CREATIVE DIRECTOR & DESIGNER FOR MISSION-DRIVEN ORGANIZATIONS
5 REASONS TO GET TO KNOW ME (MICHAEL WARD)
My passion for visual storytelling and persuasive design.
I’m a lifelong learner, leader, and renaissance man.
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.
Case Studies
01
CREATIVE STRATEGY
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.
02
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.
03
DESIGN THINKING
The mix of design, empathy, and research is right in my wheelhouse. Teaching college workshops, I consistently emphasize the importance of experience and accessibility.
MY STORY
I am passionate about design, coaching, and nature, 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 NCCC, 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 (NFT’s and blockchain are my newest fascination), 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.