Role: Design + Consulting (Freelance)

Milwaukee Caffè is a no-frills, Italian-inspired coffee bar tucked into Detroit’s Milwaukee Junction neighborhood. The brand needed an identity that felt timeless, unpretentious, and deeply connected to its surroundings.

Drawing inspiration from the original 1930s Milwaukee Building—which once stood on the same street—I developed a brand identity that blends heritage with modern minimalism. The logotype and mark were designed to echo the clean, utilitarian charm of vintage Italian café signage while aligning with the storefront’s sleek, modern aesthetic.

This identity was extended across custom coffee mugs, to-go cups, coffee bags, and signage, ensuring every touchpoint reinforced the brand’s ethos: great coffee, no fuss.

By weaving history into the design, Milwaukee Caffè’s branding feels both rooted and refreshingly current—just like the café itself.