Custom Adidas D.O.N. 5’s for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Hennessy, and Donovan Mitchell
Collaborating with the Cleveland Cavaliers on a game day activation and sweepstakes project was an absolutely unforgettable experience. This partnership, in collaboration with Hennessy, combined the energy of game day with art, sneakers, and community engagement. From designing a custom pair for a lucky sweepstakes winner to creating player-exclusive sneakers for Cavs star Donovan Mitchell, this project celebrated the intersection of basketball, style, and art that I had the privilege to be the artist for.
Sneakers & Spirits Night: Live Painting and a Sweepstakes Giveaway
As part of the Cavs and Hennessy’s Sneakers & Spirits Night game day activation, I had the privilege of customizing three Adidas D.O.N. 5 basketball sneakers for a fan sweepstakes giveaway. The main event took place in an exclusive space at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse arena, where club members could enjoy the live painting experience as I worked to complete one of the custom designs on-site.
Each sneaker was designed to reflect the luxe aesthetic of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ brand, with intricate damask-style print that celebrated their sleek identity. The live painting added a layer of interactive excitement to the event, allowing attendees to witness my creative process in real-time.
The highlight of the evening came when I had the incredible honor of presenting the finished sneakers to the sweepstakes winner right on the Cavs’ basketball court during the game. This personal touch brought the project full circle, creating a moment I won’t soon forget with the Cavs fan and everyone else involved!
Player-Exclusive Custom Sneakers for Donovan Mitchell
In addition to the sweepstakes pairs, Adidas commissioned me to design a custom pair of D.O.N. 5s for Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell. These player-exclusive sneakers were a unique opportunity to create a design that not only reflected the high-end style of the Cavaliers but also embodied Donovan Mitchell’s personal brand and presence on the court.
The artwork complemented the sweepstakes sneakers, featuring elements that tied back to the Cavs’ bold identity, while also featuring Donovan’s own branding. Every detail was carefully considered to ensure the sneakers felt personal, elevated, and worthy of a star player like Donovan Mitchell.
Reflections on the Collaboration
This partnership with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Adidas, and Hennessy was a special nod to how art can elevate experiences and create connections. From engaging with fans during the Sneakers & Spirits Night activation to designing custom sneakers for a player as iconic as Donovan Mitchell, every part of this collaboration was so meaningful and rewarding, and not only because the Cavs are my home-state team I grew up watching! I’m incredibly honored to have had the opportunity to work with such respected brands, and to contribute to the energy and excitement of the Cavs in such a creative way.
