Speckled Ax Wood Roasted Coffee

Murphy developed the visual identity and packaging system for Speckled Ax, a Portland, Maine specialty coffee roaster distinguished by its traditional wood-fired roasting process. Drawing inspiration from Maine's forests, working landscapes, and the character of the roasting craft, the identity brings together hand-drawn illustration, expressive typography, and natural textures.

The packaging combines illustrated imagery, considered color, and a consistent graphic structure to create a distinctive presence across the coffee collection. Individual varieties maintain their own character while remaining connected through a visual language rooted in the materials, traditions, and regional identity of Speckled Ax.

Client
Speckled Ax Wood Roasted Coffee

Sector
Specialty Coffee / Craft Brand

Location
Portland, Maine

Scope
Identity System, Packaging Design, Brand Applications

Speckled Ax Wood Roasted Coffee axe mark and wordmark shown on a white background
Circular Speckled Ax Wood Roasted Coffee seal mark displayed on white
Speckled Ax Wood Roasted Coffee wordmark and identity lockup
Speckled Ax wood roasted coffee packaging featuring illustrated trout artwork on bright orange box designed by Murphy.
Speckled Ax coffee packaging featuring black forest illustration inspired by Maine woods and wood-fire roasting tradition.
Speckled Ax coffee red hunter plaid packaging variant reflecting Maine outdoor heritage and craft roasting culture.
Speckled Ax coffee packaging featuring illustrated deer artwork and minimalist craft typography.
Speckled Ax coffee brand identity materials including stationery, multiple business card options and stickers as part of the visual identity system.
Speckled Ax wood roasted coffee website design featuring forest imagery and hand-lettered logotype.
Speckled Ax coffee website interface showing coffee cup and wood roasted brand storytelling imagery.
Close-up of glowing hardwood charcoal representing Speckled Ax’s traditional wood-fire coffee roasting process.
Speckled Ax wood roasted coffee packaging featuring vintage Maine postcard scene of canoeing designed by Murphy

Extending across coffee packaging, merchandise, and retail materials, the identity celebrates the relationship between craft, place, and the ritual of wood-roasted coffee. The packaging received first-place recognition at the 2024 Specialty Coffee Association Global Expo, affirming the strength of a visual approach grounded in the distinctive character of the product.