Starbucks barista Gabriel Nkweti Lafitte has adopted a whole new approach to the company’s policy of writing a customer’s name on their drink.

Instead of a quick scribble or initial as many patrons are used to, Gabriel, 41, creates intricate, personalised designs on the disposable paper cups.

Epping Forest Guardian:

His pieces have proven so popular, his cups are currently being displayed where he works – at the Starbucks opposite the British Museum in central London.

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“I started drawing on these cups a couple of years ago,” says the French native, who currently lives in East Ham. “I like to visualise people as animals, they are noble creatures, so I don’t think that’s an insult.

“When I take a customer’s order, I am sort of building a relationship with them, and I’m thinking who and what they are like. This inspires the designs.

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“If they show kindness – a friendly word, an acknowledgement, I will tell them I want to give them a gift. I design a cup and then organise a day to present it to them.

“The reaction is always overwhelming, they are so surprised, so happy. One lady jumped up and down.

“People are always in a hurry, I like to think what I’m doing goes some way to brighten their day.”

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Whenever he has a spare moment, Gabriel is designing his cup art. “Sometimes people will see me drawing on the train, which always proves tricky because of the curve of the cup,” he explains.

Some of the designs are so intricate, it takes Gabriel up to 40 hours to complete the finished article.

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Nonetheless, having fashioned more than 100 cups, he has no plans to stop.
“If it makes people happy, it makes me happy too,” he smiles. “Even now I have people contacting me asking me to design a cup for them.

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“What I’d like to do next is to have them made from ceramic...so Starbucks...if you’re reading this...let’s do it!”

Gabriel’s cup art is on display at Starbucks, Great Russell Street, London.
To view more of his work visit: nkweti.co.uk, @_nkweti