I’m Bailey Ellis — a Visual Translator, Story Architect, and Cultural Conduit with more than 15 years of experience crafting campaigns, visuals, and experiences for some of the most recognized brands in the world. My work lives where creativity meets purpose, blending design, film, and cultural storytelling to move people and ideas forward.

My Creative DNA

Creativity has always been more than a skill for me — it’s a language. I speak in visuals, rhythm, and strategy, translating ideas into stories that inspire action. Whether directing an award-winning national campaign, designing a global brand identity, or producing a limited-run apparel collection, my focus is always the same: create work that resonates deeply and lasts longer than the moment.

I’ve had the privilege to lead projects for Nike, Motown Records, CDC, USDA, Jordan Brand, Adidas, and ORS Haircare, as well as collaborate with music icons, grassroots innovators, and visionary entrepreneurs. Every project is a chance to bridge culture, community, and commerce in a way that feels authentic and alive.

Career Highlights

• Creative Direction & Art Direction for brands across music, fashion, government, and social impact sectors.

• Led national campaigns including the CDC’s We Can Do This COVID-19 initiative and the Urban One x HHS Risk Less, Do More campaign featuring Cynthia Bailey.

• Directed and produced music videos, commercials, and brand activations for artists like Lil Baby, Quavo, Ne-Yo, NBA YoungBoy, and Slick Rick.

• Oversaw creative for Succezz’s partnerships with Nike, Jordan Brand, and Adidas — including Black History Month activations, the Bud Billiken Parade, and NASCAR Chicago.

• Developed award-winning campaigns such as Children’s Wisconsin’s “Every Child Is a Big Thing to Us”(Platinum Hermes Creative Award).

The BE> Mindset

BE> isn’t just a tagline — it’s the philosophy behind my life and work.

• Be Grounded in values and craft.

• Be Resilient through challenges.

• Be Purposeful in your impact.

• Be Connected to your community.

• Be Limitless in your vision.

This mindset is the foundation of every brand I build, every story I tell, and every collaboration I take on.

Brands & Ventures

Beyond client work, I’ve built platforms that live at the intersection of creativity, culture, and community:

Be Top Five — BE> (Be Greater): A lifestyle brand and event series merging fashion, art, and music. Limited-edition drops and curated experiences designed for those who strive to be in the top of their game.

Hey Windy — From Chicago, to Chicago, for Chicago: Apparel, accessories, and the Hey Windy: Chicago Made card game — celebrating the city’s slang, landmarks, and legacy.

Designed to Create — Creativity by Design: A podcast and content hub exploring the process, mindset, and strategies of creative professionals and cultural leaders.

TomaX — Learn. Evolve. Overcome. Maximize: The educational branch of my work, providing conferences, books, and resources for creatives and entrepreneurs.

Beyond the Work

I’m not just building brands — I’m building bridges. Bridges between generations of creators, between local culture and global markets, and between ideas and execution.

When I’m not directing shoots, designing visuals, or developing campaigns, you’ll find me working on new books, biking along the Chicago lakefront, or diving into projects that push me outside my comfort zone.