The Starbucks logo is undoubtedly one of the most recognisable logo designs from around the world. Starbucks coffee cups, the white, disposable drink holders that come branded with the company logo on the side in green are equally as recognisable. One Korean artist, Soo Min Kim, has established an Instagram career by repurposing/upcycling Starbucks cups with artistic revisions to the famous mermaid logo design. The results, we think you'll agree, are eye-catching!

1. Upcycle to reduce waste.
2. Choose sustainable products.
3. Improve brand image and appeal.

Cups Make Memorable Art

Soo Min Kim is a Korean artist who illustrates professionally and has developed a huge following on Instagram thanks to his favoured hobby of repurposing his old Starbucks promotional coffee cups into artist. Kim's favoured tools of the trade include a green marker pen, white paint, and a scalpel (or pair of scissors). Using these simple household items he can transform the Starbucks mermaid from an average corporate logo into a superhero, an everyday worker, or even a celebrity.

As Kim has become more confident in his craft he's taken his recycling of paper cups to new levels of 3D-artistry. These days, a considerable number of his customised logo cups feature movable parts or cut-out scenes that make the logo come to life. Every so often he'll opt for a more simple customisation that involves crafting a scene around the existing logo without any need for additional cutting. Every coffee cup Kim buys and cleans becomes another canvas for his talent.

Does Starbucks mind that Kim has taken their logo and given her a whole new life and set of hobbies? No, it seems the company is quite taken with Kim's artistic vision and unique way of ensuring his promotional paper cups aren't just tossed into a landfill. 

Upcycling Promotional Products

Upcycling promotional products is a great way to reduce waste and give new life to old products. Here are some benefits of upcycling promotional products:

• Environmentally friendly: Upcycling reduces the amount of waste that goes into landfills, which is better for the environment.
• Cost-effective: Upcycling can be a cost-effective way to create new products without having to purchase new materials.
• Brand awareness: Upcycling promotional products can increase brand awareness and recognition as it creates a unique and memorable product.
• Customisation: Upcycling allows for customization of promotional products to create a unique product that stands out from competitors.

Sustainable Promotional Items

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important to consumers, and companies are recognizing the need to provide sustainable promotional products. Here are some benefits of sustainable promotional products:

• Environmental impact: Sustainable promotional products have a lower environmental impact, which can be appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.
• Positive brand image: Providing sustainable promotional products can improve the brand image and reputation of a company.
• Longevity: Sustainable promotional products are often made with high-quality materials, which can increase their longevity and usefulness.
• Cost-effective: Sustainable promotional products can be cost-effective in the long run as they can be reused or recycled.

Final Thoughts

To summarise, upcycling promotional products and providing sustainable promotional products are great ways for companies to reduce waste, improve their brand image, and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. Soo Min Kim's artistic vision and unique way of upcycling Starbucks cups demonstrate the potential of upcycling promotional products. As a promotional products company, Cubic Promote Australia is committed to providing sustainable and customized promotional products to our clients, and we encourage others to do the same.

Designs first spotted here: https://laughingsquid.com/starbucks-paper-cups-transformed-into-3d-dioramas/