Zafar Rizwan

Brand Strategist and Designer focused on the space between business strategy and visual expression — translating business objectives into clear positioning, distinctive identities, and cohesive visual systems.

Background spans photography, graphic design, brand identity, and creative direction, shaping a hands-on approach where strategy and execution move together. Experienced leading projects end-to-end: discovery, positioning, identity development, creative direction, client presentation, and delivery — both independently and within creative teams.

Brand Strategist & Designer - Rizbranding (Self-employed) - New Delhi, India

(2025-11)

Led 25+ brand engagements, including 15 full strategy-to-identity projects, translating business objectives into positioning, brand strategy, visual identity, and creative direction.

• Worked across aviation, FMCG, food, supplier, contracting, and other sectors, adapting strategic and creative approach to each commercial context.
• Conducted brand audits, competitive analysis, audience research, and positioning work to establish strategic foundations ahead of identity and creative development.
• Partnered directly with founders and decision-makers, owning projects from discovery through identity development, presentation, refinement, and delivery.
• Managed up to 7 concurrent projects, balancing strategic quality, creative development, client communication, and delivery timelines.
• Built a predominantly international client base, with 50–60%+ of business from repeat engagements.
• Directed and reviewed creative work with a team of 3 creatives, maintaining alignment between strategic direction and execution.

Design Manager / Brand Designer - Bravvura (Freelance) - Remote

(2024-06 - 2025-09)

Promoted from Brand Designer. Led approximately 10 client brand projects across strategy, creative direction, identity development, production, and final delivery.

• Directed and reviewed the work of 3 designers, allocating projects and providing creative feedback to maintain quality and brand alignment.
• Translated client business objectives into positioning, visual identity systems, brand guidelines, campaigns, and digital brand experiences.
• Worked directly with clients and stakeholders to present concepts, gather feedback, and resolve creative and strategic challenges through delivery.
• Took on increasing responsibility for strategy, client communication, and team coordination through progression to Design Manager.

Brand Designer - Bravvura - India

(2023-07 - 2024-06)

• Developed visual identities, brand systems, marketing materials, and digital brand experiences across varied industries.
• Translated strategic requirements and client objectives into visual concepts and cohesive identity systems.
• Collaborated with senior designers and clients through concept development, refinement, presentation, and final delivery.

Image Editor & Graphic Designer - Photoguru - London Area, United Kingdom

(2021-09 - 2023-06)

• Edited high-end real-estate photography for international property marketing, maintaining consistency across composition, colour, and detail.
• Designed supporting brand collateral and marketing graphics for real-estate projects.
• Managed multiple visual assets within a remote international workflow while meeting quality and production deadlines.

Graphic Designer - Achtas - India

(2020-02 - 2021-08)

Promoted from Graphic Designer Intern

• Developed brand identities, marketing campaigns, digital graphics, and marketing collateral within an in-house design team.
• Translated internal briefs and business requirements into clear visual communication across branding and marketing projects.
• Contributed to brand identity systems and maintained consistency across applications and touchpoints.

Photographer - Freelance - New Delhi, India

(2016-08 - 2021-01)

• Produced photography for marketing, social media, and promotional materials across commissioned and personal projects.
• Managed projects end-to-end, from creative brief through shooting, image selection, post-production, and delivery.

Bachelor of Science - Biotechnology - Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University) (2016 - 2019)

Certificate - Photography - Jamia Millia Islamia (2019 - 2020)