My studio is guided by process and an understanding that creativity is not a linear path — rather, a conversational, iterative progression that unfolds through experimentation and discovery.
Great work requires a celebration of the unexpected and a respect for the fragility of new ideas from both sides. I am humble in my approach and committed to collaboration; to learning; to embracing diverse perspectives and new ways of thinking; and only ask that my clients be willing to do the same.
I am fortunate to have been trusted by rock stars and beauty brands; start-ups and Fortune 500 mainstays, but approach each new project with the same level of focus and attention to detail.
No pitches, sorry.
Email craig@ward.studio
US +1.917.544.8796
UK +44.07926.986.219
Craig Ward / Bio
My first book - Popular Lies About Graphic Design (Actar, 2012) - became an Amazon best-seller for two editions and was also translated into four languages. Later, in 2015, Computer Arts Magazine flatteringly named me as one of the 25 most important designers of all time. But the press will say anything.
In 2018 I was honoured to becomes only the second designer in history (the first being Neville Brody) to create a custom typeface for the England national football team.
Alongside a variety of agency credits (which include D&AD, One Show, ADC and Cannes Lions wins), I’m a five-time recipient of both the Type Directors Club’s Award for Typographic Excellence and the Communication Arts Award of Excellence.
A frequent public speaker, I have been invited to present at various high profile events including Adobe MAX (Los Angeles), TEDx (Philadelphia), The Typographics Conference (New York), The OFFF Festival (Paris) and The Typographic Circle (London) as well as at various universities and educational institutions.
I began my creative journey following my graduation in 2003, advancing through a handful of advertising agencies in London while simultaneously taking on editorial commissions. Following my selection as an ADC Young Gun in 2009, I relocated to New York to lead Design at Grey. The next year, Grey would be named as one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies and joined Ad Age's A List for the first time.
In 2012 I left to focus on my independent practice in Brooklyn. I have since been featured and profiled by, amongst others, New York Magazine, Fast Company, WIRED and Creative Review while my typographic work has been found on the covers of TIME, WIRED and The Washington Post.
I have straddled the boundaries of branding and marketing; science and art, and have been fortunate to have enjoyed a career of firsts while exploring the role of design in communication — such as the first animated cover for WIRED; first ever illustrated cover for The Washington Post in their highly charged N Word essay; creating the first ever NFT typeface).