Behind the Scenes: How Our Mugs Are Made at SST Coffee Shop
Hi there, coffee and mug lovers! It’s Sara here, your fellow caffeine enthusiast and proud owner of SST Coffee Shop. I’m often asked, “How do you come up with all these amazing mug designs?” The truth is, every mug we create has its own story, and the process is a mix of creativity, collaboration, and a whole lot of coffee-fueled determination.
Grab your favorite mug, fill it with something delicious, and join me as I take you behind the scenes of how our mugs go from an idea to your coffee station.
Step 1: The Spark of Inspiration
Every design begins with a spark of inspiration—often fueled by coffee, of course! I pull ideas from:
Social Media Trends: Scrolling through Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok keeps me inspired with the latest aesthetics and popular themes.
Everyday Humor: If it makes me laugh or mutter, “I’d drink out of that,” it’s worth designing.
Collaborating with Artists: I work with talented local artists and digital creators to bring fresh perspectives and unique designs to life.
Purchasing Artwork: I support other designers by purchasing their creations, adding a layer of collaboration to our mug lineup.
Some designs start as rough sketches, others as computer mockups, but every single one has a little splash of sass and personality—because life’s too short for boring mugs!
Step 2: The Design Process
Once I have the concept, it’s time to get technical.
Digital Mockups: Using computer software, I create mockups to visualize the design on an actual mug. This step ensures the colors, placement, and details pop exactly how I want.
Trial and Error: Here’s where humor becomes a survival skill! Some designs come together seamlessly, while others... well, let’s just say there’s a folder full of “what was I thinking” drafts.
This part of the process is where the magic (and occasional coffee-fueled meltdown) happens.
Step 3: Collaborating with Suppliers
Once a design feels just right, it’s off to the supplier! This step involves:
Material Selection: I work with suppliers to choose the perfect mug material—ceramic, enamel, or glass—depending on the design.
Printing and Finishing: The supplier ensures that every detail of the design is printed flawlessly, from the tiniest font to bold, vibrant colors.
Quality Checks: No mug gets approved without a thorough review. If it doesn’t pass the “would I drink from this?” test, it’s back to the drawing board.
Behind every mug is a team effort to make sure it’s as functional as it is fabulous.
Step 4: The Business Side of Things
While the creative process is fun, there’s plenty of work behind the scenes to get the mugs from our hands to yours.
Costing: I work with suppliers to finalize pricing, balancing quality and affordability so every mug feels like a treat without breaking the bank.
Shipping Logistics: Whether you’re across the street or across the country, I ensure that your mug is packaged securely and shipped quickly.
Uploading to the Website: Finally, I upload the designs to the SST Coffee Shop website. This involves writing quirky descriptions, taking photos, and making sure you can find your next favorite mug with ease.
Step 5: Sharing the Love
The final and most rewarding step? Seeing our mugs in your hands! Whether it’s an Instagram post, a message from a happy customer, or a photo of your morning coffee, it’s incredible to see the designs come to life in your daily rituals.
Every mug tells a story, and you’re the best part of it.
Why We Do What We Do
Designing mugs isn’t just about creating something to hold your coffee—it’s about making you smile every time you pick it up. From the bold designs that make a statement to the funny ones that get a chuckle, each mug is made with care, creativity, and a little sassiness.
So next time you sip from an SST Coffee Shop mug, know that it’s more than just a coffee cup. It’s the result of countless laughs, late nights, and a whole lot of love for coffee, mugs, and you.
Cheers to your next cup of coffee—and the mug that makes it magical!
💛,
Sara
