Starbucks – Music Forest

Illustrating a playful Summer merchandise collection

Sector Food & Beverage
Location China
Scope Art Direction · Merchandise Design · Illustration

Challenge

Create a seasonal merchandising line for Starbucks China inspired by music and outdoor experiences during the spring and summer months. The collection needed to resonate with moments when customers are more likely to spend time outside — attending concerts, relaxing in parks, or enjoying picnics with friends. The challenge was to translate these light-hearted social rituals into a cohesive set of merchandise items that would feel playful, collectible, and clearly connected to the Starbucks brand.

Outcome

The project introduced a vibrant visual language built around bold, flat illustrations and a colorful palette. The graphic style is intentionally simple and slightly naïve, evoking spontaneity and the carefree atmosphere of music festivals and outdoor gatherings. The illustrations capture scenes of friends, music, and summer activities, creating an expressive yet accessible identity for the collection. Applied across a range of merchandise items, the visual system brings a sense of energy and joy to the products while reinforcing Starbucks’ positioning as a lifestyle brand beyond coffee.
Client Starbucks China
Creative Direction Niccoli.Design