Throughout his career, Neals worked as an illustrator at the Brooklyn Post Office while pursuing independent art projects in his spare time.

[4] Neals studied under notable artists such as Isaac Soyer, Krishna Reddy, Mohammed Khalil, Roberto DeLomanica, and Vivian Schuyler Key.

[2][4] His work is exhibited in the Smithsonian Institution, Howard University, and the Columbia Museum of Art.

[7] He features in the private collections of John Lewis, Harry Belafonte, and Oprah Winfrey,[8] and was the subject of an exhibition in the gallery inside the Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch at Grand Army Plaza.

[10] Neals has been the recipient of the New York City Art Commission's Award for Excellence in Design.