Neil Ward received a B.F.A. in graphic design from Sage College of Albany and his Master of Fine Arts degree with a concentration in graphic design from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Before coming to Drake, he taught new media, typography, and web design at The University of Tennessee - Knoxville, Illinois State University, and Heartland Community College.
His classroom focuses on teaching students how to design for human needs and behavior through print, digital, and immersive design. He has presented on Frameworks for Meaningful Student Projects at the annual University and College Designers Association (UCDA) Design Educators Summit as well as Design Beyond Print and User Interfaces at the 19th Annual International Conference on Design Principles & Practices.
Neil has been principle of Neil O. Ward Graphic Design, since 2006, and has worked as a staff designer in marketing agencies pursuing a wide range of design projects. His professional experience includes print, publication, identity, and interactive design. Neil has had the opportunity to build client relationships with individual, small, and medium sized businesses in New York, Iowa, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee.
He also opened his silkscreen print studio NOW Designs in 2023 at Mainframe Studios in downtown Des Moines, Iowa. His studio work is inspired by the optimism of mid-century modern architecture and design and was a juried artist at the Des Moines Art Festival in Des Moines, Iowa and The Plaza Art Fair in Kansas City, Missouri. His silkscreen prints are on display at his studio every first Friday of the month at Mainframe Studios and can also be found at Funky Finds Vintage & Retro in downtown Des Moines.
