Case study—Moti Coffee

Branding the joyful coffee concept

The founders of Moti Coffee approached us with an exciting brief: to develop a brand identity that could break free from the often-serious world of coffee branding. Their vision was to create a cafe experience that felt welcoming, joyful, and unexpectedly fresh. Italian coffee culture was the foundational inspiration—a world known for its rich traditions, passionate approach to coffee-making, and inherent sense of community.

Our design strategy centred on creating a brand identity that would stand out in the crowded coffee marketplace. We wanted Moti to feel simultaneously sophisticated and approachable, drawing from the elegance of Italian coffee culture while introducing a sense of contemporary playfulness.

Stylized ninja silhouette running with sword on back

We created a bold, rounded wordmark that serves as the core of the brand's visual language. The rounded forms suggest warmth and approachability, while the bold stance communicates confidence and character. This wordmark became the anchor of Moti's visual identity, representing the brand's core personality.

Bold black letters spelling "MOTI" on a light purple background.
The word "MOTI" in bold, black letters on a green background.
Black text 'MOTI' in bold, rounded font on a light blue background.

The typographic selection became a critical component of the brand's communication. We paired the logomark with two distinctive typefaces that each bring a unique dimension to the brand:

Ohno Softie, with its playful and organic characteristics, introduces a sense of whimsy and informality. Its rounded forms and slightly imperfect edges echo the brand's playful spirit, creating moments of visual delight across various brand touchpoints.

Founders Grotesk, in contrast, provides a counterpoint of refinement and structure. Its clean lines and professional appearance balance the more playful elements, ensuring the brand maintains a sense of credibility and craftsmanship.

Font specimen of Ohno Softie showing upper and lowercase text with numbers and punctuation in black on a white background.
Font specimen of Founders Grotesk showing upper and lowercase text with numbers and punctuation in black on a white background.
Sign with "MOTI" on building wall
Person carrying two takeaway coffee cups in a cardboard holder labeled 'MOTI' outside.
Illustration of three people performing arts on abstract "MOTI" text, on a green background.
Illustration of three purple coffee cups with white lids on a black background. Left cup displays large black letters "mooti", middle cup features "Coffee & Company" logo with two people and bubbles, right cup lists coffee shop details: phone number and address in Hong Kong.
Outdoor sidewalk sign with cartoon drummer and the word 'MOTI' displayed.
Three circular designs with illustrations of people and the text “& COFFEE & COMPANY”. The green circle shows a person carrying a coffee cup, the purple circle depicts someone juggling coffee beans, and the blue circle features a person holding a large coffee pot.
Espresso machine pouring coffee into a purple cup.
Three green coffee cups on a black background, labeled with "Coffee & Company," featuring a circular logo with a person holding coffee, and text "Mo" partially visible on the first cup.
Open-faced sandwich with roasted tomatoes and greens on crusty bread, served on a plate with paper labeled "MOTI."
Person holding two takeaway coffee cups in one hand and a smartphone displaying a cartoon figure juggling, with the text 'MOTI' on the screen.
Set of four business cards for Moti Coffee & Company with illustrations of people carrying coffee items, featuring contact information and brand name in bold text.
Brown paper bag with two round stickers labeled "Coffee & Company," one light blue with a person holding a coffee cup, and one purple with a person juggling.
Illustration of four designs featuring the word 'MOTI' in bold letters, with two featuring people holding coffee-related items, and complementary matching stationery including business cards and letterhead for 'MOTI Coffee & Company', showcasing a minimalist and modern style.
Stack of business cards for Moti Coffee & Company, featuring contact details and a line drawing of a person juggling coffee beans, on a textured surface with soft shadows.
Top view of a glass with a slice of dried citrus inside on a blue coaster with other colorful coasters nearby on a marble surface. The coasters have "Coffee & Company" text and line drawings.
Three blue takeaway coffee cups with white lids, featuring bold black letters forming "mood" and a circular logo saying "Coffee & Company" with a penguin image on the middle cup, and address details on the right cup.
Branded coffee shop stationery and items featuring 'Moti' logo, email, phone number, and address, with a drink on a purple coaster and a croissant on branded paper.

Thank you to illustrator, Dustin Holmes.


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