Starbucks draws its Christmas campaign by hand, one cup at a time

Starbucks has turned its Christmas cups into a stage for a tiny band of hand-drawn musicians in “Perfect Harmony”, a festive campaign created with Anomaly.

Artist Geoff McFetridge drew every element of the animated world by hand using Sharpies on Starbucks cups.

Returning for a second consecutive year, he also created the illustrations for the campaign’s outdoor advertising.

Set to “Happy Together” by The Turtles, the 30-second film follows a group of musicians who become separated before reuniting at a holiday gathering.

Seasonal cups, drinks and coffeehouse scenes provide the backdrop.

The approach takes its cue from the handwritten notes and personal touches familiar to Starbucks customers.

A pen and a paper cup become the starting point for an entire Christmas world.

Alongside Prada’s hand-drawn holiday campaign, it points to a wider return to human craft as brands find ways to stand out in a world increasingly shaped by AI.

For Starbucks, the idea also reinforces the coffeehouse as a place to connect, a theme explored in its earlier “What’s Your Name” campaign.

This time, the message comes with a miniature band and a familiar chorus.

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