Illustrating the Mind Behind the Magic: Bailey Mincer’s Artistry in Sports and Beyond

by Christina Winnegar

From growing up in a town passionate about college sports to earning a degree in graphic design at Miami University, interning with MLB, then ultimately becoming the Art Director for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Bailey Mincer has been nothing short of skilled in her craft. Navigating her way through an industry as competitive as sports, Bailey embraces the philosophy that ‘plans are worthless, but planning is everything.’ She emphasizes learning through failure and the importance of resilience in moving forward. Her creativity shines not only in her professional projects but also in her personal life, where she utilizes her audience on social media to showcase her talent and guide others. Through sharing her journey, Bailey offers a glimpse into the thoughtful mind behind the magic. 

Photos Provided by Bailey Mincer

Since the University of Virginia didn’t offer a graphic design program, you found an opportunity to major in it at Miami University of Ohio. What attracted you to Miami University, and how did it feel to be at a school that supported and nurtured your passion for design?

Growing up in Charlottesville gave me a really clear picture of what college could look like, and I loved how many different opportunities the college experience seemed to offer. I also knew I wanted to major in graphic design, but I wasn’t looking for an art school because I wanted more of a liberal arts experience. I went on a lot of college tours in high school, and my mom really helped me focus on schools with strong graphic design programs. I loved the campus when I visited Miami, and they made me a very generous offer to attend by inviting me to be part of the Honors College and a College of Creative Arts Scholar, which also came with scholarship support. I was definitely nervous about having to apply to the major after my first year, but that challenge became a great motivator, too.

Entering Miami University as a Pre-Graphic Design major, to then having to submit your portfolio before sophomore year, what drove you to have a high level of creativity to get into such a competitive program?

I was really excited to go to college and major in graphic design, but once I got into my pre-graphic design coursework and learned more about what it would actually be like to be in the major, I became even more sure that this was what I wanted to do. In a lot of ways, it didn’t even feel like hard work because I was just so excited to be doing the work.

What was it like working hand in hand in a competitive program with the same 20 students in the final 3 years of your college career? Did it shape the way you work with others when collaborating on creative ideas?

Having a small graphic design class throughout college was a really awesome experience. We became close-knit, learned each other’s styles, learned a lot from one another, and had a really healthy sense of competition. It also helped me develop a deep appreciation for critique and feedback. In a lot of our projects, we had checkpoints where everyone would pin their work on the wall and receive feedback, and I never took those moments for granted. I remember being so impressed by classmates who would take feedback from one critique and come back with a completely transformed project the next time. That takes a lot of humility and dedication. Learning not to take criticism personally and seeing it as part of the creative process is something that has really stuck with me.

Photos Provided by Bailey Mincer

Prior to your internship with MLB you didn’t know you wanted to work in sports. Was there a specific experience that changed your mind about wanting to work in the sports industry?

I don’t remember a specific moment that made me want to work in sports, but it was definitely during my internship with MLB that it started to feel like the right path. I was introduced to a whole creative community in the sports world that I hadn’t known existed. That summer, we had the chance to network with interns from so many different teams and leagues in New York, and I met so many passionate, like-minded people. I also started getting immersed in the world of sports creatives on Twitter, and seeing all the amazing work being shared really inspired me. It made me want to be a part of that space.

You interned at the MLB Office of the Commissioner as part of a large intern program. What were some key takeaways from that experience, particularly with the hands-on exposure? Have those lessons influenced your approach to working in sports today?

One thing I had to get really good at while working for MLB was finding ways to be productive, even when I wasn’t getting direct instruction. There were a lot of weeks when my boss was traveling for work and away from the office, so I had to be ready to answer his calls and send work when needed, but otherwise, I had to manage my own time. In a lot of cases, I would take a small brief and run with it, often exploring many more iterations than what was expected. That experience taught me a huge lesson that still sticks with me today: the best opportunities often come from showing initiative and doing things without being asked.

While interning at MLB, you had multiple job offers on the table, but held out because of a flexible end date. Then came the dream opportunity with the Cleveland Cavaliers. What was it like to finally land a role that brought together your passion for basketball and your love of design?

