Bill Ferrell is an award-winning illustrator, graphic designer, and educator. He earned his B.F.A. in Illustration from the Ringling School of Art and Design and later received his M.F.A. in Illustration from the University of Hartford. He currently serves as an adjunct professor at Ringling College of Art and Design, teaches in Booker High School’s distinguished Visual and Performing Arts program, and maintains an active freelance career in illustration and graphic design.

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Ferrell began his professional career as a political cartoonist for Knight Ridder before expanding into corporate identity, branding, video game design, children’s books, and science-fiction and fantasy illustration. His clients have included Pepsi Bottling Company, the Jane Goodall Institute, The Macon Telegraph, KAC, Governor Lawton Chiles, Lighthouse for the Blind, Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Southeastern Guide Dogs, Manatee County Schools, St. John’s Heritage Parkway, Bradenton Women’s Center, Pools by Design, CMR CPR, and the Technology Association of America.

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As an educator, Ferrell has received two national teaching awards and led student design teams competing against approximately 1,500 high schools to five national championships and six state championships. His students have earned more than $5 million in college scholarships. Many students have gone on to attend respected art and design institutions and build professional creative careers.

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In 2023, Ferrell was honored as Manatee County Schools’ Art Educator of the Year in recognition of his contributions to arts education and student achievement.