Starbucks Reserve Cards

During my time in the Starbucks Creative Studio, I’ve gotten to illustrate numerous cards that honor small-lot roasts from around the world. Art and custom type for each card reference the specific region, growing methods, and culture that makes the roast special.

My Role: Senior Designer. Illustrator and typography.

México Tenejapa San Cristóbal

This vibrant card celebrates the "magic town" of San Cristóbal. A central focus to the artwork draws the viewer in, while reminding them that San Cristóbal is a cultural heart of the region with textiles, dance, history, and food. Saturated colors are reminiscent of brightly painted buildings, while the kinetic style references swirling skirts in motion and zesty citrus tasting notes.

Costa Rica Naranjo

Every detail in this design ties back to the Naranjo oxcart wheel. I wanted to bring the traditional geometric and organic forms from the decorative wheels into a modern space. I loved learning about the musical aspect of the wheels– the sounds they make when they’re rolling over terrain. The design mimic sthe rhythmic, lyrical nature of the wheel with bright beautiful colors to celebrate the delicious coffee.

Guatemala Lake Atitlán

This artwork features an abstracted view of the three volcanoes that surround the beautiful Lake Atitlán. Lyrical bands of wind dance across the card, reminiscent of the local weather wind phenomenon, “Xocomil.” Soft gradient fills modernize traditional geometric forms, and earthy oranges highlight the apricot tasting notes.

Colombia Pitalito Pink Bourbon

Linework florals with painterly fills and oversized sunset-colored cherries are layered with flecks of foil. The artwork represents the transformation that coffee cherries go through from plant to cup, and the great attention to detail to correctly cross-pollinate. The flowers represent the sweet flavors of the final cup, while the colors celebrate the beautiful hue of the pink boubon cherries.