# Creative Coffee Cup Campaigns The Starbucks Illustration Club Was Created with Yinka Ilori MBE By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2026-08-04 | Marketing Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbucks-illustration-club References: [vergemagazine](https://vergemagazine.co.uk/starbucks-illustration-club-launches-uk-wide-competition-to-discover-britains-next-creative-talent/)  The [Starbucks Illustration Club](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shade-akanbi) has been launched in the UK with the help of British-Nigerian designer Yinka Ilori MBE as a way to help discover some rising creative talent and foster their growth. The nationwide competition is inviting consumers to transform the brand's signature [takeaway coffee cup](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cups) into a work of art that will then be used as their entry for a chance to win a mentorship with Yinka Ilori MBE himself. The artwork of the winner will be showcased as part of a [nationwide outdoor advertising campaign](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/good-things-come-to-those-who-wait), while an additional nine runner-sup will have their cup designs emblazoned onto outdoor billboards in the UK. The Starbucks Illustration Club will be judged by a panel of creativity-focused judges who will be keeping an eye out for originality, imaginative thinking and bold visual creativity. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 7.3/10 - Popularity: 78% | Activity: 57% | Freshness: 84% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Consumer-created Packaging:** Branded packaging is evolving into a participatory canvas where everyday customers can contribute visual identities that strengthen emotional connection and cultural relevance. - **Mentorship-led Brand Competitions:** Creative contests paired with access to established talent introduce new value beyond prizes by positioning brands as platforms for career discovery and artistic development. - **Crowdsourced Outdoor Art:** Public advertising space becomes more engaging when consumer-generated artwork is elevated into large-scale campaigns that blend community expression with brand visibility. ### Where This Applies - **Coffee Retail:** Coffee brands can differentiate routine takeaway moments by transforming cups into collectible media that reflect local creativity and customer participation. - **Advertising:** Outdoor media gains fresh relevance through campaigns that showcase emerging artists and convert billboards into culturally resonant storytelling surfaces. - **Creative Education:** Informal brand-backed mentorship programs create alternative pathways for aspiring illustrators to gain exposure, feedback, and professional recognition. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Playful Character Drinkware](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miffy-x-starbucks.md) - [Summery Adventure-Inspired Drinkware](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/road-trip-collection.md) - [Fashion-Inspired Coffee Events](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coffeehouse-rave.md) - [Cinematic Cafe Beverage Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbucks-campaign.md) - [Individuality-Themed Coffee Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/whatever-your-thing-were-in-campaign.md) - [Sun-Inspired Art Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chasing-the-sun-1.md) - [Barista-Inspired Holiday Cup Spots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drawn-together.md) - [Interactive Artisan Coffee Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/illy-summer-campaign.md) - [In-Person Creativity Cafe Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/made-in-starbucks-campaign.md)