Hi, I’m Michael Ward
CREATIVE DIRECTOR FOR MISSION-DRIVEN ORGANIZATIONS
5 REASONS TO
GET TO KNOW ME
My passion for visual storytelling, persuasive design, and AI.
I’m a lifelong learner, leader, and big-thinker.
I invest in and give back to my community.
I do interesting things, like paddleboard around icebergs.
My ability to know when not to ramble on.
*Currently in Lakeville, NY
I HAVE GOOD EYES AND DESIGN THINGS
I am a curious, hands-on, award-winning freelance creative leader passionate about supporting and lifting mission-driven brands. I have a unique blend of experience in design, leadership, and teaching at agencies, nonprofits, and higher education. Over the years, I’ve worked with tons of incredible people doing amazing things. It’s these stories that keep me dedicated to helping you make real, positive change.
Latest Projects and Coolest Partners
Creative Stragegy and Design
I seek to bring meaning into design. A well-thought-out design not only drives emotion, but also drives action. I build my visual strategies to engage and inspire positive change.
Design Thinking
The mix of design, empathy, and research is right in my wheelhouse. Teaching college workshops, I consistently emphasize the importance of user experience and accessibility.
Human Approach
Human brands don’t target, they gain trust. When people are engaged they are more likely to give, volunteer, and share. Let me add the human touch to your brand.
Case Studies
MY STORY
I am passionate about design, and ethical AI, but the most important things in my life are my family and giving back to the community.
I’ve been fortunate and have experienced lots in my life; from living around the country, traveling doing service projects with Americorps, leading the construction of homes in the south and Mexico with Habitat for Humanity, to being a teacher in the Peace Corps all while creating and learning.
I’ve come full circle and moved back to my rural hometown, and time is still in short supply. From my creative world, to my family, to always learning something new (developing and training an AI chatbot for non-profits is my newest venture), to wanting to take a walk in the woods. I should have a better presence on social media, but there are more important things in life now, sorry Instagram.
