Starbucks Design Cases
3 cases across 3 studios
Designers behind the work
Designers and creative leads credited on Starbucks projects in press coverage.
News & interviews
- What should you do if a colleague steals your creative idea?
Creative Boom · Nov 10, 2025
Creative Boom’s advice column 'Dear Boom' tackles the issue of colleagues stealing creative ideas. Written by Tom May, the article gathers insights from designers and artists on how to address idea theft professionally, from private conversations to documentation and escalation. It emphasizes self-advocacy, professionalism, and maintaining creative integrity in the workplace.
Starbucksother - "8 Must-Know Chinese Illustrators Blending Tradition and Innovation"
Creative Boom · Oct 14, 2025
Creative Boom’s feature 'East Meets Everywhere' spotlights eight Chinese illustrators represented by Caper Illustration, a London–Shanghai agency bridging Eastern and Western visual cultures. The article highlights how these artists blend traditional Chinese art forms with modern digital techniques, working with major global brands. It celebrates the diversity, innovation, and global reach of contemporary Chinese illustration.
- Cul De Sac Studio Simplifies Design Process, Emphasizes Direct Client Interaction
It's Nice That · May 12, 2025
The article profiles Cul De Sac, a two-person studio founded by designer Colin Smight and copywriter Gus Esselstyn. Frustrated by traditional agency inefficiencies, they created a streamlined model where clients work directly with the creators. Their work blends Californian suburban aesthetics with bold, authentic branding for clients like Nike, 818 Tequila, and Starbucks.
Cul De Sac818 TequilaSprinterbranding - Starbucks Unveils Bold Refreshers Redesign in China by Marks
Creative Boom · Apr 9, 2025
Creative Boom reports on Marks' bold redesign of Starbucks Refreshers for the Chinese market. The project introduces a new bottle structure and vibrant visual identity aimed at Gen Z consumers, combining cultural insight, semiotics, and expressive design to stand out in the competitive RTD beverage sector.
MarksStarbucksbranding - Former VML CCO Launches "Super Nice" Creative Agency
Creative Boom · Feb 27, 2025
Creative Boom reports on the launch of Super Nice, a new independent agency founded by former VML chief creative officer Jared Kozel with partners Barry Sonders and MJ Speakman. Based in Atlanta and Los Angeles, the agency champions a philosophy of combining bold creativity with empathy and collaboration. The founders aim to challenge traditional advertising models with a faster, more audience-focused, and 'nice' approach to creativity.

