanted to create a brand that honored the building's Victorian character while feeling fresh, timeless, and relevant for today's audience. From the beginning, we wanted the identity to evoke hospitality, trust, and craftsmanship while reflecting the quality of the café's coffee and baked goods.
Just as importantly, we wanted the brand to encourage people to slow down. We envisioned a welcoming space where guests could settle in with a good book, enjoy a board game with family or friends, or simply take a break from the pace of everyday life. The brand needed to capture that sense of comfort, relaxation, and connection.
To bring this vision to life, I designed a logo with soft, rounded forms and a subtle calligraphic influence. The result is a warm, approachable identity that feels inviting, refined, and perfectly suited to a place where people are encouraged to linger.
Additionally, I was tasked with photographing their cafe and coffee drinks and designing their website, which you can view HERE.