MATT WARD
Creative director
sports &
fashion brands.
Be bold. stand out.
Crafting authentic
connections
between brands and
their communities.
Crafting authentic
connections
between brands and
their communities.
Crafting authentic
connections
between
brands and
their communities.
Matt Ward is a Manchester-based creative director specialising in sportstyle and brand storytelling. His passion lies in crafting impactful campaigns and visuals that connect brands with fans, blending sport, fashion, and culture across global markets.
With extensive experience leading creative for major sports retailers, brands, and teams, Matt has shaped brand identities, e-commerce experiences, and high-profile campaigns across digital and physical spaces. His expertise spans photography art direction, visual identity, content creation, and digital storytelling.
For collaborations or enquiries, feel free to get in touch.
Clients and collaborators:
adidas, Nike, Chelsea FC, F1, Fanatics, JD Sports, Manchester United, Everton FC, NBA & NFL.
Matt Ward is a Manchester-based creative director specialising in sportstyle and brand storytelling. His passion lies in crafting impactful campaigns and visuals that connect brands with fans, blending sport, fashion, and culture across global markets.
With extensive experience leading creative for major sports retailers, brands, and teams, Matt has shaped brand identities, e-commerce experiences, and high-profile campaigns across digital and physical spaces. His expertise spans photography art direction, visual identity, content creation, and digital storytelling.
For collaborations or enquiries, feel free to get in touch.
Clients and collaborators:
adidas, Nike, Chelsea FC, F1, Fanatics, JD Sports, Manchester United, Everton FC, NBA & NFL.
Matt Ward is a Manchester-based creative director specialising in sportstyle and brand storytelling. His passion lies in crafting impactful campaigns and visuals that connect brands with fans, blending sport, fashion, and culture across global markets.
With extensive experience leading creative for major sports retailers, brands, and teams, Matt has shaped brand identities, e-commerce experiences, and high-profile campaigns across digital and physical spaces. His expertise spans photography art direction, visual identity, content creation, and digital storytelling.
For collaborations or enquiries, feel free to get in touch.
Clients and collaborators:
adidas, Nike, Chelsea FC, F1, Fanatics, JD Sports, Manchester United, Everton FC, NBA & NFL.
Fanatics X NFL
Fanatics X NFL
2024
2024
MyProtein
MyProtein
2024
2024
Art Direction
Art Direction
2024
2024
JD King of Trainers
JD King of Trainers
2024
2024
Tailoring the right skills
to shape
your brands success.
Tailoring the right skills to shape your brands success.
Tailoring the right skills
to shape
your brands success.
The Big Idea
A great campaign starts with a big idea - one that grabs attention and shows why it matters, not just what it is. A real big idea is a foundation, a thread that runs through everything, shaping how a brand speaks, looks, and connects. The goal? Make people feel something. Make them act.
Brand & Visual Identity
A strong brand identity is more than just a logo - it’s the entire visual and emotional experience. From strategy to execution, the goal is to create distinctive, lasting design systems that connect with audiences across all touchpoints.
Photography Art Direction
I tell stories that resonate - stories that evoke emotion, because feelings sell. Every image and frame is crafted to create authentic connections between brands, customers, and communities. The approach is simple: Be bold. Stand out. Whether through photography or video, every shoot is designed with a strong creative vision, ensuring visuals that captivate, inspire, and leave a lasting impression.
Shoot Planning & Production
No two projects are the same, and neither are their needs. Every shoot requires the right talent for the right results - whether it’s a specialist producer, photographer, stylist, or director. The focus is on assembling the best team for each project, ensuring every element, from casting to locations and logistics, is handled with precision. With a tailored approach to every production, the goal is to deliver seamless, high-impact content that meets both creative and commercial objectives.
Innovation through AI
AI is a tool to push the boundaries of what’s possible in content creation. It enhances traditional media, supporting campaign assets when shoots aren’t feasible - whether due to budget, timing, or the absence of a product. It’s also invaluable in hot market moments, delivering quick-turn assets. But creativity is rooted in craft, skill, and human connection. Photography and film will always come first - AI is used thoughtfully, complementing, not replacing, authentic storytelling.
Team Leadership
Great creative work starts with a great team. The focus is on building a balanced mix of youthful creativity and seasoned expertise, creating an environment where ideas thrive, and people grow. Leadership means standing shoulder to shoulder with the team - staying authentic, building trust, and rolling up sleeves to get the job done. With sprinkling of northern grit, the approach is humble, practical, and resilient - showing up every time and adapting to challenges.
The Big Idea
A great campaign starts with a big idea - one that grabs attention and shows why it matters, not just what it is. A real big idea is a foundation, a thread that runs through everything, shaping how a brand speaks, looks, and connects. The goal? Make people feel something. Make them act.
Brand & Visual Identity
A strong brand identity is more than just a logo - it’s the entire visual and emotional experience. From strategy to execution, the goal is to create distinctive, lasting design systems that connect with audiences across all touchpoints.
