Starbucks is kicking off its new Artist Collaboration program with a colorful debut collaboration with Tim Singleton, available May 30 in Starbucks stores across the US and Canada. The program recognizes and celebrates the voices and stories of artists from around the world through uniquely curated merchandise Starbucks stores.
When asked to describe the vibrant color palette he’s chosen for his new collaboration with Starbucks, Tim Singleton says, “This is my favorite color—everyone.” The Toronto-based artist and illustrator used electric hues like bold cyan, magenta, bright pink, key lime green and citrus orange, and a mix of iconography. “I always like it when my work puts a smile on people’s faces.”
The new Starbucks beverage collaboration with Singleton will be available in Starbucks stores in the US and Canada on May 30th. The collection is the first in a series as part of the Starbucks Artist Collaboration Program, which celebrates the voices and stories of artists from around the world and elevates the world through uniquely curated merchandise at Starbucks stores.
“A lot of my work focuses on queerness and how that has inspired me — both as a queer person and as a gay man, and how that gives me confidence in the world,” he said.
Singleton’s collection is a mix of pop culture, queer culture and nostalgia with bold imagery and rainbow colors. “It’s really a story of self-expression and an unrelenting freedom to express yourself however you want and that there really isn’t one right way to do it,” Singleton said.
Designed exclusively for Starbucks, the drinkware collection includes two 24-ounce glitter plastic coolers (Venti) and one 16-ounce stainless steel mug, while supplies last.
Glitter Cold Cup
Made from double-walled plastic, this 24-ounce cold mug has a bit of everything – paint, glitter, holofoil, flowers, and a hand making a peace sign holding a heart. The swirling design reaches to the straw, with a final sweep of cyan and magenta. “The peace sign is iconic and easy to interpret almost immediately,” Singleton said. “And at the end of the day, we all just want a little peace.”
Cold mug with gradient mesh
The rainbow gradient of this 24 ounce cold mug is reminiscent of a sunrise as it gently fades from cyan to magenta to citrus and is overlaid with a graphic geometric grid pattern. “A beautiful metaphor for queerness is the juxtaposition of colors,” Singleton said. “Putting one color next to another that you wouldn’t think would go together – and then they go together beautifully.”
stainless steel mug
Singleton’s 16-ounce stainless steel mug features a hand holding a rainbow fan while eyelashes, stars, and other symbols float through the scene. Singleton said, “I just love the fans’ connection to the queer scene — you see them on drag shows and at Pride events.” When you hear the fan clapping loudly [by a group] In unison, it speaks to a sense of joy and freedom and the sense of community that you get when everyone is doing this in sync. It’s one of those beautiful, harmonious moments.”
Building a culture of inclusion
Starbucks strives to create a culture of inclusion and is a proud ally of the LGBTQIA2+ community, supporting every way people identify. Starbucks has a long history of supporting its LGBTQIA2+ partners and communities, from advocacy to providing broader healthcare for practices and services that promote gender affirmation.
Learn more about how the Starbucks Foundation empowers communities around the world. With more than $20 million invested in communities around the world last year, the Starbucks Foundation supports nonprofit organizations in partnership with Starbucks partners (employees) and others who work together to build stronger, more just communities believe.
