Cleveland Monsters x University Hospitals Custom Sneakers
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I recently had the pleasure of working with the Cleveland Monsters hockey team on a special project; a set of four custom sneakers as thank you gifts for their longtime partners at University Hospitals, the team’s official healthcare provider. They already had a thoughtful direction in mind for the sneakers, and my role was to refine the concept and translate it to a clean, wearable design with subtle details that make a custom feel intentional without having to shout.
Concept to Conclusion: Polishing the Idea
Their brief called for both the Cleveland Monsters and UH logos, but with a twist: I rendered the Monsters logo in a childlike scribble style, a subtle nod to the UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital. From there, I kept the rest of the shoe minimal and versatile so they’d be easy to wear.
Design Details; Where the Story Lives
- Scribble-style logos: A playful, human touch that honors UH’s connection to Rainbow Babies & Children’s.
- Stand out shoes: Each shoe featured their respective logos and brand colors so they stood distinctly on their own; but when paired together and worn, they symbolize walking in step with each other as two organizations.
- Gradient swooshes and color callouts: A smooth fade in team and brand colors on each swoosh, and strategic accents placed to balance composition and keep the pair feeling premium yet understated.
The final pairs delivered exactly what we set out to achieve: clean, everyday-wear customs that still tell a story- about healthcare heros, community, and the appreciation and respect between two Cleveland staples.
But the biggest takeaway? Creativity doesn’t always have to be loud to make a statement.
A NE Ohio Artist’s Perspective
To be trusted again and again by organizations like the Cavs and their extended family (the Monsters, University Hospitals) is something I don’t take lightly. Growing up in Northeast Ohio, these are names that have been part of my world for years. Now, they’re part of my story. I truly never dreamed I’d be writing something like this, and I can certainly say I’ll always be so grateful and proud of the work I’ve put in to make it happen.
Interested in Partner Gifts or Activation Pieces?
Whether you’re thanking partners, celebrating a milestone, or planning a game-day moment, I create brand-perfect custom sneakers that tell a story. Send me an email and let’s build something thoughtfully bold together!