As a senior at Miami University, Bailey Mincer’s thesis project focused on creating a platform for NBA players to use their game-worn sneakers for charity.
It was a sneak peek into Mincer’s future. Fast forward five years, and the 2019 Miami graduate with a degree in Graphic Design is immersed in the NBA as art director for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Had Mincer known her career trajectory back in 2019 – from the Cavs’ graphic designer to senior graphic designer to art director – it still may have been somewhat unexpected.
“Even though at that point I would have told you I didn’t want to work in sports, I was very passionate about sneakers and NBA culture at that time,” Mincer said. “I think if you would have told me I landed in this position, I would have never picked this for myself. But I don’t think it would have been very surprising, either.”
Mincer joined the Cavs following an internship with Major League Baseball, which provided another unanticipated moment.
While on vacation in the Dominican Republic, Mincer and family happened upon signage with an MLB logo in the airport. Mincer had designed the logo.
“I had forgotten the exact date that game was, so it kind of caught me off guard when I got to the airport in another country and got to see my work,” Mincer said. “That was probably one of my most surreal moments of getting to see my work.”
That is not the only example of Mincer’s designs on display on a global stage. The Cavs played the Brooklyn Nets in Paris in January, which was an opportunity to take the brand to a new audience.
Drawing inspiration from the architecture of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland and the Louvre Pyramid in Paris, both designed by I.M. Pei, Mincer and a teammate aimed to create a mark that would set the tone for the game.
“That’s kind of at the center of the design,” Mincer said. “And this mark ended up all over the city in Paris. It was really fun to see it come to life on an international stage.”
Mincer finds inspiration all over; during a drive, a walk, and from different outlets such as the worlds of fashion and streetwear. During her time at Miami, Mincer learned how to think creatively, something she attributes in part to her minor in Entrepreneurship and the impact of faculty member Jim Friedman, the White Family Associate Clinical Professor and associate clinical professor of Entrepreneurship.
“Dr. Friedman just taught me a lot about how to think creatively and go beyond your first initial answer to things,” Mincer said. “I think back to his classes a lot.”
Miami’s variety of events, classes, programs, and opportunities stand out to Mincer. She is grateful for the community offered at Miami, being able to connect with so many different people.
One highlight of Mincer’s time at the university was designing packaging for Madisono’s Gelato as part of a winter term competition.
“I’ve always felt confident in my graphic design abilities, but being able to grow into a leadership role as a graphic designer and become the art director for the Cavs speaks a lot to the leadership skills I developed at Miami,” Mincer said.
With the NBA season starting this month – the Cavs’ home opener is Oct. 25 against the Detroit Pistons – Mincer is enjoying the fast-paced work environment and being in the heart of downtown Cleveland.
“The Cavs are involved in so many different types of business, beyond the performance on the court, it almost has this agency, big business feel,” Mincer said. “I get to be involved in so many different areas of retail, community outreach, and marketing, a lot of things beyond just basketball. The office is just a really fun place to be.
“When I think about the things I’ve worked on, it really feels like an infinite scope.”
One piece of advice Mincer can offer aspiring graphic designers is to lean into your interests.
“Passion really shows through in your work,” Mincer said. “If you’re able to combine that with your passion for art, it will take you to a good place.”
