Vibrant Stickers: A Nod to Latinx Culture in Design

Explore the intersection of stickers, illustration, and typography in Apple's Latinx Heritage Stickers, celebrating vibrant culture through design.

Apple's recent foray into cultural celebration comes in the form of a sticker pack designed for its Clips software, tailored specifically for Apple devices. In 2022, freelance designers Paula Cruz and Bad Samaritan, also known as Diego, were tasked by Apple to create a collection that resonates with the Latinx community. This project, anchored in the vibrant heritage of Latin America, was an endeavor to encapsulate the spirited essence of its diverse cultures.

The stickers, carefully crafted with a blend of Portuguese and Spanish phrases, are not just digital art but a bridge to the homeland for many. Phrases like “Mandou bem”, “bacana”, and “Tamo junto” are more than colloquialisms; they are echoes of community and camaraderie. Paula Cruz's expertise in lettering breathes life into these phrases, while Bad Samaritan's animation infuses them with motion, creating an engaging user experience.

Color plays a pivotal role in this design narrative. The chosen palette—a mix of warm tones punctuated by vivid blues—evokes a sense of energy and life, reflecting the dynamic spirit of Brazil and the broader Latinx diaspora. The complementary blue not only provides visual relief but also enhances the warmth of the other colors, mirroring the exuberant and welcoming vibe of Latinx cultures.

The creative direction, steered by the Apple team, ensured the stickers would not only be a celebration of Latin heritage but also a seamless addition to the Clips interface. The result is a harmonious integration of illustration, typography, and motion design that enables users to share a piece of their identity with every clip they create.

The design succeeds in being a culturally rich, visual feast that is accessible and relatable to the user. It encapsulates the joy, solidarity, and vibrancy of the Latinx heritage, allowing it to shine through in everyday digital communication. This initiative by Apple stands as a testament to the power of design in fostering cultural connection and expression.