Inspired by great design, our friends at Starbucks have a history of collaborating with creatives to bring unique stories and experiences to customers. Beginning this summer, Starbucks Artist Collaboration Program is a new creative series that celebrates and elevates the voices and stories of artists around the world through curated merchandise in Starbucks stores. On Tuesday, May 30, the program will roll out its first drinkware collection by Canadian artist, illustrator, and designer Tim Singleton. Exclusively designed for Starbucks U.S. and Canada participating stores, the drinkware collection includes two 24-ounce (venti) plastic cold cups with glitter artwork and a 16-ounce stainless steel tumbler. These summer must-haves are available at participating Starbucks stores in Canada for a limited time, while supplies last. We chatted with Tim to learn more. —Vita Daily
Hi Tim! Please tell us a bit about yourself to start.
I am a graphic designer, artist, and illustrator working and living in Toronto, Ontario. Vibrant colours and bold visuals are central parts of my work. It is my passion to make and share art with others, and I have always been heavily influenced by pop culture, nostalgia, queerness, nature, and identity as expression.
How did your recent collaboration with Starbucks come about? What made it a good fit for you?
Starbucks is an iconic brand, so it’s a surreal, exciting, and cool chance to see my work amplified on a giant scale. My first date with a guy was at a Starbucks in Toronto, so this felt like a nice full circle moment.
Where did you draw your inspiration for your designs?
The collection is a true mish-mash of pop culture, queer culture and nostalgia with bold visuals and rainbow-bright colours. I always like my work to put a smile on people’s faces, so you’ll see lots of bright and bold colours and designs. My inspiration comes from a story of self-expression and the freedom to express yourself how you want, and that there isn’t really one right way to do it.
What’s your favourite summer Starbucks drink order?
The Strawberry Coconut Drink is my go-to. I love strawberries and the colour is so pleasing.
share:
