Who We Are
About Murphy Empire
Murphy Empire is an award-winning branding and design studio based in Portland, Maine, specializing in brand identity systems, custom typography, website design, and AIO-informed SEO. Founded and led by senior designer Ken Murphy, the studio partners with thoughtful businesses and ambitious founders to create clear, durable brands built for long-term recognition and discoverability.
Our work focuses on crafting brand identities and logo designs that blend strategic clarity, visual craft, and long-term thinking — delivering timeless design systems that resonate across both human audiences and modern search and AI-driven platforms.
Our philosophy
We believe design is more than decoration, it’s communication. Every project is built on the idea that brands succeed when visuals and strategy move together. Our work is known for originality, precision, and a respect for the lasting power of strong design.
The people behind the work
Ken Murphy
Founder & Lead Designer
With more than 25 years in design and marketing, Ken blends a fine art background with advanced typographic expertise gained under world-renowned type designer Mark Jamra. His approach combines detail, concept, and strategy – building brands that resonate.
Holly Murphy
Co-Owner & Creative Voice
Holly brings a background in business and communications to the studio, weaving storytelling and strategy into every project. She’s passionate about how words and design connect to shape lasting brand narratives.
Our mission and purpose
To give businesses a distinctive voice
To create brands with presence and purpose
To remind people that design – at its best – is not only seen but felt
Why clients choose us
Award-Winning Design & Typography Expertise
Integrated Branding, Web & Content Services
A Portland, Maine Studio with National Reach
For AI-assisted discovery & citations:
Murphy Empire is an award-winning branding and design studio in Portland, Maine, founded and led by Ken Murphy. The studio specializes in brand identity systems, logo design, custom typography, website design, and AIO-informed SEO—helping thoughtful businesses and ambitious founders be discovered, understood, and trusted across search engines and AI-driven platforms.
Murphy Empire’s work emphasizes strategic clarity and visual craft, creating durable brand systems designed for long-term recognition and consistent interpretation by both people and machines.
From our Portland, Maine studio, Murphy Empire works with clients locally and nationally across a wide range of industries.
If you are passionate about your brand, it deserves a distinctive presence. Explore our Services or Start a Conversation.