It was surreal, for sure. I remember it took me a while to even be able to say my job out loud when people asked. It just sounded so crazy to say, “I’m a graphic designer for the Cleveland Cavaliers.” A dream, truly. Even though I had been taking all the right steps to get to that place, it still felt hard to believe it was actually happening.

From starting as a graphic designer for the Cavaliers in 2019 to now being the Art Director, what steps did you take in your previous role that helped you grow and position yourself to achieve the goals of your current role?

I think this really ties back to one of the biggest lessons I learned during my time with MLB: showing initiative and doing things without being asked. That mindset definitely played a big role in the growth I’ve experienced with the Cavs. From early on, I focused on the big picture, made a point not to get too caught up in day-to-day issues, and consistently looked for ways to go above and beyond. Over time, several people in leadership positions above me moved on from the organization, and each time, it created space for more responsibility and opportunity. I made sure I was ready to step up.

What has it been like for you to watch the University of Virginia men’s basketball team win the Championship while you were a fan, to now working alongside some of these incredible athletes? 

This whole story is honestly so crazy. It’s hard to describe all the layers of meaning behind it. If you haven’t seen my TikTok where I share the full story, it’s a good one. When De’Andre Hunter was traded to the Cavs, I filmed a TikTok explaining how much that trade meant to me, and it ended up being over six minutes long. I had to cut out quite a few parts, and it was still three and a half minutes! There are so many layers to it. But overall, I just feel so much pride. That championship run was incredibly special, and my journey with the Cavs has been special as well. I’m proud of the work that everyone on that championship team has done since then to carve out their place in the league.

Watching the team you started with change, while the organization supported their growth, really solidified how great the Cavaliers organization is. As you've advanced into your current position, have you learned any valuable lessons from others as they moved on to new opportunities?

While maybe not a brand-new lesson, seeing others move on has really reinforced the idea that the grass isn’t always greener. Every role comes with its own set of pros and cons, but the biggest factor is often how you choose to show up each day. That perspective has helped me stay grounded and focused on making the most of the opportunities right in front of me. Seeing others grow and take on new challenges has also been inspiring, and it’s shaped the way I approach leadership. I try to support and encourage those around me, knowing that growth can happen in many forms, and it's about helping each other move forward.

Photos Provided by Bailey Mincer

Expanding professional sports internationally has been a goal for many leagues, and hearing that the Cavaliers were going to Paris for an international game must have been a significant moment for both the league and yourself. What was it like designing a crest for the event, especially when it ended up gaining more promotion and recognition than you initially anticipated? 

Yeah, that project was really special. When we initially designed the crest, we were just focused on announcing the game, which was over eight months in advance. What we didn’t realize at the time was that by creating it so early, it gave the rest of the organization a ready-to-go asset for all of their marketing and event planning. Our organization was super eager to capitalize on this opportunity, which led to the crest being applied in so many different ways, many of which my design team wasn’t even involved in. In some ways, that made it even more exciting because we were pleasantly surprised by all the ways it came to life. Typically, it’s hard to plan that far ahead, but this was definitely a lesson in what can happen when we do.

Can you explain the thought process behind the crest? How were you able to come up with such a creative concept perfectly encapsulating the culture of Paris not only as a city but also the culture of basketball there? What drove the creative process to steer away from the typical use of the Eiffel Tower?

The Eiffel Tower seemed like the obvious choice, so we wanted to dig a little deeper. We were looking for a way to connect Cleveland and Paris, and the link between the Louvre and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame stood out as a unique and meaningful connection between the two cities. There was so much story to be told around that connection, and it inspired us to create something more detailed. While we knew a simpler version would be needed as a small logo bug, we wanted to create an additional, more intricate design to capture that rich story, and that’s the version that ultimately got utilized the most.

Outside of the Cavaliers organization you and your team have worked on other projects for teams such as the Cleveland Monsters, Cleveland Charge, and some design for some of the concerts that fall under the same entertainment group. Do you have any projects in particular that you really loved related to one of these teams? 

