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.
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I’m a lifelong learner, leader, and big-thinker.
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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.

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*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.

Michael Ward handwritten name
inspiring post-it notes

Latest Projects and Coolest Partners

  • Greentopia Dinner on the Bridge Event

  • Common Ground Health Speak Life Event

  • ROC2025 Case Statement

  • Woman's Foundation Appeal

  • Teen Empowerment Sponsorship Doc

  • YWCA Case Statement

  • Action for a Better Community Campaign

  • Compeer Friendship Campaign

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.

  • Michael is a mild-mannered quiet man, but his design work is anything but! With a flair that most likely comes from his multi-faceted background, Michael brought a fresh eye to every client's project we worked on. It was a pleasure and honour to have worked with him.

    — Gregory Joseph, DV8 Unlimited

  • He is clearly an expert in his field. He understood the project and requirements very quickly and turned around prototypes in just few days. He has excellent communication skills and provides great value and service to his clients. I highly recommend Michael.

    — Gregory Zelfond, Sharepoint

  • His meetings were casual and he was genuinely interested in the ideas I wanted to convey. Its great working with someone who does the research and has the creativity to create a design that is a center piece.

    — Max Pray, Poray Patent and Illustration LLC

  • His strong work ethic and ability to quickly complete any job thrown at him won accolades of our Manager and clients, who consistently praised his pleasant demeanor. His organizational skills and quality of work are outstanding, and his strong ability to work on project teams garnered the respect of everyone around him.

    — Kendal Burton, Accela Marketing