DESIGNS … This picture is one of the graphic design pieces Blake created for the Cavaliers.
By: Renea Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
renea@thevillagereporter.com
Archbold High School graduate Blake Rupp has spent his summer living out a dream, working as a design intern with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Rupp, who will be entering his senior year in Bowling Green State University’s graphic design program this fall, said his passion for creativity started early.
While sports were a part of his childhood, it was art that consistently drew his attention. “I always felt more inclined to art than sports,” Rupp said.
“I loved basketball and played all the way through my freshman year of high school, but at the same time, I was making sports edits and mixing those two loves together.”
That creative drive eventually led him to pursue design seriously, a path that opened new doors during his college years.
Earlier this year, Rupp spotted an opening with the Cavaliers design team on LinkedIn, one of the organizations he had already listed as a top goal for an internship.
“The Cavs stood out to me because their design team isn’t afraid to experiment,” Rupp explained. “They do a lot of out-of-the-box work with merchandise and branding, which I feel really fits my style.”
Over the course of the summer, Rupp was trusted with major projects that directly impacted the team’s branding and fan experience.
Among his assignments was developing the visual identity for the Cavaliers’ Summer League, creating a new logo and accompanying social media graphics.
He also designed a merchandise collection for the upcoming City Edition jerseys, developed a specialty jersey for the team’s G League affiliate, and even created custom pickleball paddles.
Currently, he is finalizing a t-shirt design that will be handed out to fans during the Cavs’ home opener on October 26.
“They’ve given me so much creative freedom and trust,” Rupp said. “It’s been really cool to have my ideas taken seriously and to see them come to life in a professional setting.”
The opportunity, however, did not come without persistence. Rupp noted that he applied to more than 150 internships before landing with the Cavaliers.
He credits his professors at BGSU for preparing him not only to strengthen his design skills but also to stand out in the competitive application process. “They’ve helped me build confidence in my work, learn how to articulate my ideas, and grow as a designer,” Rupp said.
Now, as his final week with the Cavaliers comes to a close, Rupp is preparing to return to Bowling Green for his senior year.
Grateful for the chance to gain hands-on experience with one of the NBA’s most creative design teams, he hopes the lessons learned this summer will carry him forward in his career. “I’m just super thankful for this opportunity,” he said. “It’s been an amazing experience.”