The ultimate coffee story journey.

Starbucks APAC

Starbucks APAC contacted me for an exciting collaboration to create a bespoke office mural that captures the essence of its brand and regional presence. They were drawn to my unique artistic style and my ability to tell compelling stories through visual art. With a focus on creating engaging and meaningful artwork, Starbucks recognized that my experience in mural creation and my deep understanding of cultural narratives would be perfect for celebrating their journey and the diverse markets they serve.

Location & Date

December 2024

Starbuck office APAC, HongKong

Website display image, coffee plant whte flowers with yellow mimosa flowers.

ABOUT

Website display image, coffee plant whte flowers with yellow mimosa flowers.
Starbucks mural detailed by the artist Neil Wang, with a coffee plant, unripped cherries in yellow and orange, and coffee flowers in white.

CONCEPT

COFFEE STORY JOURNEY

The mural concept revolves around the captivating story of coffee, starting from its origins. The journey begins with the coffee flower depicted at the top left, progressing through the various stages of coffee cherries—green, yellow, orange, coral pinkish, to the fully ripened red cherry. This transformation symbolizes the growth and development of coffee, mirroring Starbucks' expansion across 15 APAC markets.

Starbucks mural showcases artwork by Neil Wang, featuring 15 regional flowers in yellow, purple, orange, and pink, representing 15 APAC countries.

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

Incorporating national flowers of the 15 APAC markets serves as a tribute to the diverse cultures and traditions that Starbucks embraces. This artistic choice is inspired by these regions’ rich histories and vibrant cultures, aiming to create a mural that is aesthetically pleasing and meaningful to the Starbucks community.

NATIONAL FLOWERS REPRESENTATION

To honor the unique identities of these markets, the mural will feature 15 different variations of national flowers, each representing one of the 15 APAC countries in Starbucks' network. This inclusion not only highlights the regional diversity but also celebrates the cultural richness of each market.

Starbucks mural, artwork detail painted by artist Neil Wang, featuring 2 white coffee plant flowers and part of the siren inspired detail incorporated with a coffee plant leaf.
Mural in starbucks apac office. Botanic-inspired mural with siren swimming amidst coffee plants, white flowers, cherries, 15 types of flowers representing 15 APAC countries. Color scheme: green, purple, white, yellow, orange, pink, grey background.
Mural in starbucks apac office. Botanic-inspired mural with siren swimming amidst coffee plants, white flowers, cherries, 15 types of flowers representing 15 APAC countries. Color scheme: green, purple, white, yellow, orange, pink, grey background.
Botanic-inspired mural with coffee plants, white flowers, and cherries in different growth stages. Color scheme: green, purple, white, yellow, orange, red, and grey background.

INSPIRATION

CELEBRATING GROWTH AND DIVERSITY

The inspiration for this mural comes from the journey of coffee itself and the growth it represents. Starting from a single flower to a fully ripened cherry, the process mirrors the development and expansion of Starbucks across Asia-Pacific. Each stage of the coffee cherry’s transformation is a metaphor for the challenges and triumphs experienced along the way.

STARBUCKS LOGO INTEGRATION

A creative twist will be added by incorporating elements of the Starbucks logo, specifically the Siren. The mural will feature a silhouette of the Siren’s tail, seamlessly blending with the coffee story and floral representations, creating a cohesive and visually stunning narrative.

THE SIREN’S TALE

The Siren from the Starbucks logo symbolizes allure and mystery, much like the journey of coffee from bean to cup. Integrating Siren’s silhouette into the mural adds a layer of brand identity, connecting the story of coffee’s journey with Starbucks’ iconic imagery. This blend of elements aims to create a mural that resonates with Starbucks employees and visitors, reminding them of the brand’s heritage and its commitment to quality and cultural appreciation.