The Sketch

The task was to create a design element that conveyed gratitude for mentorship and guidance, while being visually and thematically appealing on a Starbucks recognition card. In collaboration with my SCAP Fellow cohort, Haley Dvorak, Megan Erickson, and Sarah Wallace, Journey was a word that continuously surfaced during the bulk of the ideation phase—the idea that our current position in life was akin to treading a path towards learning and a larger destination. I pitched the idea that our journey to reach our individual goals was similar to a road trip where we might meet an abundance of new people guiding us onward or teaching us new things. In my mind, I saw this as a Volkswagon Bus, hauling luggage and various boxes, and picking up great souvenirs, or nuggets of information along the way. The road sign was an important element in the design, symbolizing that change is inevitable along one’s path.

Refinement and ASU Variant

The one aspect of the design I wanted to make sure I got right was the shape and look of the VW Bus. The circular logo on the front was a perfect placement for the Starbucks logo. The original idea for this card was to directly connect it to those on the specific journey of academic learning through Starbucks’ SCAP program with Arizona State University. One of the items on top of the vehicle was an ASU graduation cap. While the surrounding colors were brand specific to Starbucks, the colors of the cap used ASU’s signature maroon and gold. We later realized that this version of the card would have limited use, so we opted to remove the cap to have a more universal appeal. The version with the cap was sent as an image file to students in the SCAP Fellowship program to attach in emails as they thanked the multitudes of Partners that they connected with during their internship.

Everyday Uplift and Future Cards

The Journey e-card was launched on Starbucks’ recognition website, Everyday Uplift, on June 4, 2025. It lives on the front page of recognition card selection, and grouped under the Thank You category. The card has been used hundreds of times in its first four days on the site. I have been invited to create more cards for the Global Recognition team at Starbucks, which has already sparked a few ideas that may show up on the site in the near future! The newest e-card I created was inspired by warm summer vibes featuring Starbucks Strawberry Acai Refresher, a hummingbird, butterflies, and a field of cake-pop flowers.

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