Erica Ward

About Erica Ward

As a creative professional, I’m on a continual quest to enhance our visual presentation, develop floor-plans and make engaging displays. Merchandising and designing is about defining moments and creating experience. It’s the first opportunity to make an impression while invoking an experience unexpected. In addition to my retail career, I am a volunteer, advocate and board member for the National Runaway Safeline(NRS). I volunteered weekly for 5 years, taking crisis calls from homeless, runaway, and at risk youth across the country. I have further demonstrated my commitment to the organization through my efforts to help plan the annual fundraisers in the role of co-chair. In 2016, I was asked to take on the new challenge of becoming a member of the Board of Directors for the organization. I have taken on this new role with enthusiasm and gusto. My involvement at NRS has instilled skills and expertise I convey throughout professional and personal life equally. Outside of the workplace, I am continually exploring new ways to learn and grow—whether that’s diving into a new painting project, or traveling to a new country. I have been to 30 countries and counting—and credit this experience with shaping the person I am today: one who embraces challenges and approaches life with unbridled curiosity.

Experience

1. Promotional Planning Manager

   Blick Art Materials

   Aug 2023 — Present

Education

• Ohio University

  Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Fine and Studio Arts

  2004 — 2008

• School of the Art Institute of Chicago

  Graphic Design

  2016 — 2017

• Maryland Institute College of Art

  Semester Study Abroad, Fine Arts - Painting and Art history

  2006 — 2006