Culture

Marcos Chin: Where Global Vision Meets Local Craft

An illustrator's international journey mirrors the global story told through the Starbucks Art Program.

Culture

A cafe seating area with leather chairs in front of a large wall mural of a golden Starbucks siren.

Global perspective

Award-winning illustrator Marcos Chin embodies exactly what makes the Starbucks Art Program special.

Born in Mozambique, raised in Canada, and now based in Brooklyn, Marcos brings a global perspective that resonates with our coffee's own journey across continents. A frequent collaborator, Marcos has created work for Starbucks coffeehouses around the world.

The artist, Marcos Chin pointing at a colorful display board in an office setting.

Born in Mozambique, raised in Canada, and now based in Brooklyn

Art deco elegance

One of his most striking pieces—the brilliant, gilded Siren at the Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building store—perfectly captures the Starbucks approach to art.

Designed by Marcos and hand-painted by Kurt McRobert of Brooklyn's Very Fine Signs, this radiant symbol mixes Marcos's distinctive illustration style with modernized Art Deco details. The Siren is poised and free, gesturing to the future and illuminated by a sunburst reminiscent of those in the building's stunning lobby. Like the Empire State Building, she represents history, progress, and change—qualities that define Starbucks and the bustling city this coffeehouse calls home.

Learn more about the Starbucks Art Program