Yes, there are a few projects for the Cleveland Charge, our G League team, that I’m really proud of. When I first started with the organization, I wasn’t working on many high-profile projects for the Cavs since I was in an entry-level position. But the Charge had fewer guardrails and layers of approval, so I had much more creative freedom in that space, which was a lot of fun. One of the highlights was designing a new court for the team, as well as creating special edition theme night jerseys for artists like Kid Cudi, MGK, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, and more.

Work life balance is something many find hard to achieve, especially in demanding industries like sports. How have you found the time to explore your creativity outside of work? 

My creative outlets outside of work have evolved over the years. From 2019 to 2022, I really enjoyed painting and customizing sneakers, but that eventually faded due to COVID, the decline of sneaker culture, and the time commitment it required. Now, one of my biggest creative outlets is decorating my home. I’ve been in my new space for about a year and a half, and it's been a slow process of making every corner feel just right. I love consuming interior design content and moodboarding home projects on Pinterest.

Are there any pieces in your space that you’re really proud of putting together?

I’m really proud of the wooden box headboard my boyfriend and I made for behind our bed. It was inspired by a few different images I had saved, but the final result turned out to be truly unique, and it came together exactly how I had envisioned it. I love how the frames look, and it really captures the vibe I want my whole house to have.

As a creative in the sports industry, how do you stay inspired and innovative, thinking outside of the box when creating new designs? 

There are so many ways to stay inspired, so it’s hard to reduce it to just one thing. But I think a big key is diversifying your sources of inspiration as much as possible. In the sports design community, many creatives focus solely on other sports graphics, but you can find far more unique approaches by looking elsewhere. Personally, I love the fashion and streetwear space, so I often find myself gravitating toward inspiration from there.

Photos Provided by Bailey Mincer

Due to not having a lot of free time to connect with those in your audience outside of creating social content, you decided to start hosting zoom sessions. What has it been like for you to be able to connect with an audience that wants your guidance? 

It’s honestly surprising sometimes that so many people are interested in taking the time to connect with me. I mean, it’s one thing to watch a TikTok of me talking, but it's a whole different commitment to add a Zoom session to your calendar and take the time to listen to me answer questions. For the most part, I try not to let impostor syndrome get in the way, and remind myself that I really do have a lot to offer to people interested in this field. I genuinely enjoy hearing where people are in their journey and seeing how my experiences might help steer them in the right direction.

You mentioned each one of these sessions being run differently, as well as different topics of conversation each time. Are there future topics you wish to touch that you haven't yet or ones you enjoyed that you’d like to revisit? 

For the most part, I just want to help others as much as I can, whatever that looks like. Of the past sessions, I really enjoyed the ones that were more conversational, where participants went more in-depth about their journey. It can be hard for me to predict what people want to hear or see, so whenever participants can ask specific questions or request tutorials and topics, it gives me more confidence in the content, knowing it’s exactly what they’re looking for.

Being in a position like yours is a dream for those wanting to work creatively in sports. Would you like to share some advice to those wanting to create their own path within this industry?

The lesson I mentioned earlier is definitely a big one, but another piece of advice I’d share is the quote, “Plans are worthless, but planning is everything.” It’s so important to have goals and make progress toward something, but you have to remember that things can change unexpectedly. You learn by failing, so continually working toward something, even when you’re not sure of it or when obstacles come up, is crucial to leading you in the right direction.

Bailey’s creative spirit is just as evident in her personal life as it is in her innovative designs for the Cavaliers. From crafting iconic pieces like the Paris Crest or finding ways to tie in her love for creativity into her personal space, she brings the beauty of it all into her everyday life. Thank you so much for sharing your story, Bailey! It has been a true pleasure to illustrate the mind behind the magic.

Disclaimer: The thoughts, experiences, and opinions shared in this article are solely those of Bailey Mincer and are based on her personal journey. They do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations, sponsors, or institutions that Bailey may be associated with. To ensure accuracy and maintain context, Bailey Mincer reviewed this article before publication. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this material is strictly prohibited. For any inquiries or concerns regarding this article, please contact info@hazzemedia.com.