Photography Art Direction
I tell stories that resonate - stories that evoke emotion, because feelings sell. Every image and frame is crafted to create authentic connections between brands, customers, and communities. The approach is simple: Be bold. Stand out. Whether through photography or video, every shoot is designed with a strong creative vision, ensuring visuals that captivate, inspire, and leave a lasting impression.
Shoot Planning & Production
No two projects are the same, and neither are their needs. Every shoot requires the right talent for the right results - whether it’s a specialist producer, photographer, stylist, or director. The focus is on assembling the best team for each project, ensuring every element, from casting to locations and logistics, is handled with precision. With a tailored approach to every production, the goal is to deliver seamless, high-impact content that meets both creative and commercial objectives.
Innovation through AI
AI is a tool to push the boundaries of what’s possible in content creation. It enhances traditional media, supporting campaign assets when shoots aren’t feasible - whether due to budget, timing, or the absence of a product. It’s also invaluable in hot market moments, delivering quick-turn assets. But creativity is rooted in craft, skill, and human connection. Photography and film will always come first - AI is used thoughtfully, complementing, not replacing, authentic storytelling.
Team Leadership
Great creative work starts with a great team. The focus is on building a balanced mix of youthful creativity and seasoned expertise, creating an environment where ideas thrive, and people grow. Leadership means standing shoulder to shoulder with the team - staying authentic, building trust, and rolling up sleeves to get the job done. With sprinkling of northern grit, the approach is humble, practical, and resilient - showing up every time and adapting to challenges.
The Big Idea
A great campaign starts with a big idea - one that grabs attention and shows why it matters, not just what it is. A real big idea is a foundation, a thread that runs through everything, shaping how a brand speaks, looks, and connects. The goal? Make people feel something. Make them act.
Brand & Visual Identity
A strong brand identity is more than just a logo - it’s the entire visual and emotional experience. From strategy to execution, the goal is to create distinctive, lasting design systems that connect with audiences across all touchpoints.
Photography Art Direction
I tell stories that resonate - stories that evoke emotion, because feelings sell. Every image and frame is crafted to create authentic connections between brands, customers, and communities. The approach is simple: Be bold. Stand out. Whether through photography or video, every shoot is designed with a strong creative vision, ensuring visuals that captivate, inspire, and leave a lasting impression.
Shoot Planning & Production
No two projects are the same, and neither are their needs. Every shoot requires the right talent for the right results - whether it’s a specialist producer, photographer, stylist, or director. The focus is on assembling the best team for each project, ensuring every element, from casting to locations and logistics, is handled with precision. With a tailored approach to every production, the goal is to deliver seamless, high-impact content that meets both creative and commercial objectives.
Innovation through AI
AI is a tool to push the boundaries of what’s possible in content creation. It enhances traditional media, supporting campaign assets when shoots aren’t feasible - whether due to budget, timing, or the absence of a product. It’s also invaluable in hot market moments, delivering quick-turn assets. But creativity is rooted in craft, skill, and human connection. Photography and film will always come first - AI is used thoughtfully, complementing, not replacing, authentic storytelling.
Team Leadership
Great creative work starts with a great team. The focus is on building a balanced mix of youthful creativity and seasoned expertise, creating an environment where ideas thrive, and people grow. Leadership means standing shoulder to shoulder with the team - staying authentic, building trust, and rolling up sleeves to get the job done. With sprinkling of northern grit, the approach is humble, practical, and resilient - showing up every time and adapting to challenges.
"Matt is one of the best Art directors I’ve ever worked with. And I’ve worked with some of the best in the world."
Richard Grisdale - Copywriter & Creative Director
Ex Saatchi and Saatchi, M&C Saatchi and DDB
"Plenty of creatives have talent, but
Matt also taught me the commercial process — lessons I still rely on to
this day."Gary Lever - Lead Creative
AHOY Creative
"Matt brings fresh ideas to life with clear vision and collaboration. Always a pleasure — creative, supportive, and never takes
the last slice
of pizza:)"Darren Lennon
Photographer
"Matt was key
to Fanatics
record-breaking
Q1 2025, helping drive over 20% growth while delivering for fans, partners, and global
sports giants."Fanatics International
Senior Leadership
"Working with Matt at JD Sports was a privilege. His planning, creative vision built disruptive, multi-million-pound brands. A true talent — you don’t meet many like him."
Jan Duckworth
Managing Director at Cox & Cox
"I brought Matt into Fanatics to upskill and guide the creative team. His down-to-earth nature is backed by conceptual brilliance — the results speak for themselves."
Liz Birkbeck
Studio Manager at Persona Studio
"Matt is a focused, quick-thinking creative. He’s one of those people who makes the team better — easy to work with, full of smart ideas, and always pushing things forward."
Mat Thornton
Head of Creative at Castore
"Matt is a consummate pro and a great guy. I’ve worked with him and hired him to shape my startup’s identity — his vision is unmatched. I’d highly recommend giving him a call."
Rick Guttridge
CEO at Smoking Gun PR"A respected leader entrusted with big brands,
he has the ability to manage large volumes of work while maintaining high standards of design excellence
— truly impressive."Greg Dawson
SVP Creative at Fanatics