STARBUCKS ILLUSTRATION CLUB LAUNCHES UK-WIDE COMPETITION TO DISCOVER BRITAIN’S NEXT CREATIVE TALENT!

Starbucks UK has teamed up with celebrated British-Nigerian artist and designer Yinka Ilori MBE to launch the Starbucks Illustration Club, a nationwide competition inviting people to transform the brand’s iconic takeaway coffee cup into an original piece of art.

Open to anyone in the UK aged 18 and over, the competition is designed to celebrate creativity in all its forms, whether you’re a professional illustrator, an art student, or someone who simply enjoys doodling over a coffee.

Win A Mentorship With Yinka Ilori MBE

The grand prize offers a unique opportunity for emerging creatives. One overall winner will receive:

• A one-to-one creative mentorship with Yinka Ilori MBE
• Their artwork featured in a nationwide outdoor advertising campaign

In addition, nine runners-up will also have their cup designs showcased on outdoor billboards across the UK while receiving creative prizes to help support their artistic journeys.

Speaking about the competition, Yinka Ilori MBE said creativity doesn’t have to begin in a studio or on a blank canvas, adding that inspiration can come from everyday objects—including a Starbucks cup. He said he is excited to see how entrants interpret the brief with originality, colour and personality while mentoring the eventual winner.

Starbucks Celebrates Everyday Creativity

The competition forms part of Starbucks UK’s Made in Starbucks campaign, which celebrates the conversations, collaborations and creative projects that happen every day inside its coffeehouses.

According to new research commissioned by Starbucks and conducted by Censuswide:

• 72% of Gen Z and Millennials describe themselves as creative.
• 79% of UK adults say creativity helps them express themselves.

The new initiative aims to give people an accessible creative outlet by encouraging them to turn an everyday coffee cup into something completely unique.

Vic Robertson, Marketing Director at Starbucks UK, said the company’s coffeehouses have long been places where people gather to create, collaborate and exchange ideas. She added that the Illustration Club is designed to nurture creative talent while encouraging people to express themselves regardless of artistic experience.

How To Enter The Starbucks Illustration Club

Taking part is simple:

1. Purchase any hot beverage from a Starbucks store.
2. Create an original illustration directly onto the cup using your preferred art materials.
3. Photograph your finished design.
4. Share it on Instagram using #StarbucksIllustrationClub and tag @StarbucksUK.

Entries are open from 3 August until 21 August 2026, with winners set to be announced on 7 September 2026.

Judged by leading creatives

Entries will be assessed by a panel representing a range of creative disciplines, including:

• Yinka Ilori MBE
• Starbucks barista and artist Aaron Gonzales
• Illustrator Rob Draper
• Paola Tassara Oromí, Architect and Director of Store Design for Starbucks EMEA

Judges will be looking for originality, imaginative thinking and bold visual creativity.