Design, graphics, and colours are not just aesthetic choices. They are powerful tools in building brands, shaping national identity, and reinforcing a country’s character. They influence how a nation presents itself to the world, inspire pride among its people, and become woven into the very fabric of its cultural and economic narrative.
Few individuals have embodied this truth as profoundly as Imran Mir, the celebrated artist, visionary graphic designer, and one of Pakistan’s most influential creative forces. His work transcended the boundaries of commercial design and entered the realm of cultural identity. For decades, Imran Mir’s design sense infused brands with character, dignity, and an unmistakable personality that resonated with audiences both at home and abroad.
The Artist’s Eye in the Service of Brands
Imran Mir was first and foremost an artist — deeply attuned to form, colour, and visual rhythm. On one hand, his work of art adorned many galleries, homes and corporate offices. He understood that design had a larger, public purpose. His mastery lay in marrying the purity of artistic vision with the strategic needs of a brand.
Under his hand, countless national brands. From banking and telecommunications to FMCGs and cultural institutions, they were not only designed but also elevated. His work lent them credibility, trust, and sophistication, transforming them into symbols of modern Pakistan.
He believed that design is not just visible in a logo or an advertising campaign — it is reflected in how a brand interacts with its customers, how the founders envision it, and how the staff who engage with it daily feel about it. In other words, design is embedded in behaviour patterns, company culture, and the overall brand experience.
Portfolio Like a Roll Call
One of his most telling examples was his work for Student Biryani. Imran Mir transformed not just the look of the brand, but how it conducted itself. From the physical appearance of the outlets to the way staff greeted and served customers, every element was redesigned to reflect consistency, warmth, and professionalism. It was design thinking applied holistically — creating a unified brand experience that went far beyond visuals.
Imran Mir’s portfolio reads like a roll call of Pakistan’s most iconic brands. He redefined their identities, strengthened their perception, and gave them enduring visual life. He worked on these brands, refreshing their brand image and amplifying public perception:
- Tapal Tea — creating campaigns and design systems that made Tapal not just a household staple, but a brand that stood for tradition, quality, and warmth.
- Habib Oil Mills – crafting a clean, trustworthy, and enduring brand image for one of Pakistan’s most established edible oil producers.
- MCB Bank — crafting a visual identity that reflected both financial solidity and progressive thinking.
- IGI Financial Services — positioning them as a credible, dependable player in Pakistan’s financial landscape.
- National Foods — building an image of quality and consistency for one of the country’s largest FMCG brands.
- OPTP — giving the fast-food chain a vibrant, youthful identity that made it stand out in a competitive market with an international chain image.
- The Citizens Foundation (TCF) — using the power of visual storytelling to communicate hope, education, and social change.
These were not mere design jobs, they were acts of brand transformation, turning companies into cultural markers.
Building Character Through Visual Language
Every nation tells its story through its symbols, colours, and visual codes. Imran Mir intuitively understood how a logo, a colour palette, or a typography choice could encapsulate not just a brand’s identity, but the aspirations of a country.
For him, design was not surface-level decoration — it was character-building. A thoughtfully designed brand identity could convey reliability, ambition, and cultural authenticity. Whether it was a corporate monogram, a product package, or a national campaign, his designs carried a visual intelligence that connected with audiences on an emotional and cultural level.
From National Recognition to Global Standards
One of Imran Mir’s enduring contributions was raising Pakistan’s brand and design language to international standards. His work demonstrated that Pakistani brands could compete visually with the best in the world. This was not just about aesthetics; it was about perception, economic competitiveness, and national confidence.
Through clean, modern, and timeless designs, he positioned Pakistani enterprises as forward-thinking, globally relevant players. Many of the brands he shaped went on to become household names, recognised far beyond the country’s borders.
The Interplay of Design and National Identity
Brand design, in Imran Mir’s philosophy, was part of a country’s cultural fabric. When executed with integrity, it became part of the nation’s narrative, a visual shorthand for its values and its potential. In that sense, Imran Mir was not just building brands; he was weaving a visual language for Pakistan.
A Lasting Legacy
Today, years after his passing, his influence remains evident in the enduring identities of the brands he crafted. His work serves as a reminder that design is not ornamental; it is foundational. It is a bridge between commerce and culture, between perception and reality.
Imran Mir’s career is proof that when design is approached with artistry, intelligence, and cultural sensitivity, it can transform how a nation is seen — by its own people and by the world.
I had the privilege to attend Imran Mir’s 75th birthday celebration, organised by The Arts Council on July 22, 2025. It was a walk down memory lane for me, having had the opportunity to work with Imran Mir at Circuit in the early years of my career. This article is a heartfelt tribute to his remarkable work for Pakistani brands.
