A ‘united’ approach and creative design won a Marion native first place in a recent national competition.
Steve Ward, a freelance digital artist and instructor at York Technical College in Charlotte, was chosen as the winner of a 2012 Democratic National Convention Poster Contest on Feb. 18.
Ward’s design was among 400 others entered in the competition.
“In my approach, I wanted to focus on people from all backgrounds coming together for a common cause,” he stated. “I don’t really get into politics and wanted to go against the ‘My way is better than yours’ attitude.”
The piece, titled ‘Urban Unity,” depicts images of interlocking hands, part of the Charlotte skyline and the convention title, using a blend of colors and contrasts.
“I came up with the ‘hands’ concept fairly quick,” said Ward. “From there, I probably put in between eight and 10 hours of work before the final piece.”
His design was submitted online in December, where 26,000 viewers cast their vote. Ward was informed a few days before the Feb. 18 announcement.
“I was very pleased,” he stated. “I had to have a meeting with a few folks and sign a disclosure form before they let the public know.”
For his effort, Ward will receive royalties from all merchandise and posters sold featuring his design, before and during the upcoming convention.
The event will be held this year in Charlotte.
Ward graduated from McDowell High in 1998. He continued his education at UNC-Charlotte, where he earned a degree in graphic design in 2003. Following graduation, Ward worked as a graphics instructor at McDowell Tech until 2008. He continues his career at York, and also runs a freelance design and print service (www.em7studio.com). His father, Dennis Ward, lives in Marion.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement