Jacob Ward

LOS ANGELES, C.A., U.S.A.

CREATIVE DIRECTION. PUBLICATIONS. EVENT CURATION.

who am i?

I’m a creative consultant who specializes in social media, web design, publications, and live events. I’m also a musician + composer.

As an artist, I am driven by a passion for blending music, visual arts, and human connection to illuminate the profound connections between sight and sound, expression and identity, and political commentary.

My artistic journey began as a child, drawing panoramas in my bedroom and uploading them to social media. At 10, I picked up the clarinet and started learning piano, and by 16, I had earned a gold medal at the Washington State Solo Contest, served as the principal clarinetist for both the Washington State University Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and earned a silver medal at MusicFest Northwest. My passion for clarinet culminated in unforgettable performances at iconic venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Sydney Opera House, and Benaroya Hall.

While studying music at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, I expanded my pursuit of visual arts, beginning as a stylist and consultant for SHEI Magazine, UofM’s official fashion, arts, and culture publication. My dedication led me to roles as Editorial Social Media Coordinator (2020), Digital Fashion Editor (2020–21) and Creative Director (2021–22), shaping the magazine’s visual identity and editorial voice. Concurrently, I honed my skills as a creative consultant for small artists and brands, balancing this with over five years as an event curator. Through collaborations with artists, museums, government organizations, and nonprofits, I curated events that attracted over 30,000 total attendees and fostered meaningful dialogue around art and its social impact.

My mission is to bridge the worlds of art, identity, and social reflection, crafting experiences and media that inspire critical thought and strengthen trust within communities.

To contact me with questions or opportunities, or just to say hi, please shoot an email to ward.jacob.k@gmail.com!

CV:

PUBLICATIONS:

PRINT:

DIGITAL:

CLIENT ENGAGEMENTS:

  • Letters to Self, Guided Mindfulness Journal
  • Hoodwinked Podcast
  • Donna Tucker, Jazz Singer/Songwriter
  • Karissa Bone, singer/songwriter
    • Freelance creative consultant – june 2021
    • Album artwork for “Maybe in the summer” (2021)
  • Alexis Lombre, Jazz pianist & Singer/Songwriter
    • Freelance Image consultant – January 2020
  • Duke’s PLace food truck
    • Freelance graphic designer – february 2019 – August 2022

EVENT PLANNING & CURATION:

EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS & PROGRAMS:

  • Free to Speak: A Convening on Art, Slavery, and Reconciliation
    • December 8-9, 2023 – University of Michigan Museum of Art
  • Artist residency – Yoshiko Takahashi
    • April 7-15, 2023 – University of michigan museum of art
  • “Talking Trash: An interactive discussion inspired by the plastic bag store”
    • January 30, 2023 – university of michigan museum of art & University musical society.
  • Lo Chia Lun Calligraphy Collection Symposium
    • December 2-3, 2022 – University of Michigan Museum of Art
  • “Hey, We need to talk” dinner & Political town hall
    • November 3, 2022 – University of Michigan museum of art

RECURRING & SPECIAL EVENTS:

  • FEEL GOOD FRIDAYS
    • VARIOUS DATES: NOvember 10, 2023; September 22, 2023; APRIL 14, 2023; November 11, 2022; JUne 10, 2022; FEBRUARY 11, 2022 – University of Michigan Museum of Art
  • QUEER NIGHT AT UMMA
    • VARIOUS DATES: February 10, 2023; February 18, 2022 – University of michigan Museum of ARt
  • Study Days at UMMA
    • VARIOUS DATES: April 20-24, 2022; December 9-12, 2021; December 12-15, 2019 – University of Michigan Museum of ARt

EVENT SERIES:

  • Patiology Concert Series
    • September 2021 – May 2022 – SCARBO – Ann arbor, MI
  • POP-UP Concert Series
    • September 2019 – MaRCH 2020 – University of Michigan museum of art

VIRTUAL EVENTS:

  • K-12 Teacher Workshop for Hear Me Now: Black Potters of Old Edgefield, South Carolina
    • Various dates: January 10, 2024; January 11, 2023
  • The Sex Ed Class You’ve Never Had Series
    • July 2021
  • Virtual Study Days
    • April 23-26, 2020
  • Politics and Your Mental Health
    • April 6-7, 2020

MUSIC:

COMPOSITION, SONGWRITING, & ARRANGING:

NOTABLE PERFORMANCES:

GRANTS & AWARDS:

  • Creatives of Culture Award (2020)
    • “SCARBO”, Culture Source Detroit
  • Wellness Initiative Microgrant (2020)
    • “Politics and your mental health” – Jacob Ward and Samuel Uribe-Botero, University of Michigan
  • WASHINGTON STATE SOLO & ENSEMBLE CONTEST (2017)
    • Gold medal. Solo Clarinet.
  • MUSICFEST NORTHWEST (2017)
    • SILVER MEDAL. SOLO REED DIVISION (CLARINET).

EDUCATION:

  • BACHELOR OF MUSICAL ARTS in PERFORMANCE
    • The University of michigan, Ann Arbor
    • Minor in Arts Administration
    • Graduated with